No surprise here. The only question was when, and now that's been answered: January 31, 2009. Frankly, I'm surprised they're waiting that long. I guess it takes that long to wind down operations...
PRESS RELEASE:
Isuzu to End North American SUV Sales
Isuzu Motors Limited (President Susumu Hosoi; "Isuzu") has decided to end its North American SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) new vehicle sales business as of January 31. 2009.
This decision to end the SUV new vehicle sales business was made because there are no forecasts for continuation of the SUV business through introduction of a next-generation vehicle model or a Isuzu-made model to replace the GM-OEM vehicle currently being marketed (Ascender and i-series pick-up trucks). The SUV parts and service business will continue.
Currently, Isuzu's North American business comprises the three businesses of CV (trucks), SUV and PT (diesel engines and components).
In the CV business, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) carries out sales primarily of light duty vehicle as N Series (ELF in Japan). In the SUV business, Isuzu Motors America (ISZA) carries out sales of OEM vehicle from GM, and in the PT business, ISZA carries out sales of industrial diesel engines and components. With this decision to end SUV operations, Isuzu's North American business will focus on the CV and PT businesses.
Isuzu's North American SUV business began with the establishment of American Isuzu Motors Inc. in 1980 (AIMI later merged with ISZA), and in 1999 sales surpassed 100,000 units annually. In 2002, Isuzu introduced GM-OEM vehicle. However, by 2007, the total number of units sold fell to around 7,000 units for the year.
In the CV business, Isuzu last year implemented measures to strengthen its North American sales structure as part of its efforts to strengthen cab over truck sales globally, and aided in part by the expansion of CV units sold in North America, in the mid-term management plan that commences this year, Isuzu is targeting overseas truck sales of 350,000 units.
Full story here at Autoblog.
Here's Inside Line's take: Isuzu To Quit U.S. Market
Here's AutoObserver's take: Isuzu: Out of Business Next Year
Here's Alternate Route's take: Jan 31, 2008 - Gesundheit & Goodbye
Isuzu to End North American SUV Sales
Isuzu Motors Limited (President Susumu Hosoi; "Isuzu") has decided to end its North American SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) new vehicle sales business as of January 31. 2009.
This decision to end the SUV new vehicle sales business was made because there are no forecasts for continuation of the SUV business through introduction of a next-generation vehicle model or a Isuzu-made model to replace the GM-OEM vehicle currently being marketed (Ascender and i-series pick-up trucks). The SUV parts and service business will continue.
Currently, Isuzu's North American business comprises the three businesses of CV (trucks), SUV and PT (diesel engines and components).
In the CV business, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) carries out sales primarily of light duty vehicle as N Series (ELF in Japan). In the SUV business, Isuzu Motors America (ISZA) carries out sales of OEM vehicle from GM, and in the PT business, ISZA carries out sales of industrial diesel engines and components. With this decision to end SUV operations, Isuzu's North American business will focus on the CV and PT businesses.
Isuzu's North American SUV business began with the establishment of American Isuzu Motors Inc. in 1980 (AIMI later merged with ISZA), and in 1999 sales surpassed 100,000 units annually. In 2002, Isuzu introduced GM-OEM vehicle. However, by 2007, the total number of units sold fell to around 7,000 units for the year.
In the CV business, Isuzu last year implemented measures to strengthen its North American sales structure as part of its efforts to strengthen cab over truck sales globally, and aided in part by the expansion of CV units sold in North America, in the mid-term management plan that commences this year, Isuzu is targeting overseas truck sales of 350,000 units.
Full story here at Autoblog.
Here's Inside Line's take: Isuzu To Quit U.S. Market
Here's AutoObserver's take: Isuzu: Out of Business Next Year
Here's Alternate Route's take: Jan 31, 2008 - Gesundheit & Goodbye
ateixeira says:
11:10 AM, 01/31/08
Isuzu died a long time ago. GM had them coasting on a few re-badged trucks just to keep the dealerships happy.
This is sad. At one point the Rodeo was the best selling import truck on the market. How could GM let them fall so far?
rsholland says:
11:14 AM, 01/31/08
I think the problem was when Isuzu let GM take control. It was all downhill from there.
iskch says:
12:44 PM, 01/31/08
GM screw up Isuzu big time. The Isuzu Trooper was an Icon for 4WD hard core worldwide.
macsurvey1 says:
02:19 PM, 05/14/09
Though I have been a proud Isuzu owner(4) for years, reading this blog plus my latest experience really p_sses me off. I have a 1997 Trooper with 16000 miles, great interior, engine, does not burn oil but guess what, the frame won't pass inspection. At least my 1979 Isuzu lasted 25 years before I could pick the body off the frame. Now I apparently have no recourse but if anyone has any suggestions, email me at macsurvey1@aol.com