• 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

    From Alsace, France. Maximum output 1200 hp @ 6400 rpm and torque 1,500 Nm @ 3000-5000 rpm. Acceleration (0-100 kmh) in 2.6 sec and top speed is 408.84 kmh

  • 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

    From Okayama, Japan. Maximum output 300 hp @ 6500 rpm and torque 422 Nm @ 3500 rpm. Acceleration (0-100 kmh) in 4.5 sec

  • 2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus

    From Neckarsulm, Gerrmany. Maximum output 525 hp @ 8000 rpm and torque 530 Nm @ 6500 rpm. Acceleration (0-100 kmh) in 3.7 sec and top speed is 333 kmh

  • 2012 Aston Martin One-77

    From Warwickshire, United Kingdom. Maximum output 760 hp and torque 750 Nm. Acceleration (-0-100 kmh) in 3.7 sec and top speed is 354 kmh

  • 2013 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI

    From Emden, Germany. Maximum output 160 hp @ 5000-6200 rpm and torque 250 Nm @ 1500-4200 rpm. Acceleration (0-100 kmh) in 8.6 sec and top speed is 220 kmh

  • 2011 Koenigsegg Agera R

    From Ängelholm, Sweden. Maximum output 1139 hp @ 7100 rpm and torque 1200 Nm @ 4100 rpm. Acceleration (0-100 kmh) in 2.8 sec and top speed is 438 kmh

  • 2014 BMW i8

    From Leipzig, Germany. Maximum output 362 hp and torque 570 Nm (combined petrol and hybrid). Mid-range acceleration (80-120 kmh) in 2.6 sec and electronically controlled top speed is 250 kmh

  • 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

    From Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. Maximum output 700 hp @ 8250 rpm and torque 690Nm @ 5500 rpm. Acceleration (0-100 kmh) in 2.9 sec and top speed is 349 kmh

  • 2015 Ford Mustang GT

    From Flat Rock, Michigan. Maximum output 435 hp and torque 542 Nm

  • 2012 Ferrari F12berlinetta

    From Maranello, Italy. Maximum output 740 hp @ 8250 rpm and torque 690 Nm @ 6000 rpm. Acceleration (0-100kmh) in 3.1 sec and top speed is 362 kmh

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Acura

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Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. The brand has been available in the United States and Canada since March 1986, marketing luxury, performance, and near-performance vehicles. It was introduced to Hong Kong in 1991, Mexico in 2004, andChina in 2006. Honda's plan to introduce Acura to the Japanese market in 2008 was delayed, due to economic reasons, and later withheld as a result of the 2008 financial crisis.
The creation of Acura coincided with the introduction of a Japanese Honda dealership sales channel, called Honda Clio, which sold luxury vehicles, joining previously established Honda Verno, followed by Honda Primo the following year. Acura holds the distinction of being the first Japanese automotive luxury brand. In its first few years of existence, Acura was among the best-selling luxury marques in the US. Though sales were down in the mid-to-late 1990s, the brand experienced a revival in the early 2000s, due to drastic redesigns and the introductions of new models.

Founded
1986
Headquarters
Minato, Tokyo, Japan (at Honda Headquarters)
Torrance, California, USA
Key people
John Mendel, V.P., Acura USA
Owner(s)
Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
Website

History

1980s: Introduction of the Acura brand

Following a decade of research, Honda opened 60 new dealerships in North America by 1986, to support its Acura automobile division. Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand, introduced under the slogan, "Acura. Precision Crafted Performance." Its initial offering consisted of two models: the executive class Legend and the compact class Integra, available as a five-door and three-door hatchback. The Legend was the result of Project XX, a joint venture Honda entered into with the UK's Austin Rover Group. It was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series, while the Integra was an improvement of the Honda Quint hatchback.
1987 Acura Legend
The success of these models, particularly the Legend, led to competing Japanese luxury brand ventures (Toyota's Lexus that began development in 1983 as the F1 project, and Nissan's Infiniti who began development in 1985 by revising their Japan-only flagship Nissan President; in the late 1990s Mazda planned but never launched its own Amati luxury division). The goal of the Legend was to compete with rivals Toyota Crown and the Nissan Cedric and Gloria, but due to its 1986 introduction worldwide, Toyota, Nissan and other companies like Lincoln took notice of the markets reaction to the Legend and later the Vigor and offered vehicles that addressed the executive size car. Toyota introduced the Lexus ES, Nissan introduced the Infiniti J30 and Ford utilized the Taurus platformand named their new sedan the Lincoln Continental.
First generation Acura Integra
In 1987, Acura's first full year of sales, they sold 109,000 cars with the flagship Legend sedan accounting for 55,000 sales and the rest were of the smaller Integra. By 1990, Acura was selling 138,000 vehicles, including 54,000 Legends, compared to Mercedes-Benz's 78,000 cars and 64,000 each for BMW and Lexus.

