History / ISUZU : THE 45TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2017

ISUZU is carving out a new era
with its rich heritage, proven
technology and pioneering attitude.

1916Roots

Isuzu Motors, Ltd. predecessor Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. developed plans to build cars.

1922Wolseley Model A9 passenger vehicle

Isuzu Motors, Ltd. predecessor Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. embarked on research into automobile production in 1916, and began building prototypes. In 1922 the Wolseley Model A9 became the first domestically produced car based on a technology tie-up with Wolseley Motors of the U.K.

1924Wolseley Model CP truck

Production plants suffered extensive damage during the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, however the plants were rebuilt and production of trucks progressed night and day. The Wolseley Model CP truck was completed the following year in 1924.

1929Sumida L truck

Plans moved forward to develop and produce vehicles that were completely made in Japan. The name “Sumida” was chosen from the Sumida River, where the plant was located. Powered with a domestically-produced engine, its power output and fuel efficiency were received favorably to meet the demands of a made-in-Japan model.

1929Sumida M bus

Vehicle models were renamed from Wolseley to Sumida as part of efforts to develop foundations for a solid production industry in Japan, and a number of new models were released. The M type bus in particular was the first domestically-produced bus that contributed immensely to the development of the modern public transport network.

1934

Truck that met the standard defined by the Ministry of Trade and Industry were named “Isuzu” after the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture (and subsequently became the company name).

1937Establishment

Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. (the predecessor to the current Isuzu Motors Ltd.) was founded

1941

Company renamed to “Diesel Automobile Industries Co., Ltd.”

1943Isuzu Model PA10 passenger vehicle

Upon receiving a request to develop luxury-class domestic vehicles in 1942, Isuzu’s predecessor Diesel Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. completed a prototype in just six months. The prototype had excellent fuel economy and ride comfort, with favorable results in road tests.

1946Isuzu Model TX80 truck

The Ministry of Trade and Industry released the new TX vehicle standard.
The TX80 was a 5-ton truck powered with gasoline engine released after the war.

1948Model BX91 bus

The BX80 bus was based on the gasoline-powered TX80 truck, and the diesel engine variant was the BX91 bonnet type bus. This large diesel bus had a capacity of more than 50 passengers.

1949

Company renamed to “Isuzu Motors, Ltd.”

1949BX92 model bus

Based on the BX91 bonnet type bus, Isuzu’s first cab-over bus was designed with the driver’s seat located further forward. Its renewed styling featured a rounded, elegant design.

1953Hillman Minx

The Hillman Minx was a passenger vehicle produced by Isuzu, assembled from a complete knock-down kit under technical license from the Rootes Group of the U.K. The first Hillman produced completely with Japanese made parts was released four years later.

1954

The first All Japan Motor Show (current Tokyo Motor Show) was held.

1956

Staff dispatched following the launch of the first Antarctic expedition

19591st-gen Elf

The Elf was Japan’s first full cab-over 2-ton light-duty truck, capable of carrying more load than a bonnet type truck despite its small size. Its solid reputation cemented the Elf as the best-selling truck brand.

1963Bellett 1800 Diesel

The Bellett was released in 1963, the year the Meishin Expressway was opened to pave the way for full motorization. Powered with a revolutionary compact and high-speed engine for its time, the Bellett demonstrated the superior performance of diesel engine technology.

1966TY type 4-ton truck announced

1968117 Coupe

The 117 Coupe designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro made its debut. Featuring elegant styling backed with a sporty persona, it became the symbol of a premium driving model for individuals.

1970TR type 4-ton truck “Forward” announced

1971

Signed capital agreement for full-scale tie-up with General Motors Corporation (GM).

1972Faster

A 1-ton truck developed as the first model to be exported under the tie-up with GM. With styling based on the Florian passenger car, the Faster was renowned for its stability owing to its low overall height and wide tread.

1974Gemini

Unveiled the Gemini, the first automobile produced in cooperation with GM.

1979Asso di Fiori

A prototype designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and unveiled at the 1979 Geneva Motor Show, it garnered high acclaim for its streamlined, coupe style body. The prototype went on to become the production model Isuzu Piazza in 1981.

1993

End of production of Isuzu passenger cars.

19941st-gen GIGA

Isuzu’s heavy-duty truck underwent a full model change and was released as the GIGA. Named after the unit prefix for billion as well as meaning large or massive, the truck was the largest model Isuzu had ever produced.

19961st-gen GALA

The GALA was released following a full model change to Japan’s first under-floor cockpit heavy-duty coach, the Isuzu Super Cruiser. It used a heavy-duty rigid body making it the first Japanese tourist coach to meet European ECE R-66 regulations.

2000

The Elf marked 30 consecutive years as the leading model in 2 to 3-ton cab-over truck segment in Japan

20001st-gen Erga

20021st-gen D-MAX

A 1-ton pickup truck jointly developed by Isuzu and GM. Positioned as a strategic model released globally through collaborative efforts with GM, production of the D-MAX was relocated to Thailand the following year to be exported to markets around the world.

2002

J-BUS Ltd. was established as a joint venture for buses between Isuzu and Hino.

20066th-gen Elf released

20076th-gen Forward

The 6th generation Forward was released in 2007. With medium-duty and light-duty trucks consolidated into a single model group, the 6th-gen Forward was developed as a truck capable of meeting performance requirements for global markets.

20152nd-Gen ERGA large route bus

"ERGA" series, a large transit bus first released in 2000, underwent a full model change. All new ERGA were non-step buses with air suspension.

20152nd-gen GIGA

More than just individual trucks, the GIGA was developed as an essential component making up transport systems. It is designed on a lightweight, aerodynamic cab and features the “MIMAMORI” remote vehicle data analysis system. The “PREISM” service was also rolled out to make use of this data.

2017Elf 80th Anniversary model

2017Forward 80th Anniversary model

2017GIGA 80th Anniversary model

ISUZU’s 80-year history

With the longest history amongst Japanese automobile manufacturers, ISUZU Motors Ltd. traces its roots back to 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. developed plans to build cars. The predecessor to today’s ISUZU, Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. was established in 1937 and in the eight decades since, has continually been at the forefront of development and production of trucks and buses of all sizes, distinctively designed passenger vehicles, commercial vehicle engines and much more – ISUZU was one of the main drivers behind Japan’s post-war recovery and booming economic growth. Backed with a rich heritage, proven technology and pioneering attitude, ISUZU is carving out a new era while maintaining its position as the cornerstone of global logistics.

Located adjacent to the manufacturing plant in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, “ISUZU Plaza” opened its doors in 2017 to celebrate ISUZU’s 80th anniversary. A great way to discover ISUZU’s approach to commercial vehicles, how its manufacturing and operational support plays a key role in transport, and more details about the company’s heritage. Attractions include one of the largest diorama sets in Japan, cutaways revealing truck structure and internal systems, and the latest model trucks and buses to see, ride and get inside, making it the best way to find out everything there is to know about ISUZU