Mazda has officially launched its new BT-50 pickup truck in Thailand, with prices starting at Bt550,000 (US$18,382).
The all-new 2021 BT-50 first made its world debut in Australia last year as the Covid-19 pandemic took place, before being officially marketed in October.
The new model, based on the Isuzu D-MAX and assembled at Isuzu’s Thai plant, gets Mazda’s Kodo design exterior styling that gives it an elegant appearance.
Since 1998, Mazda have produced over 220,000 pickup trucks in Thailand at the Auto Alliance Thailand plant in Rayong, a joint-venture assembly factory with Ford.
The front end features a large grille, sleek headlights and clean front spoiler similar to Mazda’s latest SUVs, while body panels and rear light design have also been redesigned in order to appeal to Mazda customers.
It comes with Isuzu’s 3.0-liter turbo diesel capable of producing 190hp and 450Nm as well as the fuel-efficient 1.9-liter turbo diesel with 150hp and 350Nm offering an average fuel economy of 16.1km/liter. Both engine are capable of running on B20 biodiesel.
Customers can choose between a 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions, as well as 4-wheel-drive and 2-wheel-drive variants. Body types include standard cab, freestyle can and double cab, resulting in a total of 19 sub models.
All grades get ABS brakes with brake assist and dual front airbags. Upper variants get dynamic stability control, a total of 6 airbags, remote engine start as well as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic systems.
Inside there’s a 9-inch high-resolution display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with MirrorLink and navigation, dual zone air-conditioning and USB port.
Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, president of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd, said, “The pickup truck market is considered as the largest auto market in Thailand with almost 50% of the automotive industry. Thailand’s pickup truck market continues to grow, and it is very important to Thai economy because the pickup truck is Thailand’s product champion, produced locally and distributed globally.”
“Although all businesses have been impacted by the pandemic of Covid-19 in 2020, resulting in the total auto sales to plunge by 20 per cent last year, the proportion of pickup trucks sold in 2020 was 45 per cent, which grew from 43 per cent in 2019,” he added. “Thus, the introduction of All-New Mazda BT-50 today will be an important factor for the Thai pickup truck market. It will create history and will be the main force in growing sales and market share for Mazda.”
