Isuzu, the Japanese automotive powerhouse, has stood the test of time in South Africa, having been present in the country since 1964. We reflect on last year’s 60th anniversary celebrations with Billy Tom, President of wholly-owned subsidiary Isuzu Motors South Africa.
ISUZU TRUCK HERITAGE
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) was established on 1st January 2018 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer.
It was created following the departure of General Motors (GM) from the country in 2017, with Isuzu assuming ownership of GM’s facilities.
IMSA is the first manufacturing and distribution organisation outside of Japan where Isuzu has 100 percent ownership.
“Our facility is the only one in the world where Isuzu owns the entirety of the business,” opens Billy Tom, President of IMSA, who has now been at the subsidiary for five-and-a-half years.
IMSA is headquartered in Struandale, an industrial area and suburb in Gqeberha – formerly named Port Elizabeth until February 2021 – a major seaport and the most populous city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa (SA).
This location, which serves as an important base for Isuzu’s long-term growth throughout Africa, is capable of producing 15,000 trucks a year and 5,000 heavy commercial vehicles.
“Alongside our main manufacturing plant in Gqeberha, we have marketing and strategy offices in SA as well as assembly facilities in Kenya and Ethiopia,” Tom informs.
60 YEARS IN SA
Prior to establishing IMSA, Isuzu has had a presence in SA since 1964 when its first commercial vehicles entered the market.
Isuzu has therefore been a trusted partner to South African businesses for more than six decades, cementing its place as a leader in the commercial vehicle sector.
This was soon followed by the introduction of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in 1972 and, as the brand’s popularity grew, resulted in the local production of LCVs in 1978.
For 45 years, Isuzu has also proven itself to be a trusted brand delivering bakkies to both the commercial and leisure markets.
Today, it remains one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle brands and has become renowned for its durability and reliability.
“We commemorated 60 years of commercial vehicle presence and 45 years of LCV production in the region last year,” shares Tom.
To celebrate six decades of Isuzu truck heritage in SA, IMSA reintroduced the iconic SBR 500 and JCR 800 as special edition models.
These two commercial vehicles are synonymous with durability, reliability, and affordability, and returned to deliver the same trusted performance with a modern twist, capturing the hearts of both seasoned operators and a new generation of customers.
The special editions of the SBR 500 and JCR 800 blend the nostalgia of their iconic predecessors with the performance and practicality required in today’s dynamic industries.
More than just trucks, these vehicles are a celebration of SA’s industrial progress and the enduring relationship between Isuzu and the communities it serves.
“We commemorated 60 years of commercial vehicle presence and 45 years of LCV production in the region last year”
Billy Tom, President, Isuzu Motors South Africa
RAISING THE BAR
For the past 11 years, IMSA has occupied the number one position in the medium and heavy-duty commercial truck segment of the South African market.
It distributes the Isuzu MU-X sport utility vehicle (SUV) and manufactures the Isuzu D-MAX range of bakkies, as well as medium, heavy, and extra-heavy trucks.
The MU-X is an adventurous SUV that blends impressive capability with premium comfort and cutting-edge design.
This year, IMSA has introduced the latest evolution of the MU-X, raising the bar with improved styling, upgraded technology and safety, and refined driving dynamics.
It builds upon the vehicle’s key strengths by adding increased levels of luxury comfort, convenience, and active safety.
The MU-X therefore continues to set the benchmark for SUVs that deliver versatility, refinement, reliability, and adventure-ready performance.
Whether navigating city streets, tackling rugged off-road trails, or embarking on long-distance road trips, the MU-X ensures every journey is completed in comfort and style.
“More recently, we have made an investment in new technologies so we can look at producing alternative energy vehicles”
Billy Tom, President, Isuzu Motors South Africa
KEY INVESTMENTS
In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Isuzu invested ZAR1.2 billion into its next-generation bakkie programme in SA, demonstrating the company’s commitment to the market.
“More recently, we have made an investment in new technologies so we can look at producing alternative energy vehicles,” Tom tells us.
Alongside this, IMSA has ambitions to increase its presence on the continent. Currently, the subsidiary sells to 30 countries, mostly in Africa.
“We’re looking at international exports by investing in more facilities, as well as exporting services through local ports,” he reveals.
As IMSA exports all over Africa, all logistics are outsourced.
The company is also very relationship-focused and tries to keep as many local suppliers as possible.
“We are joined at the hip of our suppliers,” Tom closes.