1990s: NSX, updates

In 1990, five years after the debut of the Legend and Integra, Acura introduced the NSX, a midship V6 powered, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The NSX, an acronym for "New Sports eXperimental", was billed as the first Japanese car capable of competing with Ferrari and Porsche. This vehicle served as a "image car" for both the Honda and Acura brands, heralding the introduction of Honda's VTEC technology. The NSX was the world's first all-aluminum production car, and was also marketed and viewed by some as the "Everyday Supercar" thanks in part to its ease of use, quality and reliability, traits that were unheard of in the supercar segment at the time. With the release of the NSX, Acura introduced the "A-badge", a stylized pair of calipers—a tool used for exacting measurements to imply that Acura vehicles are built to precise and demanding standards.
The Honda NSX, badged as an Acura in certain regions
Despite a strong start in market acceptance for the Acura brand, sales suffered in the mid-to-late 1990s. Some critics attributed this decline in part to less inspiring designs, which were re-branded Japanese-spec Hondas, such as the Acura Vigor in 1992, a response to the Lexus ES and Infiniti J30. Additionally, during this time Acura switched to an alphanumeric nomenclature formula, dropping the Legend, Vigor and Integra titles, following the lead of the NSX sportscar. The 1996 3.5 RL, which replaced the popular Legend, and the Vigor became the 2.5 TL and 3.2 TL, and was regarded by many as the epitome of this problem, namely because the alphanumeric designations were more anonymous than the former Legend, Vigor and Integra titles, which had grown into their own cult followings. Also, the RL's 210 horsepower (160 kW) V6 (later increased to 225 hp), together with a high price and styling that cautiously copied the larger rear wheel drive and V-8 powered Lexus LS 400, did little against BMW, Audi, Lexus, and other competitors.
The parent company, Honda, was also feeling the results of the decline of the Japanese economy, due to the Japanese asset price bubble that took place during the 1990s and into the 2000s. This period is known in Japan as The Lost Decade.
During this time, the NSX also lost sales as Acura made few changes from its original 1990 trim. A year later, the Integra sedan was withdrawn from the Canadian market, replaced by the market-exclusive Acura 1.6 EL, a rebadged Honda Civic/Domani. The Integra sedan continued to be sold in the United States until 2001 (in name only, the model it was replaced with, the RSX, was simply a rebadged left-hand-drive version of the JDM DC5 Honda Integra).
The Acura 3.2 TL
Despite these letdowns, Acura gained prominence in the 1990s with a young group of customers: "tuner" enthusiasts. Parent company Honda's reputation with this demographic as a maker of "easy-to-tune" and "rev-happy" engines rubbed off onto Acura, and the Integra became a popular tuner car.

2000-2003: TL, RSX, MDX

Beginning around the year 2000, Acura experienced a rebirth which was catalyzed by the introduction of several redesigned models. The first of these models was the 1999 Acura 3.2 TL, an upscale sedan competing with the likes of the Lexus ES, Infiniti I30, and BMW 3-series. Critics suggested that although 3.2 TL did not outdo its competition in any one area of luxury cars, it offered a well-rounded blend of sportiness and luxury. These characteristics, combined with the TL's competitive price, proved very popular with consumers. Subsequent Acura models have followed a similar philosophy of offering lots of standard equipment and very few options.
First generation Acura MDX
Another refreshed Acura introduced in the early 2000s was the MDX, a popular three-row crossover SUV based on the Honda Odyssey minivan. The MDX replaced the slow-selling SLX, which was little more than a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. The MDX was a car-like crossover SUV with limited off-road capability that catered to the demands of the luxury SUV market. It was given top honors by Car and Driver in its first comparison test against seven other SUVs. Other cars in Acura's line-up during this time included the 3.2 TL, 3.2 CL, RSX (formerly the Integra hatchback), and the NSX. By the late 2000s, Acura had dropped the inclusion of engine displacement numbers in its vehicle designations, retaining a simpler, two- or three-letter designation instead (e.g. 3.5 RL became RL). The 1999-2003 TL have been plagued by transmission and other problems.
In 2001, a new coupe, badged as the RSX was introduced to the Acura line up. It was a replacement for the outgoing Integra. The RSX is a rebadged Honda Integra (DC5) from the Japanese market. As a result, the RSX is technically a new generation of the outgoing Integra. Much like the Integra, the RSX was a hit in the tuner market. However, at the end of 2006, the RSX was taken out of the Acura line up, subsequently in the Japanese market as well. It is not known why the RSX did not continue to be sold as the Integra in Japan, however, the reason that Acura gave for the cancellation of the RSX is that Acura wishes to move up in the luxury brand, thus cannot sell a car that is mostly driven by teenagers.

2004-2006: RL, TSX, RDX

A new TL debuted for the 2004 model year, with a sharp style, Italian and a 270 hp (200 kW) V6 measured by the then current standards SAE. The new TL increased sales dramatically to 70,943 American units in 2005, surpassing competitors such as the C-Class, G35, CTS, ES 300, and A4.
Third generation Acura TL
Also around the same time the Acura TSX was introduced as a cheaper alternative to the BMW 3-Series. It was essentially a re-badged European and Japanese market Honda Accord loaded with features. This model became the only 4-cylinder sedan in Acura's line-up (with the exception of the Canadian market Acura CSX, which replaced the EL in 2006).
In 2005, a new RL was introduced with a 300 hp (220 kW) V6, improved styling, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a system capable of sending almost all of the RL's power to just one wheel in a turn. The second-generation RL appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005, and also garnered an CNET.com "Editor's Choice" Award for Top Tech Car. While critically acclaimed, sales have not met expectations, as the price of the RL is perceived to be out of its bracket. As the new RL offered more features and performance than the base version of its luxury competition's (i.e., the base six-cylinder. BMW 5 Series), Honda Japan suggested that it could charge more, though Honda Canada disagreed. The RL's initial MSRP was $69,500 CAD, more than the six-cylinder BMW 525i and close to that of the V8-powered BMW 545i. At the RL's price point, most consumers expected a V8, furthermore they did not perceive Acura as being on par with its German rivals and expected more value from the Japanese marque. The damage from Honda Japan's alleged hubris was done, even though Honda Canada has since reduced the RL's price.
Acura's new models—particularly the TL and TSX—were well received by the motoring press and became Acura's top selling vehicles. The TSX was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list from 2004–2006.
First generation Acura RDX
In 2006 Acura introduced a small SUV which was based on its own unique unibody chassis called the RDX with models becoming available to U.S. consumers in August 2006. It is powered by a turbocharged 240-hp 4-cylinder engine and, like the RL, uses Acura's SH-AWD system. The model is available in two versions: Premium (the standard offering), and Technology Package (an upgraded offering with a GPS navigation system). A completely redesigned MDX became available in the fall of 2006 with a 300 hp (220 kW) V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

