The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Eugene Johnson, visited Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Manufacturing plant to preview the R1.2 billion investment which will see the new generation Isuzu D-MAX, and truck upgrades, later this year.
New production lines have been constructed over the past two years to ready the production facilities for the construction of the brand-new Isuzu light commercial and heavy commercial vehicles.
The investment also involves significant upgrades to tooling and equipment, as well as refurbishing the current line to support an extension in the manufacturing of current Isuzu models. In addition to the upskilling and training of staff, Isuzu has also embarked on rigorous testing of vehicles to ensure Isuzu’s promise of producing durable, dependable, and capable vehicles re-engineered for African driving conditions.
Billy Tom, President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa, updated the mayoral delegation on the progress made on the investment, including upgrades to the manufacturing plant to meet the new vehicle requirements and the state of readiness to launch exciting new Isuzu products into the market.
“The R1.2-billion investment into Isuzu’s next-generation bakkie programme in South Africa, for the South African and Rest of Africa markets, is one of the reasons the manufacturer has been able to secure about 1 000 jobs directly at Isuzu’s operations in Gqeberha, and across its national and international dealer network, as well as around 25 000 jobs at hundreds of suppliers across the country,” Billy says.
Executive Mayor Eugene Johnson says as a key revenue generator, the automotive sector is one of the most important industries for the metro. “We need this industry, with a strong revenue from companies like Isuzu it means we can secure jobs and our citizens’ livelihoods.”
South Africa is the 18th largest manufacturer of vehicles in the world and the automotive industry is the third largest sector in South Africa, contributing 5.7% of the national GDP. The country produces 80% of Africa's vehicle output.
Towards the end of last year Isuzu launched the new seven-seater mu-X SUV. The new Isuzu D-MAX bakkie will be launched in the first quarter of this year, with the launch of Isuzu’s next-generation trucks following shortly thereafter – all locally manufactured in Gqeberha.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio Lifestyler, a midsize lifestyle bakkie derived from the Global Pik Up concept first shown in Cape Town in 2023.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
