AutoTrader attended the 2026 IMSAf address in Gqeberha. The address was the first since time since the launch of Isuzu Motors South Africa in 2018. During the event, Billy Tom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Motors South Africa, shared the company's vision for the manufacturer and its focus areas.
Related: Isuzu D-Max 2.2 diesel spotted in Japan
Isuzu “Moving the World – For You”
Isuzu has a new philosophy for the company, one that communicates its focus area for the foreseeable future, and it is “Moving the World – For You”. For the 13th consecutive year, Isuzu has maintained its position of being South Africa’s number one truck brand in the combined Medium – and Heavy–Commercial Vehicle segments.
The company says that, even as South African infrastructure continues to face challenges and operational costs increase, businesses are mitigating these factors by buying smarter. This is part of the reason why the company retailed just over 26,000 vehicles locally, up 12.2% on 2024, and exported 5,371 vehicles to the rest of African markets, a 4.5% increase, reinforcing its role as a regional manufacturing and export hub.
Our strength has always been consistency, driving continuity and delivering reliability.
Customers choose ISUZU because they know exactly what to expect: vehicles that are
reliable, durable and built for the realities of African operating conditions, said Craig Uren,
Executive Vice President, Revenue Generation at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
Strong passenger vehicle performance for the brand also supports the results. Isuzu D-MAX sales increased by 11.7%, and the new Isuzu MU-X range experienced rapid segment growth, with year-on-year sales up 45.4%, reflecting a strong market for the luxury model.
Isuzu invests
The Isuzu manufacturing base in Struandale continues to support Eastern Cape communities with jobs, skills development. Isuzu Motors also invests in strategic supply chain partners to ensure that there is skills transfer and overall job creation in the region. One such company is VSL Manufacturing, which recently opened a new R750 million manufacturing facility.
The facility, situated adjacent to Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), officially opened in late 2025 and will be producing body components for the Isuzu D-Max model range. The facility is also employing young individuals for continued skills transfer. IMSA not only procures parts but also supports VSL in supplier development and enables VSL to scale operations to meet global automotive standards. Isuzu will continue to strive to show the world, Eastern Cape’s position as a key automotive manufacturing hub.
New models
It is clear that Isuzu is a truck builder first, and this remains the theme for 2026, as a host of new trucks is headed to the local market. While we weren't given access to the newcomer, we also had the opportunity to take a quick look at the new D-Max, which will be launched soon. Last year, AutoTrader spotted a 2.2 diesel derivative of the new D-Max at the Japan Mobility Show. While it is not yet confirmed, it is very likely that this engine derivative could join the line-up after local development for local conditions.
Conclusion
Isuzu Motors South Africa has shown they are on a positive trajectory, and the discussions in the room indicate their priority is to continue supporting their customers and dealer network to ensure the wheels keep turning. The company is committed to the African market and its production operation and will continue to grow steadily with strategic investments.
