- Only manufacturer run 4WD training in Australia
- 67 events held since 2015
- 1,179 customers through program
- 1,000 new customers in 2017
In 2015, Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) introduced a new initiative to help its owners get the most out of their 4x4 Isuzu vehicles in a safe and structured environment under expert instruction – The I-VENTURE Club.
Primarily designed to equip Isuzu owners with the skills and techniques required to handle a variety of off-road terrains, the I-VENTURE Club has also served as an exclusive Isuzu owners club that brings together like minded people and encourages them to utilise the adventure that is inherent in their Isuzu vehicles.
"The I-VENTURE Club is all about empowering our customers to buck the perception that the majority of 4x4 vehicles never leave the tarmac," IUA's Assistant General Manager – Marketing & PR, Dave Harding said.
"That may be true of owners of other brands but our vehicles are built with the ability to seek some pretty amazing places off-road – we want our customers to be able to experience that lifestyle – and enjoy the benefits owning an Isuzu offers.
"But as a novice, you can't just charge off head first – and the I-VENTURE Club takes our customers through the basics and equips them with the right knowledge and skills in a safe and controlled environment, so that they can then confidently plan their own adventures with friends and family."
Launched two years ago, the I-VENTURE Club has delivered expert 4x4 training and knowledge to 1,179 customers at 67 events across the country, in exciting and challenging off-road destinations such as Moreton Island in Queensland, the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, and the Lancelin Sand Dunes in Western Australia – and even hosted a couple of marriage proposals en route!
Several of IUA's dealers are now also conducting their own I-VENTURE Club days to help meet the demand for events from customers, with IUA planning to see almost 1,000 new customers attend events in 2017. The majority of I-VENTURE Club events are conducted over the course of a day, with several longer 3-4 day excursions planned in 2017 to iconic locations such as Queensland's Fraser Island, and Margaret River in Western Australia.
At the heart of the I-VENTURE Club is our dedicated website which has received over 60,000 visitors in the past 12 months. Here customers can find upcoming events and register for them, a library of 4x4 video tips, travel and feature articles from our partners and customer magazine max*d, and galleries of images from past events.
Equipped for the 2017 journey is a new fleet of I-VENTURE Club vehicles based on our new 17MY models (both D-MAX & MU-X), and are accessorised with a range of genuine Isuzu UTE accessories.
Information on the current I-VENTURE Club trips available can be found at www.iventureclub.com.au
About Isuzu UTE
Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Isuzu UTE Australia was founded in 2008 bringing the award winning Isuzu D-MAX to Australia and then in 2013, the Isuzu MU-X 7 seat SUV. Despite being comparatively new to Australia, our global network is extremely well established with over 100 years of automotive experience and expertise behind us.
We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan's largest trading and investment company, Mitsubishi Corporation with which Isuzu Motors Limited has extensive business arrangements. Isuzu Motors dates back to 1916 and is now the world's largest manufacturer of trucks and diesel engines. Producing heavy, medium and light-duty trucks, buses, passenger vehicle engines, marine and industrial-use diesel engines, Isuzu Motors is at the forefront of vehicle chassis and diesel engine technology.
Our resources and our automotive knowledge are vast, and this shows in the quality of our product and level of service. With a network of over 130 authorised Isuzu UTE dealers across every state and territory in Australia, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service and support throughout the entire country.