International Motors offshoot Isuzu (UK) is to import a range of one-tonne pick-ups to sell alongside its Trooper off-road models. The privately-owned company has placed orders in Japan for March production and sales of the Isuzu TF - as the pick-up range will be known - are expected to start in June.
The new pick-ups will challenge the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 ranges imported from Thailand, the British-built, TF-based Vauxhall Rodeo models and Toyota's Hilux. Isuzu (UK) has imported the Trooper passenger and van range since 1987. Its other vehicle franchises include Subaru - acquired in 1977 - and Daihatsu which was bought from Inchcape Motors International Plc in 2000. All of Isuzu (UK) 95-plus dealers have been offered the TF range and a "majority" will sell it.
Isuzu (UK), which does not expect to create any additional jobs because of the venture, will import a range of pick-up models with both both single and double-cabs and two and four-wheel drive. All will have a 2.5 litre turbo-diesel engine - the market for petrol pick-ups in Britain is miniscule.
