Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu Motors is planning to make India one of its global manufacturing hubs for exports markets.
The company, which has sizeable manufacturing operations in Thailand, outside Japan, is planning to shift some production, mainly to its plant at Sri City In Andhra Pradesh, a top official said.
Exploring new markets
“We are now studying to shift some products from Thailand to India, which will be a major exports hub for Isuzu Motors globally. We want to get into new markets,” said Ken Takashima, deputy managing director, Isuzu Motors India.
Currently, the company is manufacturing two products — D-MAX V-Cross, a pick-up, and SUV mu-X in India since the last two years and has been growing fast.
In the first year of operation it had achieved 100% sales growth and in the second year the company’s sales grew more than 50%. For 2018, the company has set a target to grow by 50%, Mr. Takashima said.
“We are here in India for the long term. We are satisfied with our performance in India over the two years in which we have produced and sold 10,000 units.”
“In the last five years since we introduced our products in India, we have sold 12,000 units including the 10,000 produced in the plant locally in India,” Mr. Takashima added. On Thursday, the company announced former South African cricket star and adventure enthusiast Jonty Rhodes as its brand ambassador to promote V-Cross, its pick-up vehicle, in India.
V-Cross has been projected as a lifestyle and adventure pick-up to be used by families for long road trips.
Pick-up market
“The Indian pick-up market is growing significantly and we have been witnessing a strong inclination towards the V-Cross,” Mr. Takashima noted.
“We are happy to have carved a niche in the Indian utility vehicle market.
We are excited to associate with Jonty and I am sure this will make the brand and the V-Cross even more exciting and aspirational in the days to come,” he added.