Isuzu D-Max continues to be one of Malaysia’s best-selling pickup trucks, selling 3,081 units in the first half of the year

AshleyJul 30, 2025, 05:23 PM

[PCauto] According to official sales data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) for January to June 2025, a total of 3,081 units of the Isuzu D-Max were sold in Malaysia. This solid performance has allowed the D-Max to remain one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the country, only second to the Toyota Hilux, which recorded approximately 4,200 units sold during the same period.

Compared to around 2,850 units sold in the first half of 2024, the D-Max saw a year-on-year growth of approximately 8.1%, reflecting steady market demand. Data from Isuzu Malaysia also showed that the brand captured a 16% share of the pickup truck market in the first half of 2025.

A Clear Disparity in Sales of the Isuzu D-Max across Different Variants

The high-end D-Max X-Terrain accounted for 40% of total sales, making it the top contributor；

The mid-range D-Max Premium variant followed with a 35% share；

The entry-level D-Max Standard made up the remaining 25%.

In terms of powertrain preferences, models equipped with the 1.9L Blue Power Turbo Diesel engine were the most popular among buyers. This engine delivers 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque and contributed to 60% of total D-Max sales. The larger 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 190 PS and 450 Nm, accounted for the remaining 40%.

Steady demand for pickup trucks continues to support D-Max’s sales performance. Commercial users in the construction and agricultural sectors remain the core customer base, valuing the D-Max for its proven reliability and durability. At the same time, private buyers also provide a stable foundation for overall market demand.

Strong Recognition for Its Off-Road Capabilities

In the current competitive landscape, the Toyota Hilux maintains its leading position in the segment, backed by a well-established brand presence and loyal customer base.

However, the D-Max is seen as having a competitive edge in terms of overall value for money and off-road performance. Another contender worth noting is the Mitsubishi Triton, which has seen a sales boost following the launch of its new 2025 model. Nevertheless, it has yet to pose a significant challenge to the D-Max’s market position.

Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, noted that market trends are beginning to shift noticeably. He stated, “It’s no longer just traditional pickup buyers—more and more sedan users are starting to recognize the D-Max’s combined strengths in practicality and driving performance.”COO Kenichi Kudo added that in the second half of the year, the company will focus on engaging a broader base of potential customers through “immersive experience” initiatives aimed at improving product accessibility.

D-Max Hybrid to Launch in 2026

Building on the strong sales momentum of the D-Max lineup, Isuzu has announced plans to launch a hybrid version of the D-Max in 2026. If successfully upgraded with an electrified powertrain, the D-Max is expected to further solidify its position in the local pickup truck market.

The pickup truck market in Malaysia remains relatively stable, and the Isuzu D-Max has successfully maintained a significant market share. This is largely attributed to its strong reputation among specific user groups, a well-defined product hierarchy, and targeted powertrain options.

# New car updates

If any infringement occurs, please contact us for deletionFollow Us

Facebook

Popular Brands

Proton Perodua Honda Toyota Nissan Mazda BYD ORA Mercedes-Benz BMW

Popular Cars
Car Compare

Author

Ashley

Editor

Love cars, love traveling, and passionate about the automotive industry. I come into contact with various car models every day at work, so I have some understanding of their performance and characteristics. I enjoy self-driving tours, experiencing the freedom and joy that cars bring during the journey. I hope to share my passion for cars with more people and inspire them to love cars as well.

Related Model

Isuzu D-MAX

RM 92,199-157,938

View Model

Years of Isuzu D-MAX Models

D-MAX 2025 D-MAX 2024 D-MAX 2022 D-MAX 2021 D-MAX 2019 D-MAX 2018

Isuzu D-MAX Car Compare

Isuzu D-MAX

Nissan Navara

Isuzu D-MAX vs Nissan Navara

Isuzu D-MAX

JMC Vigus Pro

Isuzu D-MAX vs JMC Vigus Pro

Isuzu D-MAX

Ford Ranger

Isuzu D-MAX vs Ford Ranger

sized pickup truck to meet global market demand

MichaelJul 30, 2025, 11:38 AM

【PCauto】Tesla is reportedly considering the development of a compact electric pickup truck. On July 25, 2025, CEO Elon Musk responded to a user query on the X platform regarding the possibility of a “smaller-sized pickup”. Musk’s reply—“Interesting idea…” accompanied by a thinking face emoji—was widely interpreted as a subtle but meaningful hint at a potential new product in the pipeline.

A new engineering job opening on its official website

Adding to the speculation, Tesla’s official careers page in July listed a new position for a “Compact Body Structure Engineer” at the Texas Gigafactory. The job description specifically mentions involvement in the development of “a new type of vehicle body architecture,” aligning closely with the needs of a smaller pickup design.

Further evidence of the project emerged from a Bloomberg report on July 28, which stated that Tesla had reached out to parts suppliers for quotes on body stampings approximately 20% smaller than those used for the Cybertruck. However, the report also emphasized that the inquiry remains in a preliminary stage.

Amid ongoing regulatory and practical challenges in global markets

With a massive length of 5.88 meters, the all-electric pickup is currently available for reservation only in North America and the UAE. Its size presents notable difficulties in navigating narrow European streets and high-density Asian cities.

Tesla’s VP of Powertrain Engineering, Lars Moravy, previously acknowledged that the company has been actively discussing the value of a smaller pickup, particularly in the context of city use and international deployment. A vehicle roughly 20% smaller than the Cybertruck would be far better suited for markets with tighter urban infrastructure—an important step as Tesla seeks to improve its global market penetration.

It’s also worth noting that Tesla’s Hawthorne Design Studio in California had previously explored compact pickup concepts. However, none of those early designs ever made it to production.

Still in Early Feasibility Stage

At present, the compact pickup project is still in the feasibility assessment stage. However, further developments may be revealed as early as Tesla’s upcoming Investor Day in September 2025. Industry observers also point to other potential sources of early indicators, such as drone surveillance of Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory, which may capture glimpses of prototype testing, or new patent filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that could hint at possible design directions.

Tesla has long followed a market-driven approach to expanding its product lineup. In global markets where mid-size pickups like the Ford Maverick and Toyota Hilux dominate, a compact electric pickup tailored for high-density urban areas could open up a new competitive frontier.

Currently, the Cybertruck starts at $60,990 in North America (approximately MYR 258,000). Industry analysts speculate that the smaller pickup, if brought to market, could be priced closer to $45,000 (around MYR 191,000).

# Industry trends

If any infringement occurs, please contact us for deletionFollow Us

Facebook