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ISUZU

30 entries

Japanese maker of commercial vehicles and diesel engines, named after the Isuzu River, which means fifty bells.

Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Focus: Commercial vehicles and diesel engines
Name from: The Isuzu River, meaning fifty bells
Subsidiary: UD Trucks

Isuzu's history began in 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering planned car production with the Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company. In 1919 the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipyard built Japan's first series-produced passenger car, a Wolseley model.

In 1949 the company took the name Isuzu, after the Isuzu River. Its main focus today is commercial diesel-powered trucks, buses and construction vehicles, sold in most commercial markets worldwide.

1916Tokyo Ishikawajima plans automobile production
1918Technical cooperation with Wolseley Motors
1919First Japan-produced passenger car, a Wolseley model
1949Company renamed Isuzu, after the Isuzu River