In honor of the legendary marathoner, Isuzu East Africa has recently unveiled the “Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Limited Special D-Max Edition” double cabin pickup, marking the official launch of this exclusive model of the Isuzu D-Max.
During the launch event, Isuzu East Africa Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, revealed that the purpose behind introducing this sporty vehicle is to commemorate and pay tribute to the extraordinary athletic accomplishments of Kipchoge.
”Isuzu East Africa found a valuable partner in Mr. Eliud Kipchoge as a brand ambassador for Isuzu D-Max due to the similarity of his professional values and the character of our brand. It has been a remarkable journey during our six-year partnership. The limited production of this premium D-Max pickup is a commemoration of Eliud’s inspiring sporting legacy,” said Rita.
Rita also explained that Isuzu will manufacture only 159 cars in honor of Kipchoge’s sporting legacy. This is exemplified through his memorable sub-two INEOS Marathon accomplishment of 2019, winning a second Olympic Gold in 2021 and setting the world record at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.
“It is in view of these remarkable achievements that Isuzu East Africa decided to build an exciting vehicle that will honor the strength, discipline and sporting legacy personified in Eliud Kipchoge,” she added.
On his part, an elated Eliud Kipchoge thanked the Isuzu team for honoring him by naming a new pickup model after him. “I want to thank the Isuzu team members who worked hard to make this vision into the reality we see here today. This vehicle represents not only my personal achievements but also the spirit of strength, resilience and excellence that drives us forward,” he said.
The partnership with Eliud Kipchoge is a demonstration of Isuzu’s support for local sports talent development. This is the first time that a local automotive brand has named a vehicle model after a sports personality. The Limited Special D-Max Edition will be available to customers in September this year, with pre-orders being received at the assembler’s Sales offices on Mombasa Road.
Isuzu EA has had a strong relationship with Kipchoge since 2017 when the marathon legend became the Isuzu D-Max brand ambassador. The company has been working with the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation to uplift the wellbeing of community through access to Education, Sports Talent development and Environmental Conservation.