Next-gen Mazda BT-50
The current, second generation Mazda
BT-50 is based on the Ford Ranger. Introduced at the 2010 Australian
International Motor Show, the pickup truck was given a mid-life facelift last
year. Now, with talks about the third generation Mazda BT-50 having started, a
report from Paultan says that it will be based on the Isuzu D-Max. A
speculative rendering from Theophilus Chin previews the next-gen Mazda BT-50
featuring the company’s latest family design.
According to the report, the development
was brought to light during a performance presentation for the ASEAN region in
Japan by Hiroshi Inoue, the company’s Executive Officer in charge of New
Emerging Market Operation (excepting Latin America). Speaking on the
collaborative work that will be be done with the new commercial vehicle partner
Isuzu, Mr. Inoue confirmed that the alliance will co-develop a new pick-up
truck to replace the BT-50.
Mr. Inoue indicated that Mazda and Isuzu
iterations will be a lot more different than just their branding, saying that a
strategy similar to what’s being used for the Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger –
having completely different exterior body panels and dashboard – will be used
for the new co-developed pickup trucks.
Furthermore, Mr. Inoue also spoke about
the production of the co-developed pickup trucks. The Thai production of the
Mazda BT-50 will continue, but will be relocated from the AutoAlliance Thailand
plant in Rayong to one of the Isuzu’s plants where the Isuzu version will also
be made. There won’t be an SUV version of the Mazda BT-50, Mr. Inoue confirmed
reasoning limited market potential for such vehicles.
