Chandrababu drives Made in India Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pickup

This marks the advent of local manufacturing for Isuzu Motors India at an investment of Rs. 3000 crore earmarked for the project.The first India made Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross pickup rolled out of the SriCity, Andhra Pradesh manufacturing plant today. N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh inaugurated the facility along with Masanori Katayama, President, Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan.

Masanori Katayama, President, Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, His Excellency Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr. Kazushi Okawa, Executive Vice President, dignitaries from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Senior Officials from IMI, and Isuzu business partners.

Isuzu SriCity manufacturing plant is spread across 107 acres. Current production capacity stands at 50,000 units, and can be scaled up to 120,000 units.

Isuzu already has manufacturing plants in Japan, Thailand, and the USA. The new gen Isuzu D-MAX pickups manufactured in India are being made with 70 percent localisation to begin with. This will increase with time. Exports from India will also be considered at a suitable time later on making the plant a suitable global manufacturing hub.

Isuzu India manufacturing plant follows the company’s global manufacturing standards and Isuzu Manufacturing Management (IMM) practices. Focus on safety, quality and commitment to the environment is a priority.

Masanori Katayama, President, Isuzu Motors Limited says India is one of the biggest automobile markets, and a fast growing economy, globally.

Hiroyasu Miura, Chairman, Isuzu Motors India says D-MAX pickups manufactured at SriCity are in accordance with high-quality standards, having found Indian suppliers who meet Isuzu’s global quality standards. High localization strategy is in place.

Local manufacturing operations entail a tie-up with 120 suppliers, including Tier-I and II suppliers for auto-components’ supplies. Some of IMI’s suppliers have signed a MoU with the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh for setting up their manufacturing plant in the region. In future, Isuzu will also consider the possibility of exporting components from India for manufacturing at its global markets .

The new Isuzu pickups manufactured in India will be available in a plethora of models and variants to cater to a wider customer base. D-MAX V-Cross (4×4) Adventure Utility Vehicle 4WD is a premium 5-seater urban vehicle. D-MAX Crew Cab, 4 door pickup with a cargo deck is multi-capable and caters to varying needs through a Single Cab and Cab-Chassis option. Bookings will be opened soon, and deliveries will begin soon after. In time, Isuzu India will launch new vehicles that meet other market segment requirements.

This article has first appeared in Rushlane.com