Isuzu

The history of Isuzu coincides in many respects with the history of diesel engine evolution in Japan. Directly diesels may be named as the “visiting card” of Isuzu. In 1916 two companies - Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. initiated plans to build automobiles.

Heretofore from the moment of the first diesel engine development (that happened thanks to German engineer Rudolf Diesel in 1893) none in Japan found the ways of practical application for motor-car industry. Many private companies made attempts in this direction though. In 1918 Tokyo Ishikawajima Ship Building and Engineering completed an agreement with English company Wolseley Motors and in 1922 proceeded to produce trucks by license at their plant. The first produced model is known as A-9.

In 1933 Ishikawajima Automotive Works merged with Dot Automobile Manufacturing Inc., and changed its name to Automobile Industries Co., Ltd., and during the same year the industrial truck was produced for the Department of Commerce as well as adopted the name of “Isuzu” – allegedly in the honor of some Japanese river. Next 1934 year, Automobile Industries Co. established the Committee on Research on the Diesel Engine – that was the part of current policy of those days company president Tomonosuke Kano.

As early as in two years, in 1936 first in Japan then came out into the world scene Isuzu air-cooled diesel engine – DA6. That was an outstanding break-through in the history of diesel engines in Japan. And in 1937 Isuzu merged with two more companies and changed its name to Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd.

In 1941 Tokyo Automobile Industries became the single company that obtained license for diesel-powered vehicles production from the Japanese government. In May 1942 Hino Works separates from the company and forms Hino Heavy Industries. After the war finished, in October 1945 the production of gasoline truck TX40 and diesel truck TU60 was started again. TX61 trucks were widely used in post-war Japan during the rebuilding of destroyed country. Its current name – Isuzu Motors Limited – the company ceased in 1949.

In 1950, in response for increasing needs in automobiles production after the war, Isuzu constructed DA80 – the first in Japan water-cooled diesel engine V8 and also constructed compression chamber with direct injection and improved design that aroused interest in automobile industry thanks to its improved characteristics. And in 1953 having a technical assistance agreement concluded with Rootes of the UK, Isuzu produced its first passenger car what was a copy of English Hillman. In 1959 2-ton truck Elf was unveiled and sold successfully from the very outset thanks to efficient diesel engine DA640 and excellent passability in combination with carrying capacity and durability.

In regard for diesels Isuzu was a pioneer in many respects. So, for example, in 1961 Isuzu produced first diesel engine for passenger car – DL201 with engine capacity 1991 cc. Isuzu was recompensed by Japanese mechanical engineers community for it. 1962 year – Fujisawa Plant inaugurated, and next year Bellet passenger car was put on sale. In 1966 was established Isuzu Motors Co., (Thailand) Ltd., in 1967 was introduced passenger car model “Florian” and first in Japan 4-stroke direct-injection diesel engine for trucks. In 1968 was launched passenger car 117 Coupe manufacturing.

In 1971 Isuzu concluded an agreement with General Motors, and sold 35% stocks to Americans. In 1974 was launched passenger car Gemini, the first car produced in cooperation with General Motors. And in 1975 was established Isuzu Motors America in USA. In 1977 was launched Florian with efficient diesel engine and in 1979 was started diesel-powered Isuzu Gemini. In the same year was completed the construction of Hokkaido proving ground.

1980 is the year of launching Isuzu wagons and vans Fargo series. In 1981 the Piazza passenger car (3-door coupe) was unveiled. The same year Isuzu constructed a quick starting system for diesel engines that allowed avoiding a protracted starting preheat for the first time in the world. This system included ceramic plugs with high heat-resistance and electronically controlled, and became the diesels’ mandatory component especially on passenger cars. Isuzu was the first one that started applying diesel electronic control to trucks.

In 1983 Isuzu Aska (Florian) passenger car model was put on sale. Aska in the same year took the first place in the RAC Rally held in England. Next 1984 year Japanese market saw Aska model with new NAVI-5, electronically controlled 5-speed transmission. And American market was entered by new version of Isuzu Gemini model (it was known in the USA as Rodeo Boghorn).

Isuzu produced its own first off-road truck in 1985 – it was Rodeo Bighorn that has adopted another name Trooper for export. It was launched both with turbo-diesel engine and gasoline. The decade came to the end with the introduction a new type of recreational vehicle - MU (Amigo). By the moment Isuzu became world leader in medieam and big trucks manufacturing, so Isuzu-General Motors Australia office and Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. (SIA) joint project were established.

In 1990 production of Rodeo started at SIA plant in USA. In 1992 Isuzu environmental charter was announced, and in 1993 production of Trooper Vauxhall version, the model known as Monterey, started. MU won in the prototype diesel class in the Paris-Dakar rally. 1994 year – Trooper took the marathon class and mixed class victory in the Paris-Dakar rally; sales of Honda Passport (Rodeo) began in the USA market.

1996 year - one more victory - Trooper (Holden Jackaroo) won in Australian Safari. In 1997 VehiCross, the off-roader model on Trooper base with engine capacity 3200 cc and motor power of 215 hp was introduced. One year later mass production of Elf CNG truck working on compressed natural gas started, and in 1999 VehiCross debuted in the USA market. At the same time General Motors increased its share in Isuzu stock up to 49% and established Isuzu Motors Polska.

2000 was marked by General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck, LLC Company establishement as well as launching diesels production by DMAX, Ltd. Company. In May, 2001 Isuzu announced its intermediate business-plan – V-Plan.

Ward’s Communications Magazine named Isizu Duramax 6600 engine model in the first ten worldwide, the same happened in 2002. Isuzu revealed new 3-year business-plan instead of V-plan; Elf became first-ranked Japan’s truck in its class complying with new exhaust emission standards and requirements. Currently regarding growing market demand for ecology friendly autos Isuzu develops diesel engines with improved exhaust testimonials.

Providing the agreement signed between Isuzu and General Motors, Isuzu actively develops diesel engines, playing the role of an expert in this field in General Motors.