South Africa Edition 2

engines. In 1999, GMSA raised its stake in Isuzu
to 49 percent, effectively gaining control of the
company.
South African Isuzus are now built in Port
Elizabeth and enjoy a growing share of the South
African market.
THE PRODUCT
Isuzu’s products cater for a variety of applications
from single cab workhorses to double cabs.
Durability and toughness come standard on the
Isuzu range and it has become one of South
Africa’s most loved bakkies with a legacy that is
passed on from one generation to the next.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Isuzu’s updated KB range will be introduced in
early 2008. Six double-cab derivatives are offered
in the 18-strong KB line-up, led by the entry-level
petrol derivatives that include the KB 200 4X2, the
high-spec KB 360 LX 4X2 and the 4X4 version.
The new Extended cab body style will also
be introduced for the very first time in the SA
market with the new model introduction.
PROMOTION
The brand is promoted in print, on television and
across various radio stations. A special television
advert, highlighting the conditions the vehicles had
to negotiate during Operation Rachel, demonstrates
the rugged dependability consumers have come to
expect from Isuzu.
Isuzu has been the title sponsor of the Isusu
Berg River Canoe Marathon since 2004. Isuzu
believes the sponsorship has been successful in
reinforcing public associations between Isuzu,
toughness, endurance and the great outdoors.
To this end, the brand is also sponsoring the
SuperSport Show “Paddle Power”.
BRAND VALUES
This South African icon embodies the brand values
of capability, toughness and dependability. The
payoff line is “Delivers” and that is what this
brand does in every area, from mechanically sound
vehicles to solid, rugged design.
Isuzu delivers on its promises. From the
outset, the brand has always been determined
to contribute to people’s lifestyles. The solid
performance of its vehicles is the promise made
real. What many may never see, but will enjoy
the benefits of, is the difference Isuzu makes with
initiatives like Operation Rachel.
THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
ISUZU
Other brands in the GMSA stable
April 2007 saw Isuzu winning Silver
in the Synovate Quality Awards in the
category Customer Satisfaction When
Servicing a Light Commercial Vehicle
A fuel economy record set in 2006 in
Australia by a standard Isuzu Rodeo
pickup has been beaten - by the 2007
Isuzu Rodeo, armed with its daunting
new common-rail diesel engine
In Egypt, Isuzu 1-ton pickups and lightduty
trucks - which are sold under the
GM brand - have held an overwhelming
market lead for over 20 years
Isuzu is one of Japan’s oldest vehicle
manufacturers, tracing its roots back to
1916
The brand was named after Japan’s
majestic, revered and pristine Isuzu River,
claimed to be “a river which purifies the
soul”