With the current model being the lovechild of Mazda’s previous relationship with Ford, it’s no wonder the Japanese were looking for a new partnership for the new BT-50 pickup truck.
That new partner is Isuzu, who will build Mazda’s new pickup truck, according to a statement released from the latter.
“Mazda and Isuzu have reached a basic agreement on next-generation pick-up truck collaboration, allowing Isuzu to enhance its product competiveness and Mazda to strengthen its product line-up and maintain own-brand market coverage”, read the short statement.
The current BT-50, which is produced in Thailand and in South Africa, was co-developed with Ford and shares its underpinnings with the Australian Ranger but since the two companies no longer work together, Mazda had to look elsewhere for creating a successor.
Isuzu is mostly known these days for its D-Max pickup truck and its collaboration with GM in commercial trucks and diesel engines. US customers though will not get the opportunity of buying the new Mazda and Isuzu pickup trucks as the company said they will be sold worldwide except the North American market.
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