Isuzu Announces Dramatically Lower Suggested Retail Prices for 2003 Models

CERRITOS, Calif., Dec. 9, 2002; American Isuzu Motors Inc. today announced dramatically lower manufacturer's suggested retail prices for its 2003 Axiom, Rodeo and Rodeo Sport models. The new prices will make these stylish, durable SUVs accessible to more consumers than ever.

In announcing the new pricing, J. T. Maloney, president of Isuzu Motors America, Inc., said, "This year, we will re-establish Isuzu as the best value for consumers looking to purchase a real SUV that fits their lifestyles and budgets. Axiom will serve as the style and performance value leader in its class. As our volume seller, Rodeo will lead the charge. And Rodeo Sport will prove that value and fun can go hand-in-hand."

Axiom for 2003 begins at $24,345 for the S 2WD model, a reduction of $2,190 from its 2002 M.S.R.P. of $26,535.

The entry-level Rodeo S 2WD with five-speed manual and 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine carries an M.S.R.P. of $15,999, while its 2002 counterpart carried a sticker of $18,380, $2,381 higher.

The 2003 Rodeo Sport begins at an M.S.R.P. of $13,999 for the Soft Top 2WD model, $2,376 less than its 2002 price of $16,375.

Isuzu accomplished these reductions by eliminating infrequently used features and making some equipment optional-while retaining popular features and making improvements in several areas of every vehicle.

The 2003 Axiom, Rodeo and Rodeo Sport join the 2003 Isuzu Ascender, introduced in October as Isuzu's new flagship and already the value leader in its class. Ascender's base M.S.R.P. of $28,649 is one of the lowest of any full-size sport utility vehicle on the market.

Smarter, Not Cheaper

Pricing is only part of Isuzu's value strategy for 2003. Said Maloney, "Isuzu vehicles speak to consumers who understand that value means being 'smarter,' not 'cheaper.'" For example, all Isuzu SUVs feature box-section ladder-frame construction, true off-highway capability, and more heritage than any other Asian automotive brand.

Isuzu's lower 2003 suggested retail prices also come with increased owner assurance. Roadside assistance coverage on all 2003 Isuzu SUVs has been increased to seven years or 75,000 miles, whichever comes first, up from five years or 60,000 miles in 2002. Isuzu Roadside Assistance provides lockout protection, flat tire repair, battery recharging, fuel delivery and towing (excluding accident-related incidents) at no charge to the customer. Combined with Isuzu's new seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, this coverage provides peace of mind for the entire length of time most owners keep their new vehicles.

These coverages are in addition to Isuzu's three-year/50,000-mile basic and six-year/100,000-mile perforation from corrosion warranties.

In J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study (IQS), Isuzu was ranked number one in quality improvement of any Japanese automotive manufacturer over the last five years. Further, Isuzu took the second highest score in the entire industry, improving by 39% since 1998.

"Isuzu has always offered sport utility vehicles that literally go farther," said Maloney. "Our new roadside assistance coverage allows our owners to go farther with greater peace of mind, and now our new pricing structure allows their dollar to go farther as well. That's the heart of our strategy for 2003, and it's a strategy that will re-establish once and for all Isuzu's role as the value leader in the SUV marketplace."

American Isuzu Motors Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Isuzu sport utility vehicles and diesel engines. For more information call (800) 662-2464 or access www.IsuzuNewsBureau.com .

Isuzu Rodeo is a U.S.-registered trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited. Ascender and Axiom are trademarks, and Go farther is a registered trademark, of American Isuzu Motors Inc.