2007-present: ZDX, ILX

2010 Acura ZDX
Acura re-introduced the TL Type-S for the 2007 model year. 2009 marked the all new TL and TSX models as well as a mid-year model update for the RL; all three made their debuts in the 2008 calendar year. Acura planned on redesigning the RL by 2011 as well as announced the creation of a brand new luxury crossover vehicle called the ZDX, previewed by the concept of the same name.
The ZDX was the first Acura designed in Acura's design studio located at Torrance in Southern California. The ZDX was designed by Michelle Christensen and based on the Acura MDX using that vehicles 3.7 litre V6 engine (300 bhp) and SH-AWD system. A common misconception is that it is based on the Honda Crosstour which was based on the Honda Accord rather than the bigger and more complex underpinnings of the MDX. It is also the first Acura to be completely built in North America. The production model of the ZDX made its debut in the Orange County Auto Show in Southern California on October 15, 2009. The concept behind the ZDX is that it is a "four door coupe," and the design emphasis of the body of the car is like a "pulled back slingshot." Another prominent design aspect of the ZDX is the wide rear shoulders above the rear wheels. The ZDX went on sale in December 2009.
2012 Acura TL
Acura initially had plans for the third generation of RL to be a rear wheel drive V8 sedan for its flagship, but shelved the plans in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn.
Acura announced new TSX wagon in the 2010 New York Auto Show and the car is due to go on sale in Fall of 2010. The wagon version of the TSX is based on the wagon version of the Euro-spec Honda Accord which has been in the European market for some time. However, Acura did not announce any plans for the third-generation RL.
For the 2010 model year the MDX models received some slight exterior changes and increased equipment levels. Mechanically the engine remained unchanged but the transmission was updated from the previous 5-speeds to 6-speeds including steering column mounted shift override paddles. This new transmission was shared with the ZDX.
In 2012, Acura introduced a new model called the ILX which is based heavily on the Honda Civic platform. It shares the same 3 power train variants from the Civic: the 2.0L, 2.4L VTEC and a 1.5L Hybrid. It also unveiled the Acura RLX Concept, a replacement for the RL sedan, at the New York International Auto Show. The ILX went on sale in May 2012 in the United States as a 2013 model.
Also in 2012, Acura "reinvented" another model, the RDX concept. The RDX concept was is based on the Honda CR-V. For the new model, Acura dropped the 4 cylinder turbo for a 3.5L V6. When the official 2013 Acura RDX was released, it was relatively similar to the concept but had changes in wheels, taillights, and some other cosmetics. A lot of this Acura looks like it's brother the ILX. The 2013 RDX doesn't have the SH-AWD system instead it takes the Intelligent Drive AWD from the CR-V. The RDX is now available with BASE, BASE AWD, TECH., and TECH AWD.
In 2013, Acura showed a 2014 Concept of the MDX. Shortly after, it was released to the public. MDX competes with Lexus RX, Audi A7 and many others. For the first time, buyers of the 2014 MDX didn't have to get the SH-AWD. This model also gets the Jewel Eye LED lights similar to the RLX. The trim levels are BASE, TECH, TECH AND ENTERTAINMENT, and ADVANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT. All of these can be applied with SH-AWD.
For the 2014 model of the RDX. Acura drops color Amber Brownstone which was really popular for Kona Coffee Metallic from the CR-V. The new color is a little darker. No changes for the 2014 ILX. Consumers complained about the lack of accessories(back up sensors, illumination door sill trim, etc.) for the RDX but Acura hasn't changed anything.
2013 Acura RDX
2014 Acura MDX

List of Acura car models

Category
Models
Current models
ILX, MDX, RDX, RLX, TL, TSX, ZDX
Historic models
CL, CSX, EL, Integra, Legend, NSX, RSX, SLX, Vigor, RL
Concept cars
NSX Concept
Racing cars
ARX-01, ARX-02a

