Isuzu Fuel-saving Drive Results Shock Even Insiders

Isuzu Fuel-saving Drive Results Shock Even Insiders

An Isuzu Hi-Lander SUV with the registration plate of 52X-5799 needed only 0.95 liters of diesel oil for a 100 km run, shocking the world, even insiders.

The result was announced following a fuel-saving contest from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau City organized by Isuzu Vietnam Co. on June 6.

Last year, Isuzu Vietnam organized a similar contest in the north of Vietnam from Hanoi to Quang Ninh province. The winner of the contest needed 2.1l of diesel oil to complete the 100 km trip.

Bui Vinh Loc, the winner of this year’s contest, said, “I thought I would need at least over 2 liters of oil to complete the 100km trip.”

Media and experts carefully supervised the fuel filling for 50 competing cars. However, according to many experts, Isuzu’s fuel measures had some problems, especially as fuel tanks have separators.

The result has raised doubts and marvels amongst both insiders and outsiders.

An official from the Ministry of Transport said that the Isuzu Hi-Lander, with a 2.5L engine, four vertical cylinders, a five-level gear and 1.65-ton weight, needs at least over 0.95L of oil to start up.

Mr. Minoru Honda, general director of Isuzu Vietnam, expressed surprises in quality and economy of the Hi-Lander and admiration to the Vietnamese driver.

Mr. Honda confessed that Isuzu hasn’t made such a success in testing the fuel consumption of the Hi-Lander, adding that the fuel consumption of the winning SUV should have been doubled.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Viet from Ho Chi Minh City said that he decided to cancel the intention of buying the Hi-Lander when he knew the result. “I am waiting for another diesel engine sedan model.”

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hiep, working for Plaschem in Hanoi, also postponed the plan of buying the Hi-Lander for the similar reason, a doubtful result.

Isuzu Vietnam, the only foreign-invested diesel carmaker in Vietnam, sold 979 vehicles in the first five months of this year, including 353 Hi-Landers.

Vietnam Economic Times