(March 9, 2011) While Isuzu sales have all but ended in the United States, the Japanese company is finding growing success with its pickup truck in Europe. Isuzu has reported a solid start to the year, with sales of its Rodeo model up by 111 percent at the end of February compared with the same time last year.

Isuzu’s sales momentum has continued into 2011 from last year, when the company reported an increase in sales of 104 percent over 2009. The latest figures give Isuzu an equal market share with one of its key competitors for the first time, as the company continues to outperform the segment popularity of pick-ups.

Particularly strong sellers in the Isuzu range are the 2.5 liter diesel Rodeo Denver and Rodeo Denver Max models. The Rodeo, which has been on sale in the UK since 2004, is gaining an enviable reputation for product reliability and longevity among many of its toughest and most demanding customers such as the farming community.

Isuzu Marketing Director Kenyon Neads said of these latest figures: “Word is spreading fast of the Rodeo’s product virtues such as its long term reliability and sheer can-do attitude. As a brand that specializes in pick-ups alone, understanding the specific requirements of the commercial market customer are key to our success and part of the Isuzu Brand DNA. We hope to sustain the momentum through 2011 and into 2012, when we plan to launch a new model to the range.”

The Isuzu Rodeo Denver is available in either single or double cab body style and with 2.5 or 3.0 liter common rail diesel engines. Prices range from £12,649 ($20,491) to £22,499 ($36,448).

The last Isuzu pickup sold in the U.S. was for the 2008 model year.