Isuzu is a Japanese brand of cars that has remained popular around the globe for almost 90 years, although they have been around for almost 100. Here, you’ll learn about the brand’s history, some of their most popular models, and more.
How the Company Got Started
Isuzu was created by the merging of two companies with a dream to create high-quality automobiles. In 1916, Tokyo Ishikawajima and Engineering Co. and Tokyo Gas and Electrical Industrial Co. began to work together to build the perfect Japanese vehicle. In 1922, the first of many models, the A-9, was released. By 1936, the company had released several more models – including a truck. This was also the year that Isuzu developed Japan’s first air-cooled diesel engine, something they would become a worldwide leader within a few decades.
The 1960s proved to be an extremely successful period for the company, as noted by the release of several new compact truck models like the ELFIN and the WASP. In 1972, the first Isuzu vehicle was imported to the United States. This was the result of a partnership between the company and General Motors. By 1981, Isuzu had completely expanded to the U.S.
The 1990s saw the rise of the SUV, which brought even more profit for the company.
Throughout the company’s history, they have partnered with many different car manufacturers around the world including Subaru/Fuji Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Nisaan. Some of their models have been rebranded under these companies name, continuing the Isuzu legacy. Now, the company is mainly known for their heavy duty trucks and diesel engine vehicles.
The Logo
The Isuzu logo has undergone significant change since the first one was designed in 1949. The original logo followed the trend of other classic car brands at the time, with the round logo that featured an elaborate font and winged emblem on the bottom. In 1974, it was simplified to feature a red background with two inverted towers and the name of the company in white at the bottom. In 1991, it was simplified even more. All it included was the name of the company in bright, bold red lettering. According to 1000 logos, this coloring emphasizes that the “company is dynamic, energetic, and passionate.”
Sales
Despite the failure to succeed in the American market, Isuzu did have a good run when it came to their sales up until 2005. The chart to the left shows their sales trajectory from 1981 to 2009. According to statistics from CarSalesBase, two significant periods of increased sales can be noticed, one from 1986-1992 and another from 1999-2002.
Many Different Models
While Isuzu has condensed their model lineup significantly, the vehicles they are currently offering are better than ever. Here’s a list of the ones currently available:
Model Picture Description ● Bi-LED projector headlamps ● Shark fin antenna ● 1.9L Ddi engine ● VGS turbocharger with VSS ● 6 speed AT with sequential shift Shift-on-the-fly 4 wheel drive system ● Chrome tailgate handles ● Dark metallic gray grille and ORVMs ● 124 kW VGS turbocharged 1.9L diesel engine ● Flat torque curve Twin cockpit ergonomic cabin design ● “Eagle-inspired” muscle stance ● Diamond cut alloy wheels ● Shark fin antenna ● Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRL ● Holds 7 people Pentalink suspension ● Engine with VGS technology ● 6.3m turning radius ● 220 mm high ground clearance ● 40.6 cm wheels 5-speed gearbox with overdrive ● Engine with VGS technology ● 6.1m turning radius ● 220 mm high ground clearance ● 5-speed gear box with override ● Aerodynamic design ● High tensile steel body
Most Popular Model All pictures are from: https://www.isuzu.in.
Currently, the most popular Isuzu model is the Elf – a commercial vehicle meant to help tow and haul items. It was released in 1959, making it one of the longest-lasting Isuzu models in production.
According to Be Forward, here are some other popular Isuzu models from the past and present:
- Como
- Forward
- Journey
- Juston
- Forward Juston
- Bighorn
- D-Max
- Giga
- Fargo
Geographic Popularity
Isuzu models of all types are popular around the globe. Mostly known for their trucks and transport vehicles, models can be found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. However, their most popular market by far is in Thailand.
The company pulled all vehicles from the American market in 2009 following the global financial crisis and after several vehicles not performing as well as expected. Despite this, they still remain an extremely popular car company across the world.
Sustainability
Isuzu remains committed to creating sustainable practices within its business. In the latest report from the company, the president stated “The Isuzu Group has long built relationships of trust with our stakeholders and delivered innovative products and services in the development and manufacture of commercial vehicles and diesel engines. Going forward, we aim to continue providing value to society based on the relationships of trust we have cultivated over many years.”
They also aim to “prioritize reducing this [environmental] impact,” “acquire the strength and endurance to realize innovation,” “develop more efficient and high performance internal combustion vehicles,” and “promote the use of carbon-neutral fuels to create a full lineup of carbon-neutral vehicles by 2040.”
Safety
Isuzu vehicles are some of the most reliable vehicles on the road. Because the company is known for making diesel engine, heavy-haul trucks, it has a reputation to uphold. Many of the models are created with easy-to-read meters, comfortable driver’s seats, and other features to prevent fatigue and increase efficiency.
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