| Isuzu Motors Limited has a long history of quality | | | | General Motors to begin producing Isuzu vehicles in |
| construction when it comes to cars and trucks of all | | | | America for the first time. Further partnerships ensue |
| sizes. Their commercial vehicles and diesel engines are | | | | over the next three decades as Isuzu makes deals |
| some of the highest regarded in their fields. This article | | | | with Subaru and Honda to develop and exchange car |
| will take a look at the history of Isuzu trucks and | | | | lineups for various models. Popular trucks like Isuzu |
| commercial vehicles, so you can understand how this | | | | Rodeo and Isuzu Pickup furthered the brand name for |
| company has become the brand it is today. | | | | high-quality vehicles, and the multiple world records |
| Isuzu's Beginning | | | | Isuzu established in 1983 for their diesel engines show |
| In 1916 the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and | | | | the world their commitment to innovation and |
| Engineering Company created a plan to work with the | | | | excellence. |
| Tokyo Gas Electric Industrial Company to manufacture | | | | Focus Turns to Commercial Trucks |
| automobiles. In addition, in 1918 this new company | | | | By 1999 GM had taken a 49% stake in Isuzu |
| received a license to build and sell cars in Japan that | | | | Company and effectively taken over the direction of |
| had been designed by the Wolseley Motor Company, | | | | the company as the majority stakeholder. |
| which was based in the UK. This began a long history | | | | Unfortunately this happened right about the same time |
| of international joint ventures for the future Isuzu | | | | as the new millennium hit its first recession. After |
| Company. By 1922 the Wolseley A-9 was produced in | | | | several years of falling sales, Isuzu decided to shut |
| Japan and sold locally. Their first truck, the CP, debuted | | | | down its American operations for consumer cars and |
| two years later. Over the next couple decades, | | | | trucks, and focus exclusively on their commercial |
| various corporate mergers change the name of this | | | | vehicles and diesel engines. |
| company until 1949 when Isuzu Motors Limited | | | | Isuzu Commercial Vehicles Today |
| became the official company name. By this time the | | | | Today you will continue to find the Isuzu N series and |
| company is one of the largest manufacturers of | | | | F series on the road. In addition the successful line of |
| heavy-duty trucks in Japan. | | | | vocational commercial vehicles is available for towing, |
| Continued Partnerships and Growth | | | | pest control, landscaping, and food service. Since 1986 |
| The need for heavy reconstruction after World War II | | | | they have been the number one seller of low cab |
| led to a boom in production of Isuzu vehicles, and | | | | forward trucks in the US. In addition, over 86% of the |
| especially trucks. By 1959, Isuzu had created the cab | | | | trucks that Isuzu has sold in the US are still being driven |
| over forward control truck which came to be known | | | | today, which means that Isuzu has established itself as |
| as the N series. Due to the quality, ease of driving, and | | | | a premier truck manufacturer in the US and around the |
| constant innovation, the N series remains a popular | | | | world. |
| seller to this day. In 1971, a deal was signed with | | | | |