Racing

Almost since its inception, Acura has been involved in American motorsports, specifically in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and IMSA GT Championshipseries. Starting in 1991, Acura reached an agreement with Comptech Racing to use the V6 motor of the all-new Acura NSX in Comptech's Camel Lights Spiceprototype. Acura would go on to take the Lights championship in its initial year, including a class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Acura and Comptech would take the Lights championships again in 1992 and 1993, as well as another Daytona class win in 1992 and a class win at the 12 Hours of Sebring for 1993.
Comptech's 1992 Spice-Acura IMSA GT Championship competitor
However a change in the IMSA rules would lead to the demise of the Camel Lights, and so Acura moved to touring car racing, joining Realtime Racing in the SCCAWorld Challenge with the NSX in 1996, winning the final two races of the season. In 1997, Acura added Acura Integras to the lower classes, and were successful in taking the championship in both of these classes. Realtime took the touring championship with the Integra again in 1998, and came within a few points of winning it again in 1999 only to lose it in the final race, then coming back to retake the title in 2000.
Although Realtime had abandoned the NSX program in 1998, the NSXs returned to the top class in 2001. Although the NSX squad suffered mechanical woes and were unable to take the title, the Integras of the touring class once again took the teams championship. By 2002, Acura replaced the aged Integra with the newAcura RSX in the final races of the season, scoring good finishes in their debut. At the same time, Acura finally retired the NSXs from the top GT class. The RSXs would later be joined by new Acura TSXs in 2004. Realtime continues to campaign the RSX and TSX in the SCCA Speed World Challenge. Acura also currently races RSXs and TSXs in the Grand American Road Racing Association's KONI Challenge Series for touring cars.
Highcroft Racing's ARX-01a
At the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, Acura announced their plans to enter the American Le Mans Series with multiple teams of Le Mans prototypes in the LMP2 class starting in 2007 season. The cars would be purchased chassis from existing manufacturers, but use American-built Acura V8s (a first for Acura and Honda). Acura also announced their initiative to take the cars to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2008 and eventually move to the superior LMP1 class with cars built by Acura themselves in 2009. Later in 2006, Acura announced that the three factory teams would be Andretti Green Racing,Fernández Racing, and Highcroft Racing, and that the chassis would be built by Lola Cars of the UK and Courage Compétition of France.
The three Acura-powered prototypes debuted at the 2007 12 Hours of Sebring, which was the opening round of the ALMS season, and were successful in their debut. Andretti Green's Acura took second place overall and first in the LMP2 class, while Fernández Racing took third overall, and Highcroft sixth, beating a series of established Porsche teams in their class. At the same time, Acura began development of their own chassis by heavily modifying their purchased Courage chassis. The cars now have been so radically changed from their original orientation that they are now named Acura ARX-01a. Acura will introduce evolved B-spec cars in the 2008 season, with Gil de Ferran launching a fourth Acura team in the ALMS.

Marketing

Acura's current marketing slogan is "Advance." Recent models include Technology, Advance, Type-S, and SH-AWD trim levels. Technology and Advance models typically come with the latest hi-tech features such as keyless start and a blind spot information system. Type-S and SH-AWD models are performance-oriented, with a substantial increase in horsepower compared to the lower trim levels. Some models, such as the TL, also combine trim levels (i.e. "SH-AWD with Advance").
2012 Acura NSX Concept
Acura began an association with Marvel Entertainment in 2010, upon release of the film Iron Man 2, which featured a ZDX after the ending credits. On April 20, 2011, Acura and Marvel announced a promotional campaign, making Acura the official brand of Marvel's fictional S.H.I.E.L.D. organization. Soon thereafter, several Acura models—such as the MDX, ZDX, RL, and TL—appeared in the films Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger. In the 2012 film, The Avengers, Iron Man (played by Robert Downey, Jr.) drove an exotic sportscar by Acura, made specifically for the film, rather than theAudi R8 he previously drove. It was rumored that the car spotted during filming was a concept for the second generation NSX, however, a different-looking 2012 Acura NSX Concept was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, on January 9, 2012.
From 1995 to 2007, Acura sponsored two WTA Tour tennis tournaments, both named the Acura Classic.
In 2012, Acura was the presenting sponsor and official vehicle of the Sundance Film Festival.
Acura also has a 'Mobility Program' that ensures drivers who are disabled are safe in their vehicles. The program offers cash reimbursement towards the cost of adaptive equipment for disabled drivers.

Timeline

1986
Acura debuts in North America as the first Japanese luxury marque.
1990
Acura dealerships in the US win their fifth consecutive first-place ranking on the Customer Satisfaction Index by J. D. Power and Associates
Acura announces that it will expand research and development in the US
The second generation Integra is introduced

1992–1994 Acura Vigor




1991
The Legend coupe wins Motor Trend's prestigious "Import Car of the Year" trophy
Honda's VTEC technology is introduced in the NSX
Acura is introduced in Hong Kong by Reliance Motors
1992
The Legend and Integra are joined by the Vigor
1994
The third generation Integra is introduced
1996
The CL is introduced as a 1997 model
The Legend is replaced by the RL and the Vigor is replaced by the TL
1997
The Integra Type R is introduced
The NSX receives 20 more horsepower with a larger 3.2L V6 engine and a new 6-speed manual transmission
The Civic-based 1.6 EL replaces the Integra sedan in the Canadian lineup, while the Integra sedan continued U.S. sales until 2001

