Well at an Isuzu page I vist often, ISUPAGE, they say that the New Trooper has been confirmed, or something, i'll post some of their info:
From ISUPAGE-
http://www.isuzuperformance.com/isupage/2003, Sources within American Isuzu Motors vehicle distribution (US market vehicle distributor) indicate that Isuzu intends to severe all ties with GM by 2007 (this can be confirmed on Isuzu's website in their Three Year Business Plan which states one of its primary recapitalization goal as "Retire GM's shareholding without consideration"), ending all joint ventures, rebadging, parts sharing, and cooperative efforts and purchasing back all of the remaining 12% of stock owned by GM. The Rodeo and Axiom (now made by Subaru at the Lafayette, Indiana plant) will be discontinued at or shortly after the end of the 2004 model year. There will be no serious effort to market the GM made Ascender through the 2005 and 2006 model years, after which Isuzu's contract to sell that vehicle will end. Isuzu plans to introduce at least two completely new models in late 2006, totally designed and manufactured by Isuzu and with no ties to GM.
January 2004, Isuzu stock passes 235 Yen per share, a 470% increase since Spring 2003.
February 2004, Sources within American Isuzu Motors public relations and vehicle development departments indicate that the replacement for the Isuzu Trooper will be built on the Isuzu D-Max/Colorado platform in Thailand and that model should be introduced as a 2005 1/2 model year vehicle. Work continues on this vehicle within the Ceritos headquarters of AIM where the vehicle is referred to in house simply as "the new Trooper". Current plans are that the concept car for this vehicle will be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show and later displayed at the Chicago Auto Show. Further plans are to introduce the Thailand made D-Max pickup into the US market, also hopefully in 2006.
Isuzu's PR department was very proud to point out that the 250 HP 6VE1 V6 direct injection engine has received accolades and awards from both Popular Science Magazine and Ward's Automotive. Direct injection is seen as the future for gasoline engines to improve economy, emissions, and power output, and Isuzu's engine has been held out as one of the best in the industry. In addition to this, Isuzu plans to push diesel engine powered models in their SUV lineup as an alternative to other manufacturer's hybrid vehicle offerings. Diesel offers the same environmental benefits with power, drivability, range, and cost that is comparable or favorable to gasoline. The problem is that the US market has not been exposed to many of the better diesel powered vehicles which are almost indistinguishable from their gasoline powered equivalents. The US market has seen mostly very tempermental and difficult to drive, and the reputation of diesel powerplants has suffered in this market as a result of this. General Motors, Ford, and Daimler/Chysler have already expanded their SUV and pickup offerings with diesel offerings (to help them meet tightening CAFE standards) and have begun marketing campaigns to improve the reputation of diesel power in the US, and Isuzu plans to reap the benefits of these efforts by following the promotional campaigns of the US manufacturers with their own campaign to reinforce diesel's improved reputation and point out that Isuzu is the oldest, most experiences diesel manufacturer in the world, offering better quality and higher performing diesel products at lower prices than the US makers.
2005 is seen as the transition year between the old GM dominated Isuzu and the new Isuzu that is free to build, sell, and advertise whatever, wherever, whenever, and in whatever quantity they like. Getting past a tight year which their only offerings will be the rebadged, GM made Ascender, will be the challenge, but they are already on track to surpass their needed sales minimum in the US market by 20,000 units in this fiscal year. The only remaining concern is that now that all decisions will be made by Isuzu in Japan, the US office hopes to be allotted a large enough advertising budget to allow for a serious promotional effort for what amounts to a reintroduction of the marque in the US market.
Early April 2004, Isuzu stock passes 265 Yen per share, a 550% increase since Spring 2003.
Mid April 2004, Isuzu stock passes 310 Yen per share.
July 2004, Isuzu stock passes 323 Yen per share.
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August 2004, Sources within Japan indicate that Isuzu Motors has announced, within their domestic market, the introduction of the "D-Max Hi Lander" sport utility vehicle (Trooper replacement) will be manufactured in Thailand and introduced in Thailand for the 2005 model year. This strategy introduces the SUV first into the market dominated by the D-Max Pickup, that vehicle being the number one selling automobile in the large Thai market. The Thai made D-Max Hi-Lander will then be introduced into the Japanese home market in 2006.
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August 2004, Dutch shipping company TPG TNT Logistics wins a $48.25 Million contract to pack and ship "car parts" from Isuzu plants around the world to assembly plants in Thailand. Note the specific use of the phrase "car parts", quoted directly from the Reuters story, which conspicously did not use the phrase "truck parts".
August 2004, Universal Motors Israel is in talks with "car maker Isuzu" Motors for Central European sales and distribution rights. Again note Reuters use of the word "car" and their specific omission of the word "truck". Also note that Isuzu is expanding their distribution network.
