To celebrate half a century of innovation in off-roading, ARB UK embarked on an extraordinary expedition from its Dudley headquarters to Morocco and back. The 10-day adventure showcased the engineering prowess of both ARB and the Isuzu D-Max, proving that when capability meets creativity, the possibilities are limitless.
A Journey Across Europe to the Edge of the Sahara
The expedition set off from Dudley, traversing France, Italy, and Spain before reaching Morocco. The teams returned via the same route, navigating alpine passes, winding coastal roads, and arid desert landscapes. Each leg of the journey tested the endurance of the vehicle, the accessories, and the drivers themselves.
The expedition was completed in the Isuzu D-Max, a vehicle celebrated for its rugged workhorse DNA. ARB outfitted the pick-up with a full complement of accessories designed for life on and off the road, including:
- Altitude Rooftop Tent and Ascent Canopy for versatile sleeping arrangements
- Outback Drawer System and Slide-Out Kitchen for off-road convenience
- ZERO Fridge and BASE Rack for storage and expedition essentials
- StealthBar with Winch, Awning and Awning Room, and Ensuite for ultimate camp comfort
- OME Suspension and Recovery Points for tackling challenging terrain
These accessories, combined with the D-Max’s selectable 4WD, Rough Terrain Mode, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control, ensured the vehicle was more than ready for any obstacle the route presented.
Teamwork Across Borders
The expedition was divided among ARB Hub teams, beginning with UK Field Sales Managers Steve Waltho and Darryl Middleton. The baton was then passed to Bellinger Isuzu’s Alan Rixton and Thomas Zuidhof, who navigated the vehicle through the UK, France, and Italy. Next, Bellinger’s Managing Director Oliver Dimbylow and Sales Manager Joe Bellinger took the wheel through Italy into Spain. The final stretch, crossing into Morocco and culminating in Marrakech, was led by Crawfords Automotive Chelmsford Marketing Manager Hannah Kelsey, who returned the expedition to the UK.
Thomas Zuidhof reflected on the journey: “The route ahead was packed with incredible landscapes. From alpine passes to desert dunes, we truly put the D-Max and ARB kit through their paces. This is what it’s all about: real-world adventure, shared with great people – in stunning locations.”
Dan Wallis, Sales Manager at ARB UK, added: “This expedition is much more than a celebration of five decades in business. It’s going back to our roots and showing what ARB is all about – adventure, exploration, and making fun memories. Our Australian team is doing a similar adventure down under, travelling across the outback. We couldn’t let them have all the fun, so we’ve put together our own version of the Paris-Dakar rally from the UK.”
Fifty Years of Innovation and Adventure
Founded in 1975 in Melbourne, ARB has grown into a global leader in off-road accessories. Its UK division, based in Dudley, has expanded rapidly in recent years, particularly following the acquisition of Truckman in 2021. The Morocco expedition highlights ARB’s ethos: adventure, innovation, and creating moments that last a lifetime.
From mountains to deserts, across continents and cultures, ARB UK’s 50th anniversary expedition proved that the spirit of exploration is timeless – and when paired with the right vehicle and accessories, no terrain is out of reach.
