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About Isuzu Cars

A technical cooperation with Wolseley Motors Limited in 1918 following a mutual agreement of cooperation to produce automobiles between Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. with Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. in 1916 is considered the first step in the establishment of a Japanese truck manufacturer company, Isuzu. The first product that came out to market was a Wolseley model A-9 car. Ishikawajima Automotive Works merged with DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc. to form Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. which was reorganised as Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. later in 1937. It was only in 1949 that the company adopted the name Isuzu (meaning fifty bells). In 1953 a passenger car named Hillman Minx was introduced but under the license of Rootes Group. The first Isuzu-branded product Bellel appeared in 1961.

Having a clear vision of the Japanese market, Isuzu was always looking to expand domestically and internationally through commercial partnership strategies. Short-term partnerships were made with some pretty big names in the industry like Fuji Heavy Industries (1966-1968) and Mitsubishi (1968-1969). After several partnerships and spilt-ups, one of the most crucial periods in the company's history came when a capital-sharing agreement was signed with General Motors in September 1971 which unlocked the door to international markets. The Chevrolet LUV was the first Isuzu-built vehicle to be sold in the United States. Gemini, a T car made by Isuzu in cooperation with GM was marketed in the US as Buick's Opel and in Australia as the Holden Gemini. The collaboration was mutually beneficial as the GM products became more popular in Japanese markets.

By 1981 Isuzu started selling its own-brand products in the US. These product lines retained their names and are sold independently to consumers as an Isuzu product. Isuzu P'Up was the first to reach the US market in that category. Nearly 20 years after that Isuzu dropped all sales of sedans and compact cars.

By 1981 Isuzu started selling its own-brand products in the US. These product lines retained their names and are sold independently to consumers as an Isuzu product. Isuzu P'Up was the first to reach the US market in that category. Nearly 20 years after that Isuzu dropped all sales of sedans and compact cars.

Isuzu has also gained recognition as a diesel engine manufacturer with their power plants in use by many other companies. General Motors and Renault-Nissan Alliance use Isuzu diesel engines. Over the past fifteen years, Isuzu has made many joint ventures with companies and has experienced several market ups and downs. In 1999 General Motors gained control over Isuzu by raising its stake to 49%. But in 2002 Isuzu re-purchased the stock from shareholders reducing GM's share to 12%.

Currently part of the GM group, Isuzu is still among the leading suppliers of medium-duty commercial trucks and pickups with vast US dealerships and market share.