Third generation Acura Integra




2000
The MDX is introduced as a 2001 model along with a new CL
2001
The MDX wins the prestigious Motor Trend "2001 Sport/Utility of the Year" award
Civic-based 1.7 EL launched, replacing the 1.6 EL, in the Canadian lineup
2002
The Integra is replaced by the RSX, which is a left hand drive version of the fourth generation Honda Integra
The TL Type-S is introduced
The NSX receives a cosmetic facelift, with the retractable headlights being replaced with fixed ones. The suspension is also slightly revised, and an automatic transmission becomes optional
2003
The CL receives a new 6-speed manual transmission, before being discontinued later that year
2004
Acura is introduced in Mexico by Honda de Mexico
Third generation Acura TL is introduced
The TSX is introduced and becomes a very competitive choice against popular BMW 3-series
The MDX receives a mid-model change with more horsepower
2005
The NSX is discontinued
The RSX receives a mid-model change and more horsepower in the Type-S
The new Acura TL wins "Consumer's Most Wanted Vehicle" at Edmunds.com
Acura RL is introduced with the revolutionary SH-AWD system
Acura drops engine size from 1.7 EL model name

The 2009 Acura TSX
2006
Acura is introduced in China
Acura RDX is introduced with SH-AWD
Acura introduces CSX to replace EL, and is only sold in Canada
The RSX (as well as the Honda Integra) is discontinued
The TSX gets mid-model change with 5 more horsepower
2007
Acura MDX receives a redesign
Acura TL Type-S is reintroduced, and the CSX Type-S is introduced in Canada
2008
Acura introduces the new RL, which receives a mid-model change redesign
Acura introduces new TSX at the New York Auto Show
2009 model year
Acura TSX receives a redesign
Acura TL receives a redesign
Acura RL receives a mid-model change
Acura CSX receives a mid-model change
2010 model year
Acura introduces all new ZDX
Acura MDX receives a mid-model change
Acura RDX receives a mid-model change
Acura TSX receives an optional V6 engine from the TL and a minor mid-model change
2011 model year
Acura TSX Sport Wagon is introduced
Acura CSX is dropped
2012 model year
Acura TL gets mid-model change
Acura TSX Special Edition is introduced
2013 model year
Acura ILX is introduced
Acura RDX receives a redesign
2014 model year
Acura RLX is released to the market.
Acura RDX gets little changes.
Acura MDX is released to the market.

Last updated on 28 August 2013 at 22:58.

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Isuzu Motors

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Isuzu Motors Ltd. (いすゞ自動車株式会社 Isuzu Jidōsha Kabushiki-Kaisha), (TYO: 7202) trading as Isuzu (Japanese pronunciation: [isuʑu], /iˈsuːzuː/) is a Japanese commercial vehicles and diesel engine manufacturing company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Its principal activity is the production, distribution and sale of Isuzu commercial vehicles and diesel engines. The company was founded by Yoshisuke Aikawa in 1916, as the Tokyo Gas Company, a Japanese oil and gasoline manufacturer, which in 1934 fused with the carmaker and was renamed Isuzu, after Isuzu River.
Isuzu has assembly and manufacturing plants in the Japanese city of Fujisawa, as well as in the prefectures Tochigi and Hokkaidō. Isuzu is famous for producing commercial vehicles and diesel engines. Isuzu-branded vehicles are sold in most commercial markets worldwide.
In 2004, Isuzu was relaunched in Europe, primarily selling vehicles manufactured by General Motors and slotting in below Isuzu. By 2009, Isuzu had produced over 21 million diesel engines, which can be found in vehicles all over the world.[2] Isuzu diesel engines are used by Renault-Nissan Allianceand General Motors. It operates a 50:50 joint venture with Anadolu Group called Anadolu Isuzu, which was formed in 1984 and is developing a range of minibus, city bus and intercity bus for sale Turkey.
Founded
1916
Founder(s)
Yoshisuke Aikawa
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
Key people
Susumu Hosoi, President & Representative Director
Subsidiaries
Anadolu Isuzu
IAMI
Isuzu HICOM Malaysia
Isuzu Malaysia
Isuzu Philippines
Isuzu UK
Isuzu South Africa
Isuzu Vietnam
Website

Isuzu Motors' head office (Minami- ōi, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo)

History

Isuzu's history begins in 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., Ltd. plan a cooperation with the Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Co. to build automobiles. The next step is taken in 1918, when a technical cooperation with Wolseley Motors Limited is initiated, meaning exclusive rights to the production and sales of Wolseley vehicles in East Asia. In 1922 the first Wolseley model, the A-9 car, is domestically produced. The CP truck follows two years later; 550 of these are built until 1927. In 1933, Ishikawajima Automotive Works merges with DAT Automobile Manufacturing Inc. (a predecessor of Datsun) and changes its name to Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. The products of this company, marketed as "Sumiya" and "Chiyoda", were renamed Isuzu (after the Isuzu River) in 1934, following a meeting with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI). The word Isuzu translated into English means "fifty bells" - hence the focus on "bell" in both the later Bellel and the Bellett.
In 1937 Automobile Industries is reorganized and formed into a new company, Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. It was founded with a capital of one million yen. Only in 1949 is Isuzu also adopted as the company name. Meanwhile, in 1942, Hino Heavy Industries was split off from Isuzu, becoming a separate corporation. Truck production (TX40 and TU60) began anew in 1945, with the permission of the occupation authorities. Beginning in 1953 the Hillman Minx passenger car is produced under license of Rootes Group. The Minx remained in production until 1962, after the 1961 introduction of Isuzu's first own car, the Bellel. Being a small producer making cars which were somewhat too large and pricey for the Japanese market at the time, Isuzu spent some time looking for a commercial partner. Under pressure from MITI, who were attempting to limit the number of automobile manufacturers in Japan, a cooperation with Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) began in 1966. The Subaru 1000 was even shown in Isuzu's 1967 annual vehicle brochure, as a suitable complement to the larger Isuzu lineup. This tie-up was over by 1968, when an agreement with Mitsubishi was formed. This ended even quicker, by 1969, and the next year an equally short-lived collaboration was entered with Nissan. A few months later, in September 1971, what was to prove a more durable capital agreement was signed with General Motors.

