Welcome

WELCOME

HELLO AND WELCOME to the latest edition of max*d magazine! Before we get into this issue, I firstly wanted to say thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate some unprecedented industry challenges. Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, like all manufacturers, we’ve seen delays in supplying vehicle orders. However, we are pleased to see that the new-generation D-MAX and MU-X are proving more popular than ever before, and we are working with the factory to secure as many vehicles for local orders as possible—and to deliver them as quickly as we can. For those awaiting their new vehicle, thank you for your patience, and we are delighted that you chose an Isuzu to help you get the most out of the Australian lifestyle.

Following the launch of the new D-MAX and MU-X in recent years, we have seen Australians from all corners of this great country putting the Isuzu brand at the top of their shopping list. That’s doubtlessly testament to the competitive package on these vehicles—a package designed for, and engineered around, you. Your feedback guides us at every step, and we’re delighted to have built both our D-MAX and MU-X models to a standard worthy of your desire for adventure.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to maintain our reputation for customer satisfaction. This has again been recognised in real-world customer surveys, with the Isuzu UTE brand awarded two major customer satisfaction titles in recent months: ‘Car Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2021 Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards (a back-to-back title after also winning in 2020), and the ‘2021 Canstar Blue Customer Satisfaction Award for New Cars’. With our commitment to delivering a superior ownership experience worthy of your most intrepid off-road escapades, we hope to keep you Going Your Own Way for years to come.

Inspiration is a key theme in this edition. From motivating the next generation, to providing excitement for upcoming exploits, issue #29 of max*d has something for everyone. Up front you’ll get the Inside Line on how Aussie A-Leagues best and fairest, Connor Metcalfe, is supporting his junior football club. On page 40 you’ll learn how the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in remote communities across the country. For the tech heads, 4WD guru Matt Taylor gives you an in-depth insight into Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) on page 14—including what all those acronyms mean when they’re keeping you safe. Elsewhere there are true blue adventures on the world’s largest sand island, a guide to the wonders of the Victorian High Country, and a bucket list-ready feature on iconic Australian pubs of the Outback and bush. Like I said, inspiration galore!

From all of us here at Isuzu UTE Australia, thank you once again for your ongoing support and enjoy the latest edition of max*d magazine.

Onward to adventure!

Hiroyasu SatoManaging Director,Isuzu UTE Australia