Isuzu celebrates 40 years of bakkie production in South Africa

Isuzu enthusiasts assemble! Our bakkies may have been around in SA in some shape or form since 1972, but it was only in 1978 that the first Isuzu-branded bakkies rolled off the assembly line at the South African Kempston Road plant. Since then, more than 600 000 units have followed in the wake of those first bakkies, we are six bakkie generations down the line and the innovation shows absolutely no signs of stopping.

In celebration of the past 40 years of success we’ve enjoyed in South Africa, we thought we’d take a walk down memory lane and share a few of our favourite memories.

A FEW OF THE EPIC MILESTONES WE’VE REACHED:

• Rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension were first introduced in SA on a Isuzu bakkie.
• Direct injection engine? Double cab configurations? Those were Isuzu bakkie firsts as well.
• The first bakkie-derived body-on-frame SUV was introduced to SA motorists by Isuzu in 1998, after the need for such a vehicle became abundantly apparent.
• Over the past 4 decades, Isuzu has garnered no less than 15 endurance records that include speed and distance achievements.
• Not to mention the handful of highly-regarded Ipsos quality awards Isuzu's light commercial vehicles have received over the past 4 decades.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to highlights over the past 4 decades! ITC looks forward to a stellar future in South Africa. Keen to get behind the wheel of one of these legendary vehicles? Get in touch with a representative at your closest ITC branch today to discuss your requirements – whilst our expert team is standing by to discuss your bakkie and commercial vehicle needs to get you the best deal on Isuzu vehicles in South Africa.

'Let's embrace the tremendous heritage of Isuzu as we move forward on our new journey in South Africa.' - Michael Sake, CEO & MD, Isuzu South Africa