Name of the Project
Isuzu next-generation bakkie programme.

Location
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors of Japan.

Project Description
IMSAf plans to increase the company’s bakkie production capacity to 29 000 units a year.

The next-generation bakkie will be locally engineered to meet the requirements of the South African and key sub-Saharan African markets.

The investment involves significant upgrades to tooling and equipment, as well as the refurbishment of the current assembly line to support an extension in the manufacturing of the current Isuzu models. 

Potential Job Creation
About 1 000 jobs are expected to be created at the plant.

Capital Expenditure
R1.2-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The new Isuzu D-Max bakkie is expected to be launched in early 2022. 

Latest Developments
Isuzu Motors South Africa welcomed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel to its plant in Struandale, Gqeberha, on October 26, 2021.

IMSAf president and CEO Billy Tom updated the Ministerial delegation on the progress made on the investment programme, including the required manufacturing plant upgrades to produce the new vehicle, as well as the state of readiness to launch the new Isuzu D-Max bakkie. 

Next year will also see the launch of Isuzu’s next-generation trucks, all locally assembled in Gqeberha.

Extensive building has taken place over the past two years to ready the production facility for Isuzu’s new light-commercial and heavy-commercial vehicles. 

“Our focus remains on being able to ensure the sustainability of Isuzu’s operations in South Africa,” said Tom.

“We are committed to transformation and believe that an inclusive economy is the foundation to economic prosperity for all citizens,” he added.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
IMSAfsuzu Motors South Africa corporate communications manager Gishma Johnson, tel +27 41 403 2167 or email gishma.johnson@isuzu.co.za.