Last month marked a historic moment for Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) and its bakkie-building plant at Struandale in Gqeberha, as it managed to break its annual local production record.
During the company’s financial year ended 31 March 2026, Isuzu recorded a massive 21% year-on-year increase in production volumes for both the D-Max bakkie and Isuzu Trucks.
This increase led to 27,400 D-Max bakkies being built over the last twelve months, while 3,800 trucks rolled off the production line during the same period.
These vehicles were built to serve both the local automotive market and customers throughout the rest of Africa.
Alongside this milestone, the locally-built Isuzu D-Max managed to usurp the Ford Ranger to become South Africa’s second best-selling bakkie in March, with over 3,000 units sold.
The brand says this is not a sudden surge, as its record production volumes in South Africa mean it managed to retain its position as the top medium- and heavy-commercial vehicle brand for the 13th year in a row.
According to Dominic Rimmer, Executive Vice President for Manufacturing and Product Engineering at Isuzu Motors South Africa, these records were built on the company’s discipline and customer loyalty.
“Every record-breaking vehicle that leaves our production line represents a promise kept to our customers,” he said.
“We aren’t just chasing volumes; we are expanding responsibly to move the world for those who keep our economies moving.”
“The success of this financial year is rooted in the collective effort, skills, and commitment of the IMSAf workforce, supported by strong systems and operational discipline.”
For years, Isuzu has invested heavily in its Eastern Cape operations and the province as a whole, sharing its success with employees, partners and the surrounding communities.
Investments paying off
As a core part of the Eastern Cape’s manufacturing sector, Isuzu has spent billions to scale its operations and create thousands of jobs.
In 2019, Isuzu invested R1.2 billion in its next-generation vehicle programme in South Africa, paving the way for local new-generation D-Max production.
Upgrades include extensive building expansion, updated tools and equipment, as well as the refurbishing and extension of the factory’s manufacturing line.
Additionally, the investment led to more than 1,000 direct jobs at the plant and indirectly employed 24,000 people, while upskilling and training further uplifted its local staff.
Since the upgrades were completed, several thousand bakkies and trucks have been built at Isuzu’s Eastern Cape operation.
Following this investment, Isuzu recently invested more than R260 million in upgrading its operations alongside VSL Manufacturing – its local panel manufacturing partner.
VSL now boasts a R750-million purpose-built laser-cutting facility adjacent to the Isuzu assembly plant in Struandale.
“This facility represents the culmination of years of rebuilding, of restoring jobs, and of proving that South African suppliers can compete at the highest level of global automotive manufacturing,” said VSL Manufacturing Director Vuyo Skweyiya.
“Isuzu did more than award a contract; they transferred tools, opened their supply chain to us, and worked closely to help us meet demanding global standards.”
Billy Tom, President of Isuzu Motors South Africa, noted the importance of investing in key partners.
“At Isuzu, we are positioning ourselves for the economic growth of the African continent,” he said.
“We are building local capabilities that enable our operations here in Gqeberha to serve as an automotive manufacturing hub for the region.”
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