Isuzu is tried and tested
SLOGAN IS ‘WITH YOU FOR THE LONG RUN’ Six generations – or 600 000 units – of this popular workhorse have been manufactured in South Africa.
The year 1978 was significant for one of the firm favourites on South African roads – whether its hauling sheep in the Karoo or zipping between the Gauteng skyscrapers, the Isuzu bakkie has been synonymous with the South African way of life for four decades.
The first bakkie carrying the Isuzu badge was built at the Kempston Road plant in Port Elizabeth 40 years ago. Today, boasting three body styles and an extensive model line-up, Isuzu bakkies continue to be a leading contender in the market place – tried and tested to live up to the Isuzu Motors South Africa company strapline “With you for the long run”.
The bakkie was launched at an original selling price of R3 485 for a 1.6-litre petrol engine bakkie and R4 295 for a 2.0-litre diesel engine bakkie.
Johan Vermeulen, Isuzu Motors South Africa executive: manufacturing and supply chain, said it has evolved but remains one of South Africa’s firm favourites.
“With the introduction of modern technology, automation and lean manufacturing processes, we were able to continuously improve efficiencies and quality of our products. Six generations later, our modern manufacturing processes and constant upskilling of labour have made Isuzu bakkies one of South Africa’s favourites,” he said.
A pioneer in many ways, the Isuzu bakkie was the first in South Africa to feature rack-andpinion steering and independent front suspension. In the 1990s Isuzu was also the first to introduce double cabs into the South African market.
Other than its innovative nature, the Isuzu bakkie has many accolades in its proverbial trophy cabinet, including 15 local endurance records. In 2010 the Isuzu bakkie set 15 overall speed and distance records over 72 hours at the Gerotek with a KB 300 D-TEQ bakkie.
The sixth-generation Isuzu bakkie, launched in 2013, is a continuation of the long tradition of building great bakkies in South Africa, with over 600 000 Isuzu bakkies built locally to date.