ClubIsuzu.org the new home of Clubisuzu.com

http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/lifesty ... es-for-ute

""Mazda Motor Corporation and Isuzu Motors Limited have reached a basic agreement on next-generation pick-up truck collaboration, allowing Isuzu to enhance its product competiveness and Mazda to strengthen its product line-up and maintain own-brand market coverage," the statement read.

"Isuzu will produce next-generation pick-up trucks for Mazda, based on Isuzu's pick-up truck model.""

This is good for Isuzu. As for Mazda I think it's interesting given the success of the Ranger in Aus was pretty good but the BT50 seemed to struggle due to styling even though it was almost identical beneath the skin and was cheaper. Both have a good reputation for producing reliable vehicles.
My only concern is that both are pretty spartan when it comes to creature comforts compared to the competition although my experience is pretty much limited to owning a Mazda 3 driving a Mazda 6 for a short period on loan (massive step up from the 3), owning a 98 Rodeo and test driving a current model D Max so it might be a little limited.
I'm hoping that Isuzu ups the displacement and moves towards a 5 cylinder or V6 diesel in the next version. Hopefully the 5 cylinder that Mazda currently has will force this move as a step back would leave it well behind the competition that's coming through, although Toyota seems to have reduced to a 2.8 4 pot oiler.