Linking with General Motors

The first result of GM taking a 34% stake in Isuzu is seen in 1972, only months later, when the Chevrolet LUV becomes the first Isuzu-built vehicle to be sold in the United States. To symbolize the new beginning, Isuzu also develops a new logo for 1974, with two vertical pillars which are stylized representations of the first syllable in いすゞ ("Isuzu"). In 1974 Isuzu introduces the Gemini, which is co-produced with General Motors as the T-car. It is sold in the United States as Buick's Opel by Isuzu, and in Australia as the Holden Gemini. As a result of the collaboration, certain American GM products are sold to Japanese customers through Isuzu dealerships. Holden's Statesmanwas also briefly sold (246 examples) with Isuzu badging in Japan during the seventies. Isuzu exports also increase considerably as a result of being able to use GM networks, from 0.7% of production in 1973 to 35.2% by 1976; this while overall production increased more than fourfold in the same period.

1966 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT (PR90)
1981 marks the year that Isuzu-branded consumer and commercial vehicles were first successfully marketed under their own brand in the United States. The Isuzu P'Up was the first model sold to consumers as an Isuzu, rather than as a Chevrolet or Buick. Isuzu's then president Toshio Okamoto then initiated a linkup with small-car expert Suzuki, in order to collaborate on the development on a global small car for GM, the S-car. A three-way agreement of co-ownership was thus signed in August 1981, with Isuzu and Suzuki exchanging shares and General Motors taking a 5% share of Suzuki. During this period Isuzu also developed a worldwide presence as an exporter of diesel engines, with their powerplants in use by Opel/Vauxhall, Land Rover, Hindustan, and many others. In the domestic Japanese market, OEM deals with other manufacturers were entered to aid the poorly performing passenger car arm. It led to the badging of Suzukis, beginning in 1986, and Subaru small commercial vehicles as Isuzus (Geminett, Geminett II). This OEM tie-up occurred alongside the establishment of SIA (Subaru-Isuzu Automotive), an American joint venture with Fuji Heavy Industries (the parent company of Subaru). Shortly afterwards, the Lafayette, Indiana plant became operational.

