Isuzu Motors, a globally renowned multinational Japanese utility vehicle manufacturer, is planning to establish its first manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, for which the company has set aside an investment of Rs. 1,000 crore. Isuzu Motors' upcoming Greenfield unit will produce close to 50,000 vehicles per year and is expected to begin commercial production by the end of 2015. Further, it has been revealed that the Japanese auto major will utilise manufacturing units of Hindustan Motors in Chennai and General Motors India, till its own unit undergoes construction.
As per reports, Isuzu Motors is developing its MU7 Choiz Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and V Cross pick-up truck, as its initial models targeting specifically the Indian auto market. The Japanese auto major is famous for its leadership in diesel technology and its global product line-up, consists of buses, heavy-duty, medium-duty and light-duty trucks, passenger vehicle engines, along with industrial-use diesel engines.
The Isuzu MU7 Choiz SUV comes fitted with a 3.0 litre engine, whereas the Isuzu V Cross pick-up truck is powered with a 2.5 litre power-mill. Accordingly, the Isuzu MU7 Choiz looks like a possible new segment contender to premium SUVs, such as Mahindra SsangYong Rexton, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Hyundai Santa Fe amongst others. It would be premature to compare the Isuzu MU7 Choiz with Rexton and Fortuner, but considering present SUV landscape of Indian auto market, the prospects of a new competition looks promising. Further, the Isuzu 2.5 pick-up truck could compete against Mahindra Bolero pick-up truck in the domestic market.
