100 years of Isuzu

Isuzu – development history abroad

Isuzu launched its overseas operations in 1949 with the first shipment of its cars to Hong Kong. In 1971, a partnership agreement with General Motors marked the beginning of a full export strategy. Beginning in 1972, the company exported the KB pickup truck to the United States. The fruit of the partnership with GM was the Isuzu Gemini model released in 1974, which was developed as part of the first “world car”. Since then, Isuzu has been expanding its overseas branches and sales centers. Firam also opened several production facilities: in Thailand in 1974, in North America in 1975, and in China in 1985.

In Poland, in 1990, the production of diesel engines began in Gliwice. The engine plant in the United States, opened in 2000. The total production of Isuzu diesel engines in Japan and abroad has already exceeded 20 million units. Between 2005 and 2007, business centers were established in Spain, Mexico, Canada and South Africa , and domestic production began in India and Uzbekistan. In addition, a joint venture company was established in Russia dedicated to the automotive industry and business.

Isuzu – the history of passenger cars

Isuzu has also been making passenger cars for years. Starting with the first Hillman passenger car in 1953, Isuzu introduced the Bellett in 1961 and the Bellett in 1963. The Bellett GT model, affectionately known by customers as the Bele-G, became very popular. In 1968, the Coupe 117 model, designed by Giugiaro himself, was launched.

Gemini, a car developed jointly by GM, was introduced in 1974. 7 years later, the Isuzu Piazza appeared with the excellent design of the Giugiaro-design studio and the off-road Rodeo Bighorn 4WD, known in many markets as the Trooper. In 1985, the FF Isuzu Gemini was introduced. These are just some of the passenger models from Isuzu’s 100-year history.