Isuzu Motors sets up Indian R&D, sourcing subsidiary

Japanese automobile maker Isuzu Motors on Monday said it will have India as a base for research and development (R&D) as also a sourcing base for components.

In a statement issued here, Isuzu Motors said it has incorporated a new company - Isuzu Engineering Business Centre India Private Ltd (IEBCI) - that will be responsible for R&D and component sourcing related activities.

According to the statement, the company will primarily focus on enhancing efficiency and quality levels of Isuzu Motors India's (IMI) products, enabling the company to achieve 70 percent localisation at start of production and 100 percent localiation in the future.

"IEBCI will also serve as the specialized hub for sourcing parts for ISUZU's global operations," it said.

Naohiro Yamaguchi, managing director of Isuzu Motors India will also assume the role of director, IEBCI with immediate effect.

Isuzu Motor India is setting up a plant at Sri City near here. The plant is expected to go on stream next year.

Isuzu Motors India started its operations in India in August 2012. The company currently sells the ISUZU D-MAX range of pick-up trucks and MU-7 sports utility vehicle (SUV) in India.