The Isuzu D-Max has become the official car of Australia’s renowned Precision Driving Team, with Isuzu Ute Australia jumping on board as the troupe’s new naming rights and vehicle sponsor.
The newly named ‘Team D-Max’, which continues to be owned and operated by NSW-based EMG Precision Driving, makes the switch to the Isuzu D-Max after five years behind the wheel of the Toyota HiLux and a previous long-term partnership with Holden.
EMG Precision Driving director Wayne Boatwright said the team was excited about the new partnership with Isuzu.
“We’ve obviously got some pretty skilled drivers in the team but the shows we do are a massive test for the vehicles as well and D-MAX is the real deal in terms of ruggedness and performance,” Boatwright said.
“Their truck heritage and Japanese engineering is obvious when you look closely at how they are built.”
Team D-Max lead driver Jack Monkhouse said he was “blown away” by the performance of his new ute’s 130kW/380Nm 3.0-litre diesel, which is the first oiler ever used in the Precision Driving Team’s history.
Isuzu Ute Australia’s Dave Harding said the sponsorship deal was a unique way to showcase the brand, which sold 7782 vehicles across the country last year – up 22 per cent over 2011.
“Precision driving has been a crowd favourite at city and regional agricultural shows for over 45 years and reaches a huge live audience in our target markets,” Harding said.
Team D-Max will make its first public appearance at the 2013 Royal Canberra Show from February 22-24.
