Isuzu to unveil three LCVs at Auto Expo

By Nabeel A Khan

Hyderabad: Japanese automobile major Isuzu Motors India Private Limited will unveil three new pick up trucks in India during the Auto Expo 2014 starting February 5, a company official informed ETAuto.com.

The three pick ups to be shown at the expo includes Single Cabin, Extended Cabin & Flat Deck. The company official also confirmed that in coming months these LCVs will be launched for sale in the Indian market. Isuzu Motors currently sells two products -MU7, a sports utility vehicle and DMAX, a pick up truck.




The vehicle manufacturer is setting up a new manufacturing plant in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, near Chennai port. The plant spread in 107 acres will be operational by early 2016 with an initial capacity 50,000 units. “We think by then we will be able to consume this capacity for local consumption,” said Shigeru Wakabayashi, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Mtors India Private Limited. He added that the company will look for exports only after achieving this target.

Isuzu Motors India is a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan and Isuzu Motors which majority 62 % share of Isuzu and rest 38% with Mitsubishi Corporation. The company will invest Rs 3000 crore in a phased manner till 2020 to have an optimum production capacity of 120,000 units per year.

Susumu Hosoi, President and Representative Director, Isuzu Motors Limited, said “We look forward to gradually increase our presence in the country. This project is considered as one of the important projects at Isuzu Motors. By introducing the globally popular Isuzu pick-up trucks and SUVs, we are quite confident that our fuel efficient and durable products will match the needs of the customers in India.”

Dealer expansion

The company is also expanding its dealer network and by 2016 it expects to have 60 dealers across India. The company currently have dealership in Chennai, Coimbatore and will shortly be opening in Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Cochin, Bangalore, Tirupati, Vishakapatnam, Madurai and Delhi to make 10 dealerships across India by the end of this year.

Commenting on the occasion, Takashi Kikuchi, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India said, “It is an important and exciting day for us since we have broken ground at Sri City. India is a key region in Isuzu’s global growth strategy for its emerging markets and as an important manufacturing hub in the future. Our focus is to accelerate our business and establish Isuzu as an important player in the pickup trucks and utility vehicles market in India.” Isuzu is aggressive on socialisation and by 2016, it expects to achieve 70% localisation.