Japanese utility vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu Motors India, declared the start of its Phase-II operations in a ceremony held at the factory premises on Monday. The company kick-started the Phase-II operations by inaugurating the new state-of-the-art Press Shop facility in the presence of Consul General of the Republic of Japan in Chennai Mr. Kojiro Uchiyama, Mr. Toru Nakata, Executive Vice President, Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, Mr. Iwao Toide, Executive Vice President and CEO of Automotive & Mobility Group, Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan and Mr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Founder Managing Director, Sri City. Other distinguished guests from ISUZU, Mitsubishi Corporation and Sri City were also present at the inaugural event.
The newly inaugurated press shop facility and engine assembly plant have been installed at an investment of ₹400 crores. The commencement of Phase-II operations marks a very important milestone in the journey of ISUZU in India. The Press Shop and the Engine Assembly will further strengthen the company’s operations by bringing very important aspects of manufacturing, in-house.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kojiro Uchiyama, said, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to ISUZU for their continuous efforts all these years in making this plant as one of their global manufacturing hubs. The start of Phase-II operations reiterates ISUZU’s commitment in India and I am confident that this will further accelerate the growth of the sector in the state of Andhra Pradesh. I wish the team ISUZU the best with their new milestone.”
Congratulating the ISUZU team on behalf of the AP Industries Minister Mr. M. Goutham Reddy, who could not attend the function under unavoidable circumstances, Mr. Ravindra Sannareddy read out the message from the Minister. The minister in his message assured all support and mentioned that Isuzu has been a benchmark for the automobile manufacturing in the State of AP.
Mr. Ravindra Sannareddy remarked that Isuzu is the very first car manufacturing industry in Andhra Pradesh, and appreciated their plan to make Sri City plant a global hub in the Light Commercial Vehicle market. He suggested Isuzu to bring out a multi passenger vehicle keeping in view the average size of family in the country.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Toru Nakata, said, “ISUZU has always been committed in delivering the best of products and services across various market it operates. It lays strong focus on its production capabilities and ensures that the products manufactured anywhere in the world are of the same quality and reliability. Today, we stand at a very important juncture to leap forward with our manufacturing capabilities and the phase-II operations, will further bolster our growth and widen our potential in the global market. On behalf of ISUZU, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Andhra Pradesh government for extending their continuous support and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.”
In Phase-I operations, ISUZU set up its manufacturing operations in India at SriCity, Andhra Pradesh and rolled out pick-ups and SUV on the world-renowned D-MAX platform. The plant in SriCity is well-equipped and employs skilled workforce from across the state. Isuzu Motors India lays strong focus on high quality manufacturing and follows Isuzu Manufacturing Management principles, ensuring operational efficiency. It has been constantly focusing on training and development and providing career assistance by setting up an automobile skill development centre at ITI Tirupati.
About Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd.
Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. Headquartered in Chennai, the company sells the popular ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross – India’s First Lifestyle and Adventure Pick-up and the ISUZU mu-X, premium 7-seater SUV in the personal vehicle segment and variants of ISUZU D-MAX pick-ups – S-CAB and Regular Cab, for the commercial segment. ISUZU vehicles are known for their reliability and performance around the world. Renowned the world-over, ISUZU vehicles are gaining huge significance in the Indian market as well, thanks to the ‘value proposition’ it offers the customers.
Isuzu Motors India manufactures these products at its new manufacturing plant in Sri City, spread over an area of 107 acres in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company began its manufacturing operations in April 2016, with strong focus on quality and commitment to Indian market.