International to send in the Troopers
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• After the recent collapse of Isuzu Cars (GB), the privately-owned importer of fsuzu cars which has gone into receivership, the right to market Isuzu vehicles — including the 4x4 Trooper — has been acquired by the West Bromwich-based importing group, International Motors.
This is the third franchise for International Motors, which already imports Subaru and IIyundai light commercial vehicles. The company plans to concentrate on importing the 4x4 Trooper, shown for the first time at the Motor Show last September.
All the existing Subaru dealers have been contacted by International Motors, with a view to forming a dealer network consisting of about 80% of the old Isuzu dealers, as well as new combined Subaru/Isuzu dealers.
The Trooper is seen as filling a hole in the 4x4 market, as well as providing a new market place for Subaru dealers.
Confusion remains, however, about the possibility of a commercial version of the Trooper' coming into the UK.
International Motor's Keith Kent told Connwrcial Motor. "For the forseeable future we don't expect to have any involvement with Isuzu commercials.
Certain understandings do exist, although we hope and think that we could do it."
'The previous importer, Isuzu Cars (GB), indicated its willingness to import a commercial version at the Motor Show, but said that agreements between itself and the pan-European General Motors marketing operation, CON VESCO, prevented it from doing so.
Bedford's Rob Palmer, however, says that although Isuzu is part-owned by General Motors, any agreement between CONVESCO and Isuzu would not affect UK imports, as they are outside the organisation's sphere of influence. "Any decision about commercial Isuzus is entirely up to International Motors".