ISUZU:Isuzu successfully completes production capacity increase program in Thailand

  Since April 2005, Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu) has been pushing forward the pickup truck production capacity increase program in Thailand, including the relocation of the production functions. The program is in line with Isuzu Motor's strategy to support good domestic sales and exports in Thailand and to achieve the objectives of the mid-term business plan envisaging an increase of the pickup trucks production and sales. In July 2006 when Isuzu Motors Co., (Thailand), Ltd., (IMCT) completed the relocation of the truck final assembly line from Samrong Plant to Gateway Plant, the program was successfully accomplished. Under the program, the pickup truck production capacity has been increased to 350,000 units in total, which is made up of 200,000 units in Samrong Plant, 50,000 units for Knockdown-based exports in Gateway Plant, and 100,000 units in GM Thailand.
  To be more specific, the space vacated by relocation of the truck final assembly line from IMCT Samrong Plant to Gateway Plant, which is now engaged in knockdown export operations, has been utilized to increase the pickup truck production capacity. The pickup truck production volume is planned to increase from 320,000 units in 2005 to 340,000 units in 2006.
  The production of the completed pickup trucks for export to each country of the world will be continuously entrusted to GM Thailand as before.
  In Thailand, Isuzu has gained No.1 market share in commercial vehicles segment for 23 consecutive years and No.1 market share in pickup trucks segment for 10 consecutive years.