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Press Briefing at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

President and Representative Director Susumu Hosoi

President and Representative Director
Susumu Hosoi

Theme for exhibition is "Always Next To You." Isuzu Motors, since its establishment, has used the most advanced technology of the time for product development and provision of services to support transportation. Isuzu may not stand out, but we have been always next to you and have been producing trucks for life. Isuzu trucks and buses are next to you today, tomorrow and in future for your business and daily life. Such feelings are put into the theme.

From past to future. A Sumida M-type bus is on display to reinforce the theme. Buses have been next to your life for 80 years. The Sumida M-type bus was first produced in 1929. Later, it contributed greatly to the modernization of public transport system with the development of bus projects initiated by the Ministry of Railways. The bus displayed here was made in 1932 and has long been stored at Isuzu. On the occasion of the Tokyo Motor Show, we decided to make it drivable. We tore it down for repair and restored it. In the process we learned the skills of our predecessors and hardships they went through. This is probably the oldest drivable Japanese bus in existence *1.

Now, I would like to introduce to you T-Next which represents a future concept of trucks for life. The model displayed behind me is a design study model of a tractor. It conceptualizes the merger at high level of aerodynamic and safety performances to respond to high speed logistics in the future. The model portrays a future image of Isuzu engineering concept, "See Technology" that represents "performances in safety, economy, and environment."

Isuzu buses and trucks are used in more than 100 countries around the world. Isuzu captures No. 1 market share in the category of commercial vehicles in 23 countries *2. In particular, the "ELF light-duty truck," first released in 1959, celebrated its 50th anniversary the year before last and has accumulated sales of 5 million units and has grown to be synonymous with a light-duty truck.

The D-MAX, a 1-ton pickup truck that combines the durability of a truck and convenience of a passenger car is produced in Thailand and exported to more than 100 countries. A D-MAX on display is the latest model fully changed and released in September this year. It is for reference exhibit.

*1 Research by Isuzu Motors Limited

*2 2010 results: research by Isuzu Motors Limited

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