ISUZU - PART OF
AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

 

1916

FOUNDED IN JAPAN

1916

Isuzu's history started in 1916 when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & Engineering Company Limited and Tokyo Gas & Engineering Company collaborated for vehicle development.

1918

COMPANY BEGINS VENTURE WITH WOLSELEY MOTOR LTD

1918

The Company initiated vehicle manufacturing, starting a passenger production venture with British automaker, Wolseley Motor Ltd.

1922

FIRST PASSENGER VEHICLE

1922

After 4 years of development, the Wolseley A9 becomes the first passenger vehicle produced in Japan.

1933

THE "ISUZU" MODEL IS LAUNCHED

1933

In 1933, a government standard model vehicle was completed and the following year the vehicle was badged "Isuzu".

1937

TOKYO AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRIES OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED

1937

On April 9, 1937, Automobile Industries merged with Tokyo Gas & Electric Co. to establish Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. Isuzu regards this date as the official establishing day of the present Isuzu Motors Ltd.

1949

COMPANY TAKES ON THE ISUZU NAME

1949

Following a successful decade, the company takes on the Isuzu name, and Isuzu Motors Limited is established to focus on vehicle production.

1959

ISUZU LAUNCH N-SERIES

1959

Ten years later in 1959, Isuzu launched the Elf in Japan or internationally known N-Series light duty truck.

1963

ISUZU BELLETT PASSENGER CAR

1963

Moving in passenger cars, the Isuzu Bellett goes into production, soon to become one of Japan's most successful global vehicle exports.

Continuing with a defining year in the Isuzu company history, the groundbreaking Isuzu Wasp is released as the 1st ute in Isuzu's history.

1972

ISUZU FASTER IS RELEASED

1972

In the same year that Isuzu Motors signed a capital agreement with General Motors, the Isuzu Faster is released as our 1st generation Ute and exported all around the world.

1980

THE 2ND GEN OF ISUZU UTE

1980

The 2nd generation of Isuzu UTE goes into production, and is a global success story, known in the lucrative US market as the Isuzu P'up, this iconic vehicle still has legions of followers today.

1982

ISUZU PRODUCES THE FIRST SPACE CAB MODEL

1982

A proud year for Isuzu Motors and a lasting legacy, Isuzu produces the world's first Space Cab model.

1988

THE 3RD GEN ISUZU UTE IS RELEASED

1988

The 3rd generation was released in 1988, which offered the widest body in its class, therefore enabling a roomier cabin. Additionally, the large door mirrors, side turn lamp signals and rear combination lamps improved the vehicle's visibility for greater safety.

1997

ISUZU'S 4TH GEN UTE HITS THE STREETS

1997

Keeping ahead of global styling trends, Isuzu's 4th generation Ute hits the streets with a more refined exterior and a smooth aerodynamic design.

2002

THE INTERNATIONALLY BRANDED ISUZU D-MAX IS LAUNCHED

2002

The internationally branded Isuzu D-MAX Ute is launched. It's the 5th generation of isuzu ute to carry Isuzu into the new millennium.

2008

THE ISUZU D-MAX IS LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA

2008

Isuzu UTE Australia launches locally with the internationally branded D-MAX, taking on the tough local market with a powerful and efficient 3.0L common-rail turbo diesel engine.

2010

A STYLISH UPDATE STRENGTHENS THE AUSTRALIAN RANGE

2010

The new look Isuzu D-MAX is launched to a demanding Australian audience, continuing the tradition of Isuzu UTE's tough, stylish and economical vehicle line-up.

2012

THE NEW GENERATION D-MAX

2012

The totally new D-MAX launched a new era for Isuzu.  With upgraded levels of power, comfort & safety, it kick started a new generation of Isuzu owners in Australia.

2013

THE ISUZU SUV REBORN

2013

Eagerly anticipated for years, Isuzu brings back a serious 7-seat SUV that offers a balanced combination of performance, comfort, style and off-road ability. Sales commenced in Australia in December 2013.

2016

A century in the making

2016

With a rich and extensive history dating back to 1916, Isuzu brings over 100 years of auto excellence to the automotive industry. Since 1916, Isuzu have been continually striving to engineer and build reliable and durable engines and vehicles, now with over 26 million diesel engines manufactured.

2017

PUMPED-UP EURO5 ENGINE

2017

In a world first for Isuzu, the Isuzu D-MAX & MU-X launched with Euro5 emissions compliant drivetrain developed exclusively for Australia. With an upgraded 3.0L turbo diesel producing 430Nm of torque and a new 6-speed automatic & manual transmissions, the new D-MAX & MU-X aimed to impress in the demanding Australian market.

2018

Celebrating 10 years

2018

Isuzu UTE Australia celebrates their 10 year anniversary and show no signs of slowing down. Over the last 10 years Isuzu UTE Australia has been dedicated to listening to Australian consumers’ feedback to continually improve both the D-MAX & MU-X. 2018 also marks the launch of the D-MAX LS-T with both 4x4 and 4x2 models joining the line-up.

2020

A NEW ERA FOR D-MAX

2020

The dawn of a new era - the new generation Isuzu D-MAX landed in Australia. With unprecedented performance, comfort and safety, this was set to make history on Australian roads.

2021

The New MU-X Arrives

2021

Following the new generation D-MAX, the anticipated Isuzu MU-X arrived ready to impress with exquisite styling inside and out. Setting a new benchmark for safety, performance and towing, the MU-X takes on the Australian SUV market.

2024

D-MAX is reinvigorated

2024

The New Isuzu D-MAX received a fresh new look, with updated tech and off-road capabilities and a bold new grille leading the refreshed style throughout. The X-RIDER also gained a permanent spot in the model line-up after being popular as a limited-edition model.