Bangkok--24 Jan--Mazda Sales
Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. has already started to step on the gas right from the start of the year with the official launch of the all-new BT-50 PRO pickup. Featuring the heroic concept “Drive to Reality”, the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO is the latest pickup from the Thai production center that completely erases the old pickup image with a sporty and seductive design as well as the most powerful engine in the market. National hero Col. Bird has been chosen as the presenter for the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO in an advertisement campaign that brings back the hero from history to becoming the hero for the family and friends in the present day. Retail price starts at only Bt589,000 and the sales target for the year is 22,000 units.
Mr. Choichi Yuki, Managing Director of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO is the most complete and integrated pickup of the present day. “We hope that after the launch of the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO, it will initiate a change in direction for the pickup truck market with its beautiful design both inside and outside, which is reflective of luxury SUVs, and the largest body dimensions in the market. The new truck has been clearly positioned in the market and communications have been clearly established with potential customers. This will quickly turn the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO a highly popular pickup truck in the market. In addition, we also have a presenter who is loved by the Thai people who will also help strengthen the product image,” he said.
The all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO is available in several body styles and engine sizes — Freestyle Cab and Double Cab, 200hp/470 Nm 3.2-liter Di-THUNDER PRO and 150hp/375 Nm 2.2-liter Di-THUNDER PRO that are both powerful and fuel-efficient; 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive. “The raised 2-wheel-drive Hi-Racer model in particular will be an important instrument to help Mazda achieve our 22,000-unit pickup truck sales target this year,” Mr. Yuki stated
He added that the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO has broken every rule in conventional pickup design with the combination of beauty and style with the versatility of a pickup. It features the “Nagare” design philosophy that features natural beauty and flowing lines, as well as the “KODO”, or “Soul of Motion” design language that is inspired by the lion’s graceful stance as well as instantaneous power and speed, ready to pounce on its prey. It is the first pickup in the world that has flowing lines from the front to the rear and is the first pickup that provides a sense of sportiness and outstanding character, something that conventional pickup trucks are unable to achieve. In addition, the comfort and convenience features that accompany the stylish looks and largest body size in the Thai pickup market, help complete the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO.”
The all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO features a five-point front grille that has become a Mazda trademark, boomerang-shaped headlights that are not only stylish but also provide excellent visibility. The large wheel fenders are one-piece with the body while the turning lights on the sideview mirrors look stylish and elegant. Unlike in conventional pickups, the rear light cluster is laid out horizontally, while the lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels help improve road performance and gives a touch of sportiness. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed automatic transmission (industry-first) or a 6-speed manual transmission with upshift indicator. Meanwhile, the cabin design is reflective of a luxury passenger car — there’s a multi-function display screen with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, immobilizer key, reverse sensor with video graphic display.
Sureetip La-Ongthong Chomthongdee, Marketing Director of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO will stimulate new demand and create a new segment within the Thai pickup truck market. She said Mazda’s new truck will change the purchasing behavior for pickup trucks in Thailand. “The all-new Mazda BT-PRO will fill in the gap where others had left out and the gap between pickup trucks and passenger cars, as well as between pickup trucks and PPVs. The target customers for the all-new BT-50 PRO are those who use pickups for business as well as for family activities. They travel a lot and are people who choose to enjoy life in their own style. They are active, and consider that vehicles they use reflect their character. They give importance to design and quality of the vehicle, as well as outstanding performance from both the engine and suspension. They do not take any compromises even for a pickup, meaning that they are demanding for a pickup that is different from others available in the market today,” she said.
Pricing strategy is something that Mazda has given importance in order to make it easier for customers to own our products. “We have decided to launch the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO with starting price of only Bt589,000 while the top model, the 4-wheel-drive Double Cab with 6-speed transmission and 3.2-liter engine, leather seats and a complete equipment list, costs lower than Bt1 million. This will allow customers eligible for the First Car Buyer program to enjoy full benefits and great value-for-money,” she said.
The all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO is available in many versions as follows.
- Freestyle Cab 4x2 S 2.2L 6MT, metallic color MSRP 589,000 THB
- Freestyle Cab 4x2 V 2.2L 6MT, metallic color MSRP 639,000 THB
- Freestyle Cab 4x2 V 2.2L 6MT ABS, metallic color MSRP 683,000 THB
- Freestyle Cab 4x2 V 2.2L Hi-Racer 6MT, metallic color MSRP 659,000 THB
- Freestyle Cab 4x2 V 2.2L Hi-Racer 6MT, metallic color MSRP 715,000 THB
- Freestyle Cab 4x4 R 3.2L 6MT, metallic color MSRP 814,000 THB
- Double Cab 4-door 4x2 S 2.2L 6MT, metallic color MSRP 629,000 THB
- Double Cab 4-door 4x2 V 2.2L 6MT, metallic color MSRP 724,000 THB
- Double Cab 4-door 4x2 V 2.2L 6MT ABS, metallic color MSRP 764,000 THB
- Double Cab 4-door 4x2 V 2.2L Hi-Racer 6MT, metallic color MSRP 746,000 THB
- Double Cab 4-door 4x2 V 2.2L Hi-Racer 6EAT MSRP 874,000 THB
ABS + Leather Seat + Cruise Control, metallic color
- Double Cab 4-door 4x4 R 3.2L 6MT MSRP 943,000 THB
ABS+DSC, metallic color
- Double Cab 4-door 4x4 R 3.2L 6EAT MSRP 988,000 THB
ABS + DSC + Leather Seat + Cruise Control, metallic color
Sureetip added that the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO not only comes with outstanding and graceful appearance, but is also a pickup that will respond to customers who look for these qualities but were unable to obtain them from any other pickup truck. “It has clear sales points that are like no other — product positioning is extremely important in helping us to achieve targets. The target group of the BT-50 is clear — male, mostly married with children or single but in a relationship. They have good education level such as bachelor’s degree, and are owners of SME’s or company employees. They are in the process of building a family, and are the head of the family, a good father to the children, an activist and diligent worker. The person who can best reflect there qualities, and I’m sure you all know him well, is Col. Bird or Col. Wanchana Sawasdee, the sharp-looking Thai soldier who has won himself a hero status in Thailand from his lead role in the movie “Legend of King Naresuan the Great”. Although he has become highly successful in his acting career, he still maintains a simple lifestyle as a simple man who loves and wants to take care of his family and all around him the best he can. This is what has earned him the admiration from the Thai people and similarly, we hope that this strength, warmth and heroic character can also make everyone a hero. This is the character that the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO will reflect,” Sureetip said.
The introduction of the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO is something that is very challenging for our team. It is a truck that has a sporty and elegant design, as well as a cabin similar to luxury passenger cars or SUVs. It has erased the old pickup image and offers customers what they have never experienced in a pickup before. One main strategy that we have held on to all along, and one that has helped the Mazda brand grow significantly during the last several years, is that there is no waiting period -- after the launch we will be able to deliver vehicles to customers right away.
Come experience and test drive the all-new Mazda BT-50 PRO sports pickup, the Mazda2 sports subcompact and Mazda MX-5 roadster at all 130 Mazda showrooms countrywide. For more information contact the Mazda Speedline at Tel. 0-2664-4888 for Bangkok and call free for provincial areas at Tel. 1-800-226-408