Isuzu D-MAX Space Cab Launched by Takashi Kikuchi (MD, Isuzu Motors India) and Shigeru Wakabayashi (Deputy MD, Isuzu Motors India)
Isuzu Motors, the Japanese automobile maker and the world leader in diesel engine technology, exhibited for the first time at 12th edition of Delhi Auto Expo, India’s largest automobile event. Inspired by Isuzu’s strong diesel engine legacy, Isuzu Motors booth at the Auto Expo has been designed in the form of a 4 cylinder diesel engine, reiterating its global leadership in the segment.
The company showcased its India-manufactured and BS-4 compliant sports utility vehicle “MU-7” and India’s first multi-utility pick-up truck “D-max” Space Cab along with the D-max Single Cab & Rally Car.
The MU-7 inherits Isuzu’s diesel-engine expertise and is endowed with superior fuel efficiency and outstanding engine performance. A 3-metre wheel-base makes the MU-7 one of the longest SUVs available in India, offering luxurious and spacious interiors. Isuzu MU-7 is powered with a 3 litre turbo-charged diesel engine, delivering 163 PS @ 3600 rpm and 360 Nm @ 1800- 2800 rpm range, making it a tough and reliable ride.
A Durable, Reliable and tough multipurpose vehicle, the D-Max Space Cab is India’s first multi-utility pickup truck. Known for its ride quality and comfort, the D-max delivers high performance and fuel efficiency. Isuzu Motors D-max is one of the largest selling pickup trucks globally.
The D-max pickup truck is also renowned for its endurance and reliability. The D-Max has proven its toughness and durability, in some of the world’s toughest rallies including Dakar Rally, Australasian Safari Rally, Asia Cross Country Rally, Dubai Desert Challenge to name a few.
On this special occasion, the company also organized the famous Taiko Show, a mythological origin in Japanese folklore. A renowned drumming style of the Japanese origin, the Taiko drum beats when in harmony; represent the beats of the Diesel Engine, on which Isuzu has built its legacy.
At present, Isuzu has a contract manufacturing agreement with Hindustan Motors (HML) under which HML is contract assembling CKD kits of Isuzu’s sports utility vehicle MU-7 and pick-up truck D-Max, at its Thiruvallur, Chennai plant.
Isuzu broke ground on its proposed manufacturing plant site in SriCity, TADA, Chitoor, Hyderabad. The company had acquired 107 Acres of land in 2013 after signing MoU with the Andhra Pradesh State Government in order to start automobile manufacturing operation in India. This new facility is likely to commence commercial operations by early 2016, with the initial production capacity at 50,000 units/ year. Isuzu will scale up the production capacity to 120,000 units/ year, with the accumulated investment of Rs. 3,000 Crore, and is expected to generate 2000~3000 jobs. Isuzu Motors India plans to achieve 100% percent localization within three years of commencing production in 2016. It is an exemplary showcase of Isuzu’s long term commitment to the Indian market.
At present, Isuzu Motors India has presence across entire South India with 7 exclusive dealerships in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The company has plans to open 60 outlets across India including New Delhi & Mumbai by end of 2015-16.
About Isuzu Motors (India)
Isuzu Motors Limited, Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan is a global manufacturer of light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, utility vehicles and diesel engines. With operations in 25 countries with its vehicles sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, the company is a leader in pickups and pickup based derivatives in many markets worldwide along with leadership in light commercial vehicles. The company manufactures and sells close to 6 lakh units annually across the world, and is a leader in pickup trucks & derivatives and light commercial vehicles in most of the key markets that it operates in.
Isuzu Motors India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan was established in August 2012. The company started its India operations by bringing in limited volume of completely built units (CBUs) for the purpose of test marketing and developing a better understanding of the Indian customers. Isuzu Motors, in the next phase of its project has started the assembly of CKD units in contract manufacturing with Hindustan Motors Limited. This is an intermediate stage of the company’s project in India, before the start full fledge localized manufacturing at its own plant at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh expected by 2016.
