What is Isuzu known for?
From the beefy D-Max pickup to their best-selling model, the Elf (known as N-Series and Q-Series outside Japan), Isuzu Motors has come up with commercial vehicles that are now household names. Their vehicles are known for their fuel economy, safety, reliability, and durability.
Moving houses? Well, we bet the first thing you’ll think of is that you’ll need an Elf or something bigger for that. Isuzu trucks have shaped industries and set the standard for commercial vehicles around the world.
But aside from its lineup of commercial vehicles, Isuzu is also known for specializing in diesel engines. In fact, the company has been in the business of developing diesel engines since 1933, when it merged with DAT Automotive Manufacturing. Today, Isuzu’s common-rail diesel technology, which is durable, economical, and easy to maintain, has cemented its position as the world’s leading diesel engine and commercial vehicle manufacturer.
Some will also know about Isuzu’s MIMAMORI or its driver assistance software for its commercial vehicles. The software reads data from the vehicle’s control computer for better fuel economy and safe driving. But it doesn’t end there. MIMAMORI also features message forwarding, a driving journal, and Japan’s first internet digital tachometer.
When and how did Isuzu start?
Many Japanese automotive companies were established around the time of Japan’s Meiji Restoration (1868-1889), which was a period of significant political, economic, and social change. Isuzu is one of those companies.
The Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, which was established in 1893, is the predecessor of Isuzu. In 1916, the company decided to work with the Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company and expand its business to automobile manufacturing.
Through this partnership, the A truck was created. In 1918, the company changed its name to Ishikawajima Automotive Works and partnered with Wolseley Motors of England to manufacture the Wolseley A9 passenger vehicle. In 1922, the A9 rolled off the Fukugawa production line, making it the first-ever domestically manufactured passenger car in Japan.
A couple of years later, the first Japan-made Wolseley CP truck was released.
The company saw a lot of growth in the 1920s and the 1930s. In 1933, the company merged with DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc. and changed its name to Automobile Industries. And in 1944, the company’s headquarters moved to Minami-oi, Shinagawa-Ku.
By 1949, the company changed its name to Isuzu Motors Limited, continually growing and establishing itself as a leading manufacturer of diesel engine technology. Throughout the years, they have partnered with other automotive manufacturing companies like the General Motors Corporation, Honda, and the Volvo Group in creating safer and more efficient technologies for their line of commercial and light commercial vehicles.
Why is the company called Isuzu?
The word Isuzu literally means ‘fifty bells.’ But if the business is about commercial vehicles and heavy-duty pickup trucks, then why name it after bells?
Well, the brand is named after the Isuzu River, which is located in the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The river has great historical and cultural significance, as it flows through one of Japan’s most sacred and revered shrines, the Ise Grand Shrine.
To pay homage to their namesake, Isuzu introduced the Isuzu Bellel in 1961. The Bellel had a sedan version and a station wagon variant called the Bellel Express. And the special thing about this car is that it was Isuzu’s first independent car design after working with many foreign brands. The Bellel was widely used for taxi services during its time.
How many Isuzu cars are manufactured and sold?
In the fiscal year 2022 alone, Isuzu has sold over 343,000 commercial vehicles and 378,000 light commercial vehicles around the world, with a total of 721,000 total units moved. In that same year, the company earned more than ¥3.2 trillion in total sales and more than ¥253 Billion in net income. Isuzu continues to see strong demand for its trucks and passenger vehicles in overseas markets, despite a slight decrease in numbers compared to last year due to the chip shortage.
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Isuzu has dozens of overseas subsidiaries, affiliates, and offices around the world. In North America, the company has five affiliates and offices. In Asia, they have facilities in China, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. They also have facilities in Australia, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Since when has Isuzu been in the Philippines?
Isuzu has been present in the Philippine market since the 1950s. But the Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s manufacturing plant in Binan, Laguna was formally inaugurated on July 31, 1997. The brand prides itself in being the nation’s workhorse because of the iconic commercial vehicles that are used by Filipino businesses today.
Isuzu Philippines started distributing light commercial vehicles in 1997, specifically the Isuzu Trooper SUV, Isuzu TF Series Fuego pickup, and the Hi-Lander. In 2001, Isuzu released the Crosswind to the Philippine market and it became a massive hit because of its more modern design and features. Meanwhile, the Fuego evolved into the D-Max in 2003, and was equipped with a beefier and more efficient diesel engine.
Isuzu Philippines continues to expand its business in the country, constantly striving to deliver the best products and services to the local market.
Which Isuzu models are available in the PH?
Isuzu Philippines offers two passenger vehicles–the D-Max and the MU-X. The D-Max is one of the brand’s best-selling models and one of the market’s top pickups. The MU-X, meanwhile, is a rugged midsize SUV that competes with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
As the number one truck brand in the country for 21 years, Isuzu has a full line-up of commercial vehicles in all sorts of body styles, the most popular of which are the N-Series and the F-Series trucks. Isuzu also offers Buses, PUVs, and a versatile truck line called the Traviz in the Philippines.
Where can I buy an Isuzu in the PH?
You can find an Isuzu dealer using the Digital Dealer tool on the Isuzu Philippines official website. Isuzu has 48 dealerships in the Philippines, from Alabang to Zamboanga, so you can easily find one near you.
Aside from looking for a dealership, you can also use the tools on their website to take a virtual tool, inquire about parts, request fleet training, and ask for a quotation or a test drive.
