Isuzu has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in SriCity, Andhra Pradesh. The first India-made D-MAX V-Cross pickup was rolled out of the facility to mark the commencement of production in the presence of Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, chief minister, Andhra Pradesh and Mr. Masanori Katayama, president, Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan. An amount of INR 3000 crore has been earmarked for the project.
The manufacturing plant is spread over 107 acres and has a production capacity of 50,000 units, which can be scaled up to 120,000 units in the future. The next generation of Isuzu D-MAX pickups include the D-MAX Crew Cab, a four-door pickup with a cargo deck, the D-MAX Single Cab and the D-MAX Cab-Chassis variant.
The D-MAX V-Cross adventure pickup with 4X4 capability will be manufactured at the plant and will cater to the adventure seekers in the country. This vehicle was also showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and we were impressed by its sheer size.
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All vehicles will be manufactured with 70% localisation. Isuzu Motors India has tied up with 120 suppliers, including tier-I and II suppliers, to supply auto components for vehicles. In the future, the company might consider exporting the vehicles manufactured at this plant to international markets.
Speaking at the plant inauguration, Mr. Masanori Katayama, president, Isuzu Motors Limited, said, “We are very happy to start our local manufacturing operations in India. India is one of the biggest automobile markets and also one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India is a key part of Isuzu Motors' global growth strategy. This new plant in India will not only cater to the requirements of the growing Indian market but in future it will also serve as a key manufacturing hub for Isuzu's global operations."
Mr. Hiroyasu Miura, chairman, Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd. commented, "The globally proven Isuzu D-MAX pickups will be manufactured at this plant under high quality standards in line with Isuzu's well acclaimed 'Isuzu Manufacturing Management' practices. We have found Indian suppliers to be capable of meeting Isuzu's global quality standards and we will follow a high localization strategy for the manufacturing operations in India. Isuzu is in India for last four years studying the Indian market, understanding the Indian customer's requirements and establishing the sales and service network. The inauguration of our manufacturing plant at SriCity is a major milestone in this journey and we look forward to an exciting future in India”.
Pre-bookings and deliveries for the new Isuzu vehicles will commence soon at dealerships across India. We can't wait to get lay our hands on one! Would you pick this pick-up over a large bigger SUV? Let us know through the comments section below!
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Source : CarDekho