Isuzu Motors SA posts strong 2025 sales growth, deepens Eastern Cape investment

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) recorded solid growth in both domestic sales and exports in 2025, underpinned by strong demand for its commercial vehicles and passenger models, as well as continued investment in local manufacturing and supplier development.

Addressing the media at the company’s Struandale manufacturing plant in Gqeberha on Wednesday, IMSAf confirmed that it retailed just over 26,000 vehicles locally, representing a 12.2% increase compared with 2024.

Exports to Rest of Africa markets rose 4.5% to 5 371 vehicles over the same period.

President and CEO, Billy Tom, said the performance enabled Isuzu to retain its position as South Africa’s leading truck brand in the combined medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments for the 13th consecutive year, driven by continued growth in the heavy commercial vehicle category.

“Strong passenger vehicle performance further supported results, with ISUZU D-MAX sales increasing by 11.7% and ISUZU MU-X volumes rising by 45.4%, reflecting strong market uptake of the new model,” he said.

Tom added that IMSAf’s manufacturing footprint in the Eastern Cape extends beyond its role as a production base for Isuzu Motors Limited.

“It plays a meaningful role in supporting jobs, skills development and economic resilience in the region,” he said. 

Executive vice president for revenue generation, Craig Uren, said the company’s success was rooted in consistency and reliability.

“Customers choose ISUZU because they know exactly what to expect: vehicles that are reliable, durable and built for the realities of African operating conditions.”

Uren added that what has changed is how we continue to innovate on that foundation, ensuring we remain relevant in a rapidly shifting market.

The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to local manufacturing excellence, people development and supplier development in the Eastern Cape.

Ongoing investments include increased automation at the Struandale plant, expansion of the dealer network into Lesotho, the addition of a new dealership in Angola, and the development of new facilities such as ISUZU Cape Gate.

"This reflect growing confidence in the ISUZU brand and its long-term presence in Southern Africa."

Central to this strategy is the strengthening of the local supply chain through deeper localisation and skills transfer.

Tom highlighted IMSAf’s support for the establishment of a R750 million manufacturing facility by VSL Manufacturing in Struandale, adjacent to the Isuzu assembly plant. The facility, which officially opened in late 2025, produces key body components for the ISUZU D-MAX.

Officially opened in late 2025, the facility produces critical body components for the ISUZU D-MAX model expanding local technical capability while creating skilled employment.

Tom said IMSAf’s involvement extended beyond procurement, providing supplier development support and enabling VSL to scale operations to meet global automotive standards, reinforcing the Eastern Cape’s position as a key automotive manufacturing hub.

“Guided by its newly articulated values, IMSAf continued to place strong emphasis on mutual growth, reflected in sustained investment in its people, dealer network and the communities in which it operates.”

Sustained investment in employees has contributed to IMSAf's Top Employer recognition for four consecutive years, while the company also continued to support community initiatives focused on water security, education and conservation.

Aligned with ISUZU Environmental Vision 2050, the company said it was embedding sustainable practices across its operations as new products and technologies are introduced

“As we introduce new products and technologies, that commitment remains unchanged, to deliver solutions our customers can trust, today and into the future,” Uren said.

From a financial perspective, IMSAf is focused on improving organisational efficiency, strengthening its dealer network and introducing a competitive ISUZU finance offering.

Strategic pricing, localisation, cost control and regional value-add initiatives were prioritised to support long-term financial sustainability under the DRIVE 2030 strategy.

Digital transformation was also identified as a key growth enabler, with the launch of a company-wide digital integration programme aimed at streamlining operations, improving customer experience and supporting data-driven decision-making.

IMSAf also confirmed the upcoming launch of the new ISUZU D-MAX and the next-generation truck range.

BUSINESS REPORT