Isuzu showcased its 2012 D-Max for a performance test drive at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) recently, after the pickup completed a 1,100 km trip through five GCC countries on a single tank of fuel.

The countries covered in the GCC One Tank Challenge included Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.

The entire trip was accomplished on a single tank of diesel, with the fuel tank officially sealed in front of an audience and cameras at the departure point in Oman.

The D-max One Tank Challenge kicked-off from Al Buraimi in Oman from the showroom of the local dealer Oman Trading Establishment where a group of clients and guests came to check the pick up and get a closer look at its specifications, along with Isuzu team.

At the showroom, an Isuzu representative used non-removable hologram stickers to seal the fuel tank, to make sure that no diesel would be added during the trip.

At 8pm Oman time, the truck started its non-stop journey from Oman to UAE, then into Saudi Arabia, made a detour to Qatar,  back again to Saudi Arabia and finally concluded the journey at the Bahrain International Circuit, driving a total of over 1,100 km on a single tank of diesel.

At the arrival point, over 45 media representatives from all of the five countries crossed were present to verify that the original seal was untouched.

Arriving on time and without incidents proved the reliability of the D-Max, a pickup tough enough to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the Gulf region, a statement said.

Toshiaki Maekawa, co-managing director of Isuzu Motors International Operations (Thailand), said:  “The Isuzu D-Max success stems from our concern to answer the particular needs of the GCC market. One of the most important aspects are the vast distances that need to be covered, often on difficult terrain and where service stations may not be available, hence the need for a pick up that doesn’t use a lot of diesel.”

“Unlike other regions, diesel fuel price in many Middle East countries is more expensive than petrol.  This is one of the biggest negative factors for us.  However, over years, the customers and the market have come to understand that Isuzu D-Max with diesel engine is more durable and more fuel efficient than gasoline engine."

“This is why we developed the D-Max series, a proven performer that can withstand the Gulf’s roads and climate conditions. The D-Max once again confirms that it is the world’s leading diesel pick up, with the latest technology to minimize diesel consumption, offering the driver a smooth ride with full comfort amenities, and all with unmatched reliability,” he added.

“And, today we are all here to witness the fuel efficiency of Isuzu D-Max in this GCC One-Tank challenge.  This is the second time that we have conducted this kind of One-Tank Challenge.  The first one was during 28 to 29 of January 2010 in Saudi Arabia and we have run 1,028km in only one tank of fuel from Riyadh to Jeddah without refill,” he noted. – TradeArabia News Service