Isuzu Cars

Summary

Isuzu Motors Limited is a known Japanese commercial vehicle and diesel engine manufacturer. It is headquartered in the capital city of Japan - Tokyo. The firm has earned a name for manufacturing, marketing, and trading of Isuzu commercial vehicles as well as diesel engines. The company also owns a number of subsidiaries which includes Sollers-Isuzu Russia, Anadolu Isuzu, SML Isuzu, Isuzu Malaysia, Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia, Isuzu UK, Isuzu Philippines, Isuzu SA, Isuzu Vietnam ,Taiwan Isuzu Motors, and Isuzu India. The company holds an assembling and manufacturing plant in Fujisawa, as well as in the Tochigi and the Hokkaido Prefectures. The brand, Isuzu Motors was established in year 1916 by the famous Japanese oil and gasoline producer the Tokyo Gas Company. It was in year 1934 when it was renamed as Isuzu, after the very famous Isuzu River.

Currently, Isuzu vehicles are available in almost all markets across the world. Its oil burners are employed by Renault-Nissan Alliance and General Motors. Isuzu debuted in the Indian automotive segment in year 2006 in association with the Swaraj Mazda. Both signed an agreement for producing different types of commercial vehicles. A few years later, Swaraj was taken over by the Indian UV maker, Mahindra & Mahindra. At present, there are two Isuzu car models available in Indian market which includes the MU-7 SUV and the D-Max which is a Pick Up Truck.

Executive Management

The key responsibilities in Isuzu Motors India are held by Mr. Haruki Mizutani, Director of the Board and Senior Executive Officer. He shares a part of these duties with Mr. Takashi Kikuchi, who holds the position of President & Managing Director of the company. Mr. Kikuchi also takes responsibility for all major Isuzu Motors operations in the Indian automotive market.

Indian Operations

In year 2014, Isuzu Motors India Private Limited began development of its new manufacturing facility at Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. This plant will be functional by 2016 in Sri City at Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the facility will produce 50,000 units, which will further be expanded to 120,000. The company has invested 30 billion yen (243.82 million dollars) for this production plant. The company has collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, and will bring its products in India. Isuzu-Mitsubishi partnership will produce vehicles locally.

Products & Services

Isuzu Motors is currently expanding its dealership network in the country. The company has around 14 sales outlets in 14 major cities of India. It is also planning to increase its dealership network to 60 in the next a couple of years.

Founder & First car

Isuzu Motors commenced its journey in year 1916, when the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Corporation Limited. Entered in an association with Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. to develop and produce automotives.  Later in 1918, the company entered in a technical agreement with the Wolseley Motors Limited and began the manufacturing and sales of Wolseley Motors Limited cars in Eastern Asia. The first Wolseley model was produced in year 1922, - the A-9 car. Later in 1933, Ishikawajima Automotive works formed association with DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc and its name was changed to Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. It was finally in 1934 when it was renamed as Isuzu Motors.

Environmental Initiatives

Known for its oil burners i.e. diesel engines, Isuzu Motors is far from launch of any kind of electric or hybrid vehicles in our country. The company owns a hybrid technology which is used for its buses and other commercial vehicles across global markets. With the increase in demand for hybrid & electric technology, there are strong chances that the Japanese car maker may soon introduce such products in our country.

USP

Isuzu Motors car models are well-equipped with some pretty powerful and fuel saving oil burners. Isuzu cars in India are admired for offering large space-filled cabin and powerful performance to their owners.

Resale Value

Isuzu vehicles are relatively juvenile in the Indian automobile segment. Therefore, it would be pretty early to predict anything on the resale value of its cars in our market.

Competition

Currently, Isuzu is offering only the MU-7 SUV in our country. It is a seven passenger SUV and has been taking a tough stand against the likes of Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner, and Ssangyong Rexton. The auto maker’s another vehicle D-Max cab stands against all other leading pick-up cabs of India.