Contraction begins

Very unusual 1967 Isuzu Unicab, a two-wheel drive utility vehicle
In 1993 Isuzu ceased to export the Stylus (the basis for the Geo Spectrum), its last own car marketed in America, after having ended sales of theImpulse (Geo Storm) the year before. After this contraction, Isuzu announced a new vehicle exchange program with Honda in 1994. It meant providing Honda with the Isuzu Rodeo (to be sold as the Honda Passport) and Isuzu Trooper (to be sold as the Acura SLX) and providing Isuzu with the Honda Odyssey (to be sold as the Isuzu Oasis). This has the effect of adding two SUVs to Honda's lineup and a minivan to Isuzu's lineup. In the domestic market, the Gemini (Stylus) was now a rebadged Honda Domani and the Aska (originally based on the GM J-car) was a Honda Accord. In 1996 the Isuzu Hombre pickup, a badge-engineered GM truck, was introduced, and Isuzu's United States sales reached a peak.
  • 1998 - General Motors and Isuzu form DMAX, a joint venture to produce diesel engines. Isuzu resurrects the beloved Amigo. The uniquely styled VehiCROSS concept is unveiled.
  • 1999 - GM raises its stake in Isuzu to 49%, effectively gaining control of the company. GM quickly follows this up with the appointment of an American GM executive to head Isuzu's North American Operations. This is the first time a non-Japanese executive has ever held such a high position at Isuzu. The U.S. introduction of the production version of the heralded VehiCROSS is met with mixed reviews, as its high pricetag, unique styling and two-door configuration don't seem to meet with market demands.
  • 2001 - Joe Isuzu, the immensely popular pitchman with implausible claims, is hired once again to promote the new Axiom. Isuzu sales begin to slide due to the aging of the Rodeo and Trooper, and poor management & lack of assistance from GM. Isuzu changes the name of the 2-door Amigo convertible to Rodeo Sport in an attempt to associate it with the better selling 4-door Rodeo. Movie Spy kids features Isuzu Axiom and Trooper.
  • Early 2002 - Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) buys Isuzu's share of Lafayette, Indiana plant. Subaru Isuzu Automotive (SIA) becomes Subaru of Indiana Automotive. After 8 years of heavy Honda Passport sales and light Isuzu Oasis sales, Honda and Isuzu cooperatively end their vehicle exchange agreement. The Oasis is dropped, and Honda replaces the Passport with the Pilot. Also, it was Isuzu's last year for passenger vehicles in Canada, as Isuzus in Canada were mostly sold at Saturn-Saab dealerships.
  • Late 2002 - Isuzu begins the re-purchase of its stock from shareholders, primarily General Motors. Isuzu reduces GM's 49% share to 12% as part of this comprehensive recapitalization plan. As part of this reorganization, GM gains full control of DMAX and Isuzu Motors Polska, as well as ownership of all diesel engine designs from Isuzu. Isuzu drops the venerable Trooper from the North American lineup.
  • 2003 - The Rodeo Sport is discontinued.
  • July 2004 - Production of the Rodeo and Axiom cease. Sales in North America slow to just 27,188, with the discontinued Rodeo and Axiom making up 71% of that total. The number of Isuzu dealerships in the U.S. begins a rapid decline.
  • 2005 - Isuzu dealers in the United States have only 2 models: the Ascender and the i-series pickup truck. The i-series is a rebadged Chevrolet Colorado, the Ascender is a re-badged GMC Envoy. At this point, Isuzu in the United States is primarily a distributor of medium duty trucks such as the NPR series. These vehicles are sourced both from Japan and U.S. plants in Janesville, Wisconsin and Flint, Michigan. Isuzu has 290 light-vehicle dealers in the U.S. as of August 2006, and sells an average of just two Ascenders per dealer per month. Plans to introduce a new Thai-built SUV, expected to be added for 2007, are shelved; Isuzu Motors Limited believes that a new SUV would be too risky and proceeds with the launch of the i-series trucks. Rumors of Isuzu's withdrawal from the U.S. market are rampant. Despite extremely low sales figures of 12,177 passenger vehicles for 2005 (with leftover Axiom and Rodeos making up 30% of this), Isuzu Motors America announces its first profit in years, mainly due to restructuring cuts.
  • 2006 - Production of the 7-passenger Ascender ends in February with the closure of GM's Oklahoma City Assembly plant, leaving Isuzu with the 5-passenger Ascender, built in Moraine, Ohio and the low-selling i-Series as its only retail products. The company sold just 1,504 vehicles in North America in the first two months of 2006. Isuzu finally purchases its remaining shares from GM, but claims the companies will continue their current relationship. There is no word as of April 12, 2006 on the effect this will have on DMAX operations.
Isuzu LT132L on a Hong Kong motorway
  • June 2006 - Isuzu and GM Agree to establish Joint Venture called "LCV Platform Engineering Corporation (LPEC)" to develop a new pickup. Isuzu says it will use its engineering expertise to develop the pickup and GM will develop derivatives based on the integrated platform.
  • November 2006 - Toyota purchases 5.9% of Isuzu and the two companies agree to study possible business collaboration focusing on the areas of R&D and production of diesel engines, related emissions-control, and other environmental technologies.
  • January 2007 - Isuzu, along with General Motors Companies, release an update to the LCV range, with a 3.0 litre common rail diesel motor, with far more torque and power to its predecessor
  • August 2007 - Isuzu and Toyota agree to develop a 1.6-liter diesel engine for use in Toyota vehicles sold in European markets. Details of development, production and supply of the diesel engine, are still under discussion, but in principle, Isuzu will play the leading role. Production is scheduled to begin around 2012.
  • January 30, 2008 - Isuzu announces complete withdrawal from the US market, effective January 31, 2009. It will continue to provide support and parts. The decision was due to lack of sales. Some of the lack of sales have been blamed on consumer experiences with low quality engines and service. Isuzu had been experiencing a slow decline since the late 1990s. In less than 10 years, they had gone from selling a complete line of cars, trucks, and SUVs, into being a specialized SUV maker, and finally selling only a pair of rebadged, General Motors Trucks. They will continue to sell commercial vehicles in the U.S.
  • December 17, 2008 - Isuzu, Toyota shelve development of clean diesel engine.
  • Aziz January 29, 2009 - Isuzu and General Motors announce that they are in talks to transfer the operation of the medium-duty truck production line in Flint, Michigan to Isuzu for a five-year period. In June, however, GM announced that these talks failed to reach an agreement, and GM instead ceased production of the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick vehicles on 31 July 2009.
Isuzu LV486R CNG City Bus in Bangkok with the CNG-MPI Engine

Market presence

Isuzu Gemini with European (Maltese) registration plates
Isuzu NHR (Elf) light truck
In most of Asia and Africa, Isuzu is mostly known for trucks of all sizes, after Isuzu small automobile sales drastically plummeted and Isuzu had to drop all sales of sedans and compact cars in the late 1990s. In the days when Isuzu did sell passenger cars, they were known for focussing on the diesel-engined niche. In 1983, for instance, long before the explosion in diesel sales, diesels represented 63.4% of their passenger car production. In 2009, Isuzu abandoned the United States consumer market due to lack of sales. Isuzu as a corporation has always been primarily a manufacturer of small to medium compact automobiles and commercial trucks of sizes medium duty and larger, but markets around the world show different needs.
Isuzu Motors America discontinued the sale of passenger vehicles in the United States effective January 31, 2009. The company explained to its dealers that it had not been able to secure replacements for the Isuzu Ascender and Isuzu i-Series that would be commercially viable. Isuzu sold 7,098 cars in the year 2007. This action did not affect Isuzu's commercial vehicle or industrial diesel engine operations in the United States. Isuzu has a contract with Budget Truck Rental to manufacture their rental trucks, shared with Ford, GMC, and Navistar International.
On November 7, 2006, Toyota acquired 5.9% of Isuzu, making them the third largest shareholder behind ITOCHU and Mitsubishi Corporation.
In Australia, Isuzu was for many years a major supplier of light commercial and domestic vehicles to Holden (General Motors). However, by 2008, Holden was sourcing few Isuzus. At this time Isuzu began to sell the D-Max under the Isuzu name.

