Earlier this year, we reported that Mazda and Isuzu had reached a “basic agreement” to collaborate on the development and production of their next-generation bakkies.
And now Kiyoshi Fujiwara, Mazda’s research and development boss, has reaffirmed his trust in Isuzu, which will be taking the lead in the project.
“Our [global bakkie] sales volume is not huge and we simply cannot justify the cost to develop ourselves, so we searched for a partner. Let me say, I trust Isuzu’s capability the same as I trusted Ford’s in the past,” Fujiwara told motoring.com.au, referring to the fact that the current BT-50 was developed alongside the Ford Ranger.
“I have just visited Hokkaido [Isuzu’s development centre in Japan] and talked to the Isuzu guys. We have given them our requirements, so they can develop [the new BT-50].
“The BT-50 is our product, under our brand structure, our brand image… and under our Kodo design. We have a very good relationship [with Isuzu] and they can deliver,” Fujiwara said.
The agreement will see Isuzu produce the next-generation bakkie for Mazda, basing it on Isuzu’s next-generation KB. The start of sales of these new models has yet to be determined.
