ISUZU WILL ALWAYS MEAN THE BEST.

A LEADER IN TRANSPORTATION, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND DIESEL ENGINES, SUPPORTING OUR CUSTOMERS AND RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT.

Isuzu marks the 72nd anniversary of its long and prosperous involvement with diesel engines in 2006.

HERITAGE




1893
  • The birth of world’s 1st Diesel Engine created by Rudolf Diesel.
1936
  • Automobile Industries Co., Ltd., an Isuzu predecessor manufactured Japan's first air-cooled diesel engine, which marked a breakthrough in the history of diesel engine development. This engine model surpassed competitors when vehicles for both civilian and military use equipped with it soon.
1937
  • Automobile Industries was merged with two other companies into Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd.
1941
  • The Japanese government designated Tokyo Automobile Industries as the only company that was permitted to manufacture diesel-powered vehicles.
1949
  • This company was renamed to Isuzu Motors Limited which established strong foothold in the industry to lead the diesel engine technology.
1950's
  • DA80 Japan's first V8 Diesel Engine.
  • Developed in-Direct Injection and later Direct Injection combustion chamber diesel engines.
  • Launched ELF Truck with DA-640 diesel engine.
  • Isuzu Hillman launched, 1st Isuzu passenger car.
1960's
  • Isuzu Bellel passenger car was launched.
  • Unveiled the Bellett car and KR compact truck.
  • Introduced TM 120-ton class truck, a large rear-engine type bus, and the passenger car "Florian.“
  • Launched the passenger car 117 Coupe.

1970's
  • Unveiled TR model 4-ton payload truck Forward.
  • Unveiled KS model 3 to 3.5-ton payload truck Elf 350.
  • Released the KB 1-ton payload compact truck Faster.
  • Unveiled the Gemini, the first automobile produced with General Motors of America.
1980's
  • Unveiled the WFR Fargo series of wagons and vans.
  • Unveiled the Piazza passenger car.
  • Introduced the compact four-wheel drive vehicle UBS Rodeo Bighorn.
  • Unveiled the Florian Aska passenger car.
  • A new type of recreational vehicle, the Mu, was introduced in Japan and the U.S.A. (Amigo).
1990's
  • Rodeo was introduced in the U.S. market.
  • Introduction of the new N-series & F-series.
  • VehiCROSS SUV was introduced in Japan.
  • Kingfisher 33, fishing boat started its sales in Japan.
  • Mass production of compressed-natural-gas-powered Elf CNG truck started.
2000's
  • Isuzu Pickup completely changed into the D-Max through the collaborative effort of Isuzu and General Motors.
  • Total Isuzu N-Series light-duty trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) hit 5,000-unit in Japan.
  • Elf Hybrid model, equipped with Isuzu's own hybrid system to cut emissions and reduce fuel costs in city driving started its sales on the general market in Japan.
   


1.54 Million Pick-up Truck
 
  • Started local production of pickup truck in Thailand from 1974 and its cumulative sales volume reaches 1.54 million units today.
 
  • D-Max which originates from Thailand (2nd largest pick-up truck market in the world) has become the "Worldwide Pick-up" that finds popularity in 80 countries worldwide such as UK, Middle-East, Vietnam, USA, Belgium, Italy and many more.
 
  • Isuzu Motors Limited has remodeled Isuzu D-Max. The new D-Max boasts of a new design that conjures up dynamic and speedy image - the outcome of efforts to pursue high quality and performance image.