The Isuzu Motors Ltd is a Japanese automotive commercial & diesel engine producer company established in March 1934, its headquarters located in Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. Isuzu’s primary market is commercial diesel-powered truck, buses and construction. In most of Asia and Africa, Isuzu is mostly known for trucks of all sizes.By 2009, Isuzu had produced over 21 million diesel engines, which can be found in vehicles all over the world.Isuzu diesel engines are used by dozens of manufacturers, to include Ford Motor Company and Renault–Nissan Alliance.
Established
March 30, 1934; 83 years ago
Headquarters
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
History
1916s -1970s :
Isuzu Motors’ began in 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. planned a cooperation with the Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. to build automobiles. In 1922 came the first ever Japan-produced passenger car, a Wolseley model, the A9 followed by the CP truck 550 units of these were built by 1927. The products of this company, marketed as “Sumiya” and “Chiyoda”, were renamed Isuzu (after the Isuzu River) in 1934, following a meeting with the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI). The word Isuzu translated into English means “fifty bells”—hence the focus on “bell” in both the later Bellel and the Bellett.
In 1974 Isuzu introduced the Gemini, which co-produced with General Motors as the T-car. It sold in the United States as Buick’s Opel by Isuzu, and in Australia as the Holden Gemini. As a result of the collaboration, certain American GM products sold to Japanese customers through Isuzu dealerships.
1980s – 2000s :
In 1981 Isuzu began selling consumer and commercial vehicles under their own brand in the United States. The Isuzu P’Up the first model sold as an Isuzu, rather than as a Chevrolet or Buick. Isuzu’s then president Toshio Okamoto then initiated a collaboration with small-car expert Suzuki to develop a global small car for GM, the S-car. During this period Isuzu also developed a worldwide presence as an exporter of diesel engines, used by Opel/Vauxhall, Land Rover, Hindustan, and many others. Two Isuzu model lines (Gemini, Impulse) marketed as part of the Geo division, when it initially launched as a Chevrolet subsidiary. In Australia, Isuzu was for many years a major supplier of light commercial and domestic vehicles to Holden (General Motors). However, by 2008, Holden was sourcing few Isuzus. At this time Isuzu began to sell the D-Max under the Isuzu name.
Japan
The Fujisawa Plant manufactured and opened for production in November 1961. It is placed at Tsuchidana, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, and is still producing commercial vehicles for domestic Japanese use and global exports. The Togichi Plant, located at Hakuchu, Ohira-Machi, Tochigi, Tochigi, is where the engines are presently manufactured.
Mimamori-kun Online service
Isuzu Motors for monitoring and tracking commercial vehicle operations and movements in Japan. The service uses GPS satellite tracking services, and started in February 2004 and some of the main features include Internet Digital Tachograph, the first of its kind wirelessly in Japan, joined with hands-free communication, voice guidance, and text messages displayed from the dispatch office.
Isuzu Diesel Engines / Powertrain Division
Diesel engines are a major part of the Isuzu Motors business with over 20 million engines worldwide. The diesel power division, famous as the Powertrain Division, of Isuzu Motors America, situated in Plymouth, Michigan.
Isuzu and Toyota agree to develop a 1.6-liter diesel engine for use in Toyota vehicles sold in European markets in August 2007. Isuzu’s plant in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh began functions in 2016, December 17, 2008 – Isuzu, Toyota defer development of clean diesel engine.
Logo
Isuzu Motors Ltd: To symbolize the new beginning, Isuzu also developed a new logo for 1974, with two vertical pillars which stylized representations of the first syllable in いすゞ (“Isuzu”).
The logo has disappeared from Isuzu models over the years but still seen on corporate communications within the company. Now, the Isuzu badge text-based, with the “S” and “Z” being mirror images of each other.
