Isuzu. A reliable wheelhorse
Isuzu Motors is the oldest Japanese company, the first to be engaged in diesel engine production. Diesel engines are a distinction mark of Isuzu. Founded in 1916, Isuzu produced cars following the example of the British company called Wolseley Motors, and then it started producing trucks. Isuzu is named after the sacred river of Isuzu flowing on the Honshu island. Its name is Japanese for ‘fifty bells’. First, it was the name of one of the truck models, it was produced in 1928. In our days, Isuzu is one of the largest manufacturers of medium and heavy trucks, vans, buses, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks. Isuzu is the leader in the production of commercial vehicles in Japan. Isuzu cars are famous all over the world and have an impeccable reputation of reliable trucks for business.
Isuzu company was the first to produce diesel engines in Japan. Diesel engines could be called the business card of Isuzu. As for diesel engines, Isuzu was in many ways a pioneer. In 1936, the first Japanese diesel engine DA6, which had an air-cooling system, was designed and produced. In 1950, Isuzu developed the DA80 the first water-cooled V8 diesel engine in Japan. Isuzu Elf trucks with cost-efficient diesel engine DA640 went off, literally, like hot cakes.
In 1961, Isuzu produced the first diesel engine for passenger cars - DL201 with the volume of 1991cm3. For this engine, the company received an award from the Japanese Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 1967, the first in Japan 4-stroke diesel engine with direct injection for trucks was presented. In 1981, Isuzu developed the world’s first quick-start system to avoid prolonged preheating of diesel engines. Isuzu was the first to apply the electronic adjustment of diesel engines to trucks.
Isuzu Trooper has won much more than one race on nearly impassable routes like Paris-Dakar and Australian Safari.
Its first off-road vehicle, Rodeo Bighorn, exported as Trooper became truly famous. Isuzu first produced it in 1985. Isuzu Trooper has repeatedly won the most impassable circuit races such as Paris-Dakar and Australian Safari. In the early ‘90s, Isuzu was the first in the world to produce medium and heavy trucks.
Isuzu is the biggest supplier of comercial vehicles in Japan. Isuzu models are world-famous and reputable as reliable trucks for business. For example, TFS (4×2) series pickup truck is known in Europe as Opel Campo, and TFR (4×4) is known as Vauxhall Bravo. Hombre or Chevrolet S-10 pickup trucks are very popular in USA and Latin America. And it is also Isuzu! Isuzu Fargo Filly minivan is the analog of the Nissan Elgrand, actively sold in Japan and North America.
In alliance with GM
Isuzu also cooperates with the largest US carmaker, General Motors. It develops commercial cars and diesel engines for GM. Today’s Isuzu is abreast of time, it works on production of diesel engines with high environmental parameters. This work is carried out within the framework of the agreement with General Motors, where Isuzu is the chief expert.
Isuzu has cooperated with GM for about 50 years. It started in 1971, when Isuzu sold to the Americans 35% of its shares. This partnership turned out to be a great success. In 1972, a Chevrolet LUV pickup truck, fully developed by Japanese engineers, appeared in the USA. Outside of America, it was called Isuzu Faster. In 1974, the GeMini car, based on the Chevrolet T-Car platform, was presented. This car was produced all over the world under different names. In Australia - as Holden GeMini, in USA - as Buick Opel and Chevrolet Chevette, depending on the modification, in Europe - as Opel Kadett C. Isuzu has never placed its logo on someone else’s production, but cooperated with General Motors, helping to refine cars build on the GM platform. These cars are a result of the joint activity of both companies.
Another successful joint project of Isuzu and GM was a sports coupe Piazza, sold in the US as Impulse. The famous Italian Giugiaro studio took part in its design. Piazza was so successful that it was produced for a decade! However, despite the success of small cars, Isuzu and Chevrolet decided to concentrate on SUVs and pickup trucks, In the ‘90s, they entered a partnership with Honda, which began to sell Isuzu cars under its brand. This way, Honda Passport and Acura SLX happen to be nothing but Isuzu Rodeo and Isuzu Trooper. And Isuzu Gemini and Isuzu Aska are based on Honda Domani and Honda Accord.
Honda Passport and Acura SLX happen to be nothing else but Isuzu Rodeo and Isuzu Trooper. Isuzu Gemini and Isuzu Aska are based on Honda Domani and Honda Accord.
Well, Chevrolet is still making use of the developments of Japanese engineers, producing a full-size pickup truck Isuzu D-Max under its name. In other markets it’s sold under the Isuzu brand. Both General Motors and Isuzu consider this car the most important result of their long-term cooperation. Just recently, Isuzu has presented the restyled pickup D-Max, a serious rival to other manufacturers’ pickup trucks.
What’s about the new Isuzu D-Max?
Stylish and aggressive appearance, rapid sports power, perfect dimensions, spacious interior - one of the best in the class for passenger comfort, roominess and functionality, ergonomic seats and advanced 4×4 4WD and the famous Isuzu diesel engine, with the excellent fuel efficiency and high power output, the Isuzu D-max privides a great road performace of the pickup, stable on the road with any kind of surface, manoeuvrable, with an optimal balance. That’s why every long-distance trip will be as comfortable as possible.
Isuzu D-Max is produced in Thailand and exported worldwide to more than 100 countries. Isuzu and General Motors predict that the annual sales level of D-Max will reach about 500,000 cars.
That’s how it goes in the General Motors' SUV division.
Isuzu Commercial Truck has been so successful that Isuzu decided to work with GM to set up production of its DMAX diesel engines in Ohio, and now this factory produces more than 600 engines per day. And the Duramax 6600 diesel engine, according to Ward’s Communications, is one of the top 10 engines!
