1910
|
The roots of Isuzu were planted when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company made its first plans to manufacture vehicles.
|
1918
|
|
|
|
Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering and Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company, the predecessors of the current Isuzu, produced Japan's first truck.
The company obtained a license to manufacture and sell England's Wolseley automobiles in Japan, setting a precedent for cooperative international ventures.
|
1922
|
The company built its first Japanese automobile.
|
1935
|
The company built a prototype bus, the first of its type in Japan. Innovations included air brakes and the engine installed under its floor.
|
1937
|
After several mergers and divestitures, the Tokyo Jidosha Kogyo Company was established, launching the history of Isuzu as we now know it. The company had already embarked on a major diesel engine research and production program.
|
1949
|
The present company name, Isuzu Motors Limited, was adopted. Isuzu is the name of a river that flows past a Japanese shrine. The word means "fifty bells pealing in harmony and celebration." By now, the company was a major manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks.
|
|
|
|
1955
|
Isuzu diesel engines, diesel-powered snow tractors and other equipment were delivered to Japan's Antarctic Observation Base and included sending Isuzu personnel to the South Pole. The equipment has been operational ever since.
|
1959
|
The world's first two-ton light-duty forward-control truck was built in October by Isuzu. The cab-over vehicle, now known as the N Series, has remained one of Japan's most enduring models on the strength of its innovation and high quality.
|
1971
|
Isuzu's influence in the automotive world expanded with the agreement between Isuzu and General Motors Corporation covering the joint development and marketing of vehicles. Buick's Opel and the Chevrolet LUV truck became the first Isuzu-built vehicles to be offered for sale in American showrooms.
|
1980
|
American Isuzu Motors Inc. was founded, and the company spent the year establishing a dealer network in the United States. Today, there are approximately 200 Isuzu dealers nationwide.
|
1981
|
American Isuzu Motors Inc. began marketing and selling vehicles in the U.S.
|
1983
|
The Isuzu Aska Diesel Turbo passenger car established diesel world records in 13 different categories, firmly establishing the excellence of Isuzu diesel engine technology worldwide.
|
1984
|
Isuzu won the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry Good Design Prize - the first time the prestigious prize had ever been awarded in the automotive industry. Given to products that represent excellence in design, function and quality, more than 21 Good Design Prizes have since been awarded to Isuzu.
|
1985
|
In February, Isuzu's network of factories in Japan exported its three-millionth vehicle. Isuzu Motors Limited's global operation was divided into three core businesses: light vehicles, commercial vehicles and diesel engines and components.
|
1988
|
Isuzu produced a total of 87,000 medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks (gross vehicle weight of 6.1 tons or more), surpassing Daimler-Benz and making Isuzu the number one truck maker in the world.
|
 |
|
|
|
1992
|
American Isuzu Motors Inc. retailed its one-millionth unit in the United States. With the introduction of the all-new Trooper, Isuzu became the first import manufacturer to offer vehicles in three segments of the fast-growing sport utility market (mini, compact and full-size).
|
1994
|
An Isuzu Rodeo became the first sport utility vehicle to win the Alcan 5000, an eight-day, 4,133-mile rally from Seattle, Washington, to the Arctic Circle. In Japan, the company produced its ten-millionth diesel engine.
|
1996
|
A 1996 Rodeo was driven to victory in the Alcan Winter Rally for the second time.
|
|
|
|
2000
|
Rodeo achieved a "three-peat", winning its class again in the Alcan Winter Rally.
In Moraine, Ohio, DMAX Limited, an Isuzu/GM joint venture, began production of high-performance Duramax direct injection V8 diesel engines for GM heavy-duty pickups.
American Isuzu Motors Inc. and General Motors Corporation combined forces to create a new venture known as General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC (GMICT) for the marketing of medium-duty trucks to Isuzu, Chevrolet and GMC dealers.
|
2001
|
|
|
|
American Isuzu Motors Inc. introduced Axiom - delivering a revolutionary blend of technology, performance and comfort.
|
2002
|
The Isuzu NPR has been the best-selling low cab forward medium-duty commercial truck in the U.S. for 14 consecutive years. The NPR GAS models are assembled in the U.S. and are the only gasoline-powered low cab forward medium-duty trucks in the U.S.
|
|
|
|
2003
|
American Isuzu Motors Inc. introduces Ascender 7-Passenger, offering drivers a new level of power, roominess and value - and the first V8 in an Isuzu SUV.
|
2004
|
Isuzu Motors America, Inc., merges with American Isuzu Motors Inc. and becomes the U.S. distributor of Isuzu light vehicles and diesel engines. Isuzu introduces Ascender 5-Passenger, its most powerful six-cylinder SUV ever.
|
2005
|
|
|
Isuzu Motors America, Inc. adds two new pickups to its lineup of sport utility vehicles for the 2006 model year. The i-280 4x2 Extended Cab and the i-350 4x4 Crew Cab showcase Isuzu's engineering expertise and provide customers with class-leading payload and towing capacities. The pickups are produced in Shreveport, Louisiana.
|
2006
|
Isuzu Pickups, the i-290 4x2 Extended Cab and i-370 4x4 Crew Cab, get a significant upgrade with larger engines and increased horsepower and torque while maintaining the same great 2006 starting retail prices for the 2007 model year.
IntelliChoice recognizes Isuzu Motors America, Inc.'s entire 2006 lineup as among the best in their class for low costs. |
|
|
 |
2007
|
|
|
Isuzu Motors America, Inc. adds two new models to its award-winning line of pickup trucks. The i-370 4x2 Extended Cab and the
i-370 4x2 Crew Cab join the Isuzu family to double the size of the 2007 Isuzu Pickup lineup.
|
|
|
|
|
|
