Welcome to your new Mazuzu Ute (in 2019)!

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 19, 2016 at 22:51
ThreadID: 133036 Views:4458 Replies:3 FollowUps:6
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Well, in motoring news to hand this week, it appears that there has been a shock secret agreement drawn up, whereby Isuzu will produce the next generation Mazda BT-50 ute!

In a deal so secret, that it surprised Australian Isuzu Ute dealers, Mazda has decided that its arrangement to build both the Mazda BT-50 and the Ford Ranger on the same platform, with basically only styling, some sheetmetal, and trim differences, has to come to an end - and Mazda have done a quiet deal with Isuzu.

The bottom line is that the current BT-50 is selling like lead balloons - and its stablemate, the Ford Ranger, is selling like icecream on a hot day.

It's all too obvious, the repulsive styling of the BT-50 is a total flop, and the BT-50 isn't even breaking even for Mazda.

So, from late 2019, the "new generation" Isuzu D-Max and the new BT-50 will be "brothers" in the same style as the BT-50 and Ford Ranger are now.

Mazda has agreed to part company with Ford on the ute-building, and Isuzu will build the "new generation" BT-50, based on the new Isuzu ute platform.

This can only be a good thing AFAIC, and it will be interesting to see how the new product shapes up. Bring on 2019!

Mazda and Isuzu to jointly develop new ute

Mazda and Isuzu team up for new model ute

Cheers, Ron.
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Reply By: Member - Boobook - Wednesday, Jul 20, 2016 at 06:14

Wednesday, Jul 20, 2016 at 06:14
It shouldn't come too much of a surprise.

In the 90's, Ford owned about 30% of Mazda. They sold that down in the 2000's and by about 2013/4 had severed almost all development ties and sold off all their shares. Ford now owns almost zero of Mazda.

The current BT50 is probably the last development that could come of that relationship. It would be a bit of a surprise if Ford and Mazda did do future development together.
AnswerID: 602572

Reply By: AlanTH - Wednesday, Jul 20, 2016 at 09:40

Wednesday, Jul 20, 2016 at 09:40
That's probably along with end of financial year deals, why I was offered an extra cab chassis BT50 at over 11 grand off a couple of months ago. Plenty of extras thrown in as well.
I didn't bother going through with it for one reason or another..... too busy being retired. :-))
Let's hope Ford/Isuzu do something about a new back end design with decent coils and disc brakes on any new venture.
AlanTH.
AnswerID: 602577

Reply By: Ron N - Wednesday, Jul 20, 2016 at 18:51

Wednesday, Jul 20, 2016 at 18:51
Probably most importantly - let's hope the bloke who designed the current BT-50 front end, has no input into the coming new model, front end design!

As they say - "What were they thinking??" (or smoking? - LOL)

Cheers, Ron.
AnswerID: 602584

Follow Up By: sjp - Friday, Jul 22, 2016 at 20:20

Friday, Jul 22, 2016 at 20:20
quite like mine ,and dunno how they claim to not selling cause they seem very popular especially compared to the isuzu or colorado
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Follow Up By: Ron N - Friday, Jul 22, 2016 at 23:44

Friday, Jul 22, 2016 at 23:44
Here are May 2016, 4x4 ute sales figures ....

Hilux - 2736 vehicles (up 26% from previous month)

Ranger - 2617 vehicles (up 36% from previous month)

Navara - 1501 vehicles (up 90% from previous month)

Colorado - 1279 vehicles (down 4% from previous month)

Triton - 1259 vehicles (down 44% from previous month)

D-Max - 929 vehicles (down 2% from previous month)

BT-50 - 804 vehicles (up 13% from previous month)

Amarok - 751 vehicles (up 1% from previous month)

Landcruiser - 652 vehicles (up 2% from previous month)

Foton Tunland - 60 vehicles (no sales % given)

Nissan Patrol - 25 vehicles (down 34% from previous month)

Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 - 21 vehicles (no sales % given)

SsangYong Actyon - 1 vehicle (!)

So, it appears the revamped styling of the facelifted BT-50 has done something for their sales - while the D-Max is lagging, and in need of a makeover.

Meantimes, Hilux and Ranger are ruling in a major way, in the sales numbers.

I personally don't think there's too much wrong with the BT-50 - it has just been the dreadful front end styling that put people off buying them.
The new model is an improvement - but compared to the Ranger, the Ranger wins hands-down with its stylish looks.

Cheers, Ron.

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Follow Up By: sjp - Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 06:08

Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 06:08
wowRanger is getting pretty close to the Hilux ,think your right body shape - has a lot to do with it(in more way then one ),guess Hilux was always gonna lead when it can go off a cliff ,roll around the surf all night and drive it away the next morning.
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Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 09:01

Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 09:01
The Ranger had a nice Euro style, sleek looks, not many bumps and bulges and no funny looking lights. The newest Ranger looks a bit more American which I don't like so much. A bit squarer and trucky looking like a RAM or F truck. All the Jap cars have bumps and bulges everywhere with crappy headlights and tail lights.....they can't help themselves. The only option is to hide the car behind accessories like bullbars and rear wheel carriers.

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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 15:22

Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 15:22
Hi

I always find these kind of stats deceptive if read the wrong way. Sure, Hilux and Ranger are popular (5,353 total sales)...but most people (7,282) have chosen (for one reason or another) to buy something else.

No doubt good for manufacturers to sell more cars than others but also good to see competition and a wide variety of options for the buyers. The single SsangYong Actyon sold must have been a demo on sale :)

Cheers
Greg
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Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 19:39

Saturday, Jul 23, 2016 at 19:39
I heard it was the designers mother who bought it... :-)
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