Isuzu rules out electric D-Max for Australia, doubles down on diesel
Why it matters: Australia's second-best-selling ute maker has formally killed plans to bring the battery-electric D-Max here, confirming diesel still accounts for 84 per cent of its light commercial sales.
Isuzu has confirmed it will not export the battery-electric D-Max to Australia, reversing earlier signals from 2024 that the country was an intended market. Isuzu Motors International Operations said the decision was made "to prioritise products that align with our current customer needs." Isuzu Ute Australia executive general manager Rod Caldwell said the BEV, which entered Thai production in April 2025 with a 263km range, "wasn't the right fit for Australian customers in its current form," pointing to towing, payload and long-distance travel needs. Diesel remains 84 per cent of IUA's light commercial sales this year. Caldwell has separately flagged Isuzu is now looking at mild-hybrid assistance and, further out, a possible plug-in hybrid diesel to rival the BYD Shark 6, though nothing is costed, specced or dated yet.
Source: carsales.com.au, 30 September 2026 (corroborated by GoAuto, CarExpert, Drive.com.au).