Isuzu Owners Group

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Comment by Stephen Page on October 13, 2008 at 7:26am

Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu) has been a pioneer in the manufacture of vehicles and engines for industrial and commercial use since its first truck was introduced in 1918. Today Isuzu is a world leader in the production of reliable medium-duty trucks and is world-renowned for its expertise in engineering, from diesel engines to pickups to SUVs.

1910
The roots of Isuzu were planted when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company made its first plans to manufacture vehicles.
1918

Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering and Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company, the predecessors of the current Isuzu, produced Japan's first truck.

The company obtained a license to manufacture and sell England's Wolseley automobiles in Japan, setting a precedent for cooperative international ventures.
1922
The company built its first Japanese automobile.
1935
The company built a prototype bus, the first of its type in Japan. Innovations included air brakes and the engine installed under its floor.
1937
After several mergers and divestitures, the Tokyo Jidosha Kogyo Company was established, launching the history of Isuzu as we now know it. The company had already embarked on a major diesel engine research and production program.
1949
The present company name, Isuzu Motors Limited, was adopted. Isuzu is the name of a river that flows past a Japanese shrine. The word means "fifty bells pealing in harmony and celebration." By now, the company was a major manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks.

1955
Isuzu diesel engines, diesel-powered snow tractors and other equipment were delivered to Japan's Antarctic Observation Base and included sending Isuzu personnel to the South Pole. The equipment has been operational ever since.
1959
The world's first two-ton light-duty forward-control truck was built in October by Isuzu. The cab-over vehicle, now known as the N Series, has remained one of Japan's most enduring models on the strength of its innovation and high quality.
1971
Isuzu's influence in the automotive world expanded with the agreement between Isuzu and General Motors Corporation covering the joint development and marketing of vehicles. Buick's Opel and the Chevrolet LUV truck became the first Isuzu-built vehicles to be offered for sale in American showrooms.
1980
American Isuzu Motors Inc. was founded, and the company spent the year establishing a dealer network in the United States. Today, there are approximately 200 Isuzu dealers nationwide.
1981
American Isuzu Motors Inc. began marketing and selling vehicles in the U.S.
1983
The Isuzu Aska Diesel Turbo passenger car established diesel world records in 13 different categories, firmly establishing the excellence of Isuzu diesel engine technology worldwide.
1984
Isuzu won the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry Good Design Prize - the first time the prestigious prize had ever been awarded in the automotive industry. Given to products that represent excellence in design, function and quality, more than 21 Good Design Prizes have since been awarded to Isuzu.
1985
In February, Isuzu's network of factories in Japan exported its three-millionth vehicle. Isuzu Motors Limited's global operation was divided into three core businesses: light vehicles, commercial vehicles and diesel engines and components.
1988
Isuzu produced a total of 87,000 medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks (gross vehicle weight of 6.1 tons or more), surpassing Daimler-Benz and making Isuzu the number one truck maker in the world.

1992
American Isuzu Motors Inc. retailed its one-millionth unit in the United States. With the introduction of the all-new Trooper, Isuzu became the first import manufacturer to offer vehicles in three segments of the fast-growing sport utility market (mini, compact and full-size).
1994
An Isuzu Rodeo became the first sport utility vehicle to win the Alcan 5000, an eight-day, 4,133-mile rally from Seattle, Washington, to the Arctic Circle. In Japan, the company produced its ten-millionth diesel engine.
1996
A 1996 Rodeo was driven to victory in the Alcan Winter Rally for the second time.

2000
Rodeo achieved a "three-peat", winning its class again in the Alcan Winter Rally.

In Moraine, Ohio, DMAX Limited, an Isuzu/GM joint venture, began production of high-performance Duramax direct injection V8 diesel engines for GM heavy-duty pickups.

American Isuzu Motors Inc. and General Motors Corporation combined forces to create a new venture known as General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC (GMICT) for the marketing of medium-duty trucks to Isuzu, Chevrolet and GMC dealers.
2001

American Isuzu Motors Inc. introduced Axiom - delivering a revolutionary blend of technology, performance and comfort.
2002
The Isuzu NPR has been the best-selling low cab forward medium-duty commercial truck in the U.S. for 14 consecutive years. The NPR GAS models are assembled in the U.S. and are the only gasoline-powered low cab forward medium-duty trucks in the U.S.

2003
American Isuzu Motors Inc. introduces Ascender 7-Passenger, offering drivers a new level of power, roominess and value - and the first V8 in an Isuzu SUV.
2004
Isuzu Motors America, Inc., merges with American Isuzu Motors Inc. and becomes the U.S. distributor of Isuzu light vehicles and diesel engines. Isuzu introduces Ascender 5-Passenger, its most powerful six-cylinder SUV ever.
2005

Isuzu Motors America, Inc. adds two new pickups to its lineup of sport utility vehicles for the 2006 model year. The i-280 4x2 Extended Cab and the i-350 4x4 Crew Cab showcase Isuzu's engineering expertise and provide customers with class-leading payload and towing capacities. The pickups are produced in Shreveport, Louisiana.
2006
Isuzu Pickups, the i-290 4x2 Extended Cab and i-370 4x4 Crew Cab, get a significant upgrade with larger engines and increased horsepower and torque while maintaining the same great 2006 starting retail prices for the 2007 model year.

IntelliChoice recognizes Isuzu Motors America, Inc.'s entire 2006 lineup as among the best in their class for low costs.


2007

Isuzu Motors America, Inc. adds two new models to its award-winning line of pickup trucks. The i-370 4x2 Extended Cab and the
i-370 4x2 Crew Cab join the Isuzu family to double the size of the 2007 Isuzu Pickup lineup.