ISUZU Motors South Africa has enjoyed a rich heritage and reputation for making vehicles that are durable, reliable, and capable. The all-new D-MAX bakkie is no exception and is the seventh generation Isuzu light commercial vehicle to be produced in Gqeberha, over the past 44 years.
The highly anticipated and desirable all-new Isuzu D-MAX bakkie has a 24-strong line-up of Single Cab, Extended Cab and Double Cab models available with two engine options, five specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions and in 4×2 or 4×4 guise. The newcomer is sure to find favour as both an all-encompassing everyday leisure and lifestyle and a trusty workhorse vehicle.
The launch event, which fittingly took place at The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last Thursday, was officially opened by Premier Oscar Mabuyane. In an address by Billy Tom, President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa, he highlighted milestones of the company’s bold journey to where they are today and shared the company’s growth plans to expand their footprint into the rest of Africa.
“Our sourcing strategy has enabled us to acquire plans and procure local manufacturers to design components needed for the manufacture of the next generation D-MAX. Through this process we have created at least 235 new job opportunities at local component manufacturers,” said Tom.
“Both the new generation D-MAX programme and Isuzu’s Struandale plant have been vital to the communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and to the livelihoods of thousands in South Africa and Africa. Following the investment, we are delighted to see our significant efforts bearing fruit as we bring a vehicle re-engineered specifically for African conditions to market.”
The launch event boosted the local economy through the procurement of various local suppliers as part of the ongoing initiatives by ISUZU Motors South Africa to support the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Those in attendance included President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane and Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Eugene Johnson.
In a spectacular drive display that featured a daring mountain climb, guests were able to experience the
next generation D-MAX, together with various experiential lounges. The event concluded with a Japanese Daruma Doll ceremony. In Japanese culture the Daruma doll symbolises perseverance, good fortune, and good luck.
– ISSUED: ISUZU MOTORS
SOUTH AFRICA
