Isuzu Motors India today opened its manufacturing plant here and rolled out its India-made D-Max pick-up.
The facility was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The initial production capacity of the plant is 50,000 units per annum and can be scaled up to 1,20,000 units, Isuzu Motors President Masanori Katayama said.
"We are very happy to start our local manufacturing operations in India. India is one of the biggest automobile markets and also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. India is a key part of Isuzu Motors' global growth strategy," he said.
"This new plant in India will not only cater to requirements of the growing Indian market, but will serve as a key manufacturing hub for Isuzu's global operations."
Isuzu had earlier committed an investment of Rs 3,000 crore for the Indian project.
Ambassador of Japan to India Kenji Hiramatsu was present.
With its existing operations in the US, Japan and Thailand, this plant in India is expected to provide a manufacturing leg-up to Isuzu globally.
A statement from Isuzu said the new generation of Isuzu D-Max pick-ups will be manufactured at the plant, with 70 per cent localisation at the start of production, which will be stepped up.
Isuzu will also consider export of vehicles manufactured at this facility at a suitable time in future.
"This state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will follow Isuzu global manufacturing standards and Isuzu Manufacturing Management (IMM) practices. The plant will also focus on safety, quality and Isuzu's commitment to environment," it said.
Isuzu Motors India (IMI) has started local
manufacturing operations through a tie-up with 120 suppliers to supply auto-components for vehicles manufactured in the country.
The localisation level will continue to increase in future. A few key suppliers of IMI have also signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government for setting up of manufacturing plants in the region.
In the meantime, Isuzu will also explore the opportunities to export components to other markets.
The Isuzu D-Max pickups will be manufactured at this plant under high quality standards, in-line with Isuzu's well acclaimed 'Isuzu Manufacturing Management' practices, the company's Chairman Hiroyasu Miura said.
"We have found Indian suppliers capable of meeting Isuzu's global quality standards and we will follow a high localisation strategy for the manufacturing operations in India. Isuzu, for last 4 years is studying the Indian market, understanding customers' requirements and establishing its sales and service network," Miura said.
The bookings for the new generation Isuzu vehicles will start soon followed by deliveries at all dealerships across the country, the statement added.