Subsidiaries and joint ventures

  • DMAX (engines) - former jv with General Motors in USA for production of diesel engines
  • Ghandhara Industries - jv in Pakistan - trucks, buses
  • Guangzhou Automobile Group Bus - jv in China - buses
  • HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) - jv in Malaysia - trucks, SUVs
  • Industries Mécaniques Maghrébines - jv in Tunisia - trucks, SUVs
  • Isuzu (Anadolu) - jv in Turkey - trucks, buses
  • Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia - jv in Indonesia - trucks, SUVs
  • Isuzu HICOM Malaysia - jv in Malaysia - trucks, SUVs
  • Isuzu Malaysia - jv in Malaysia - trucks, SUVs
  • Isuzu Motors Polska - former jv in Poland - diesel engines, taken over by General Motors
  • Isuzu Philippines - jv in the Philippines - trucks, SUVs
  • Isuzu Truck (UK) - England - trucks, SUVs
  • Isuzu Truck South Africa - jv in South Africa - trucks
  • Isuzu Vietnam - jv in Vietnam - trucks, SUVs
  • Jiangling Motors - jv in China - trucks, SUVs
  • Qingling Motors - jv in China - trucks, SUVs
  • SML Isuzu - jv in India, formerly Swaraj Mazda
  • Sollers-Isuzu - jv in Russia - trucks
  • Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - former jv in USA, interest sold to Subaru - cars, SUVs
  • Taiwan Isuzu Motors - jv in Taiwan - trucks
  • Thai Rung Union Car - Thailand - assembles SUVs
  • Zexel - Japan - auto components, now part of Bosch

Important car, bus and light truck models

Passenger vehicle and SUVs

  • 1953–1962, Minx, Isuzu produced Hillman Minx under licence
  • 1961–1966, Bellel sedan
  • 1963–1973, Bellett sedan (PR10/20) and two-door GT (PR90 & PR91)
  • 1967–1983, Isuzu Florian
  • 1968–1981, 117 Coupe
  • 1974–2000, Gemini/I-Mark/Stylus sedan
  • 1983–1992, Piazza/Impulse/Storm hatchback
  • 1983–2002, Aska sedan
  • 1983–2002, Trooper midsize SUV
  • 1983–1995, Isuzu P'up and TF models Japan built from 1987–1991, US built 1991–1995
  • 1989–1994, Amigo compact SUV (First generation)
  • 1991–2004, Rodeo mid-size SUV
  • 1991–present, Panther, a van sold in Indonesia, sold as the Isuzu Hi-Lander / Crosswind in the Philippines, also sold throughout the ASEAN, and inIndia as the Chevrolet Tavera
  • 1996–1999, Isuzu Oasis minivan, a rebadged Honda Odyssey
  • 1996–2000, Isuzu Hombre pickup truck, a rebadged Chevrolet S10
  • 1996–2001, Isuzu Vertex sedan
  • 1998–2003, Amigo/Rodeo Sport compact SUV (Second generation)
  • 1999–2001, VehiCROSS halo SUV
  • 2001–2004, Axiom midsize SUV
  • 2002–2008, Ascender midsize SUV, a rebadged GMC Envoy
  • 2002–present, D-Max Pickup Truck, a top selling diesel sold in the majority of Isuzu markets (excluding North America)
  • 2006–2008, i-280/i-350 pickup truck (a product of the co-developed D-Max platform Isuzu sells overseas) now sold as the I-290/I-370
2005 Isuzu D-max Spacecab Hi-lander in Thailand

Commercial vehicles

  • Elf - Light Duty Truck (N-Series)
  • Forward - Medium Duty Truck (F-Series)
  • Giga - Heavy Duty Truck (C-Series, E-Series)
Isuzu CXZ (Giga) heavy truck
  • Gala - Heavy Duty Bus
  • Gala Mio - Medium Duty Bus
  • Erga - Low Deck Heavy Duty Bus
  • Erga-J - Heavy Duty Bus
  • Erga Mio - Low Deck Medium Duty Bus
  • Journey - Light Duty Bus
Isuzu Journey operated by Citibus (New Zealand)

  • Journey-J - Medium Duty Bus
  • H-Series - Heavy Duty Truck in United States only (Rebadged from GMC Topkick and Chevrolet Kodiak)
  • Reach - commercial van offering over 35 percent better fuel efficiency, assembled by Utilimaster Corporation


Race cars

  • 1969 R7, Group 7 racecar
  • 1970 Bellett R6, Group 6 racecar

Concept cars

  • 1970 Bellett MX1600
  • 1983 COA
  • 1985 COA-II
  • 1987 COA III, AWD mid engine coupe
  • 1989 Costa
  • 1989 MultiCROSS
  • 1989 4200R
  • 1991 Como, a pickup-style crossover with a Lotus Formula One engine (the name was later used for the rebadged Nissan Caravan E25 produced from 2001)
  • 1991 Nagisa
  • 1991 Terraza
  • 1993 XU-1
  • 1993 VehiCROSS
  • 1995 Deseo
  • 1995 Aisance
  • 1997 VX-2
  • 1997 Isuzu Zaccar
  • 1999 Isuzu VX-O2
  • 1999 Revolutionary Vehicle-KAI
  • 1999 ZXC
  • 2000 Isuzu VX-4
  • