In a move to scale up its product in worldwide market, Japanese automobile maker Isuzu Motors - a leader in commercial vehicles and diesel engines - on Wednesday set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh for global operation. The company will also export vehicles from its Indian plant besides automotive components, according to a senior official.
“We are very happy to start our local manufacturing operations in India. India is one of the biggest automobile markets and also one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India is a key part of Isuzu Motors’ global growth strategy. This new plant in India will not only cater to the requirements of the growing Indian market, but in future it will also serve as a key manufacturing hub for ISUZU's global operations,” said Masanori Katayama, President, Isuzu Motors limited during the inaugural ceremony here.
The modern facility was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu when he drove the first India-made D-Max pickup model out of the assembly line. Isuzu Motors India, after registering the company in August 2012, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Government in March 2013 to set up the plant which is spread across 107 acres of land and has an installed capacity of 50,000 units per year which can be scaled up to 1,20,000 units.
“The initial production capacity of the plant is 50,000 units per annum and can be scaled up to 1,20,000 units,” Katayama said, adding that we will also export vehicles from its Indian plant besides our automotive components.
Product localisation level is presently marked at 70 per cent, but will be increased in the future. Having invested Rs 3,000 crore in its combined business units which include Isuzu Motors India, Isuzu Engineering Business Centre, and Isuzu logostics India, the company expects to generate between 2,000-3,000 jobs with the start of operations of its manufacturing unit. The new generation 'ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross' - India's First Adventure Utility Vehicle, was also rolled-out of plant by the Chief Minister and Katayama to mark the commencement of production at the new facility. With manufacturing operations in Japan, Thailand and the USA already existing, this plant in India will add impetus to the manufacturing operations of ISUZU globally.
Commenting on the occasion, Hiroyasu Miura, Chairman, Isuzu Motors India Pvt. ltd, said, "The globally proven ISUZU D-MAX pickups will be manufactured at this plant under high quality standards in line with ISUZU's well acclaimed 'Isuzu Manufacturing Management' practices. We have found Indian suppliers to be capable of meeting Isuzu's global quality standards and we will follow a high localization strategy for the manufacturing operations in India. Isuzu is in India for last 4 years studying the Indian market, understanding the Indian customer's requirements and establishing the sales and service network."
The D-MAX V-Cross (4x4) is India's First Adventure Utility Vehicle. A globally proven off-roader with a capable 4WD, the V-Cross is also a premium 5-seater urban vehicle. This is a first-in-the-segment product in India that for the first time meets the aspirations of India's adventure seekers.
The D-MAX Crew Cab, a 4-door pickup with a cargo deck offers multi-utility capabilities for the business owners who like to drive their own pickups and carry their crew and material with them. The D-MAX Single Cab and D-MAX Cab-Chassis variant addresses the needs of India's modern business and commercial vehicle owners.
The bookings for the new generation ISUZU vehicles will soon be started followed by deliveries at ISUZU dealerships all over India.