Isuzu Motors Limited (headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo; Masanori Katayama, President and Representative Director; hereinafter Isuzu) held a launching event of the all-new pickup-truck D-MAX at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the city of Gqeberha (former Port Elizabeth), South Africa on April 7 at 1:00pm SAST (8:00pm JST). Isuzu entrusts Isuzu Motors South Africa (Pty) Limited (hereinafter IMSAf) to locally manufacture and distribute D-MAX.

Following the launch of MU-X passenger pickup vehicle (PPV) in December 2021, IMSAf will now start the sales of D-MAX in South Africa from May 2022. Isuzu has strategically positioned IMSAf as a supply hub of pickup trucks for the South African and Sub-Sahara markets. In addition to distributing throughout South Africa, IMSAf will export D-MAX to 34 countries in the Sub-Sahara regions.

Approximately 1,000 people attended the launch event held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, including President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, other government officials, representatives of the Government of Japan to South Africa and local dealers. “In South Africa and the Sub-Sahara Africa whose economies are projected to grow fast in the next decade, IMSAf plays a key role as a vital hub not only for Isuzu business but also for building better lives for everyone. We are committed to delivering products that precisely meet our customers’ needs and shaping the future toward a prosperous world with you,” said Masanori Katayama, President and Representative Director of Isuzu at the ceremony.

Isuzu exports light commercial vehicles (LCV) to more than 100 countries and regions around the world from three global production locations in Thailand, South Africa, and India, and continues to expand its global presence as addressed in the mid-term business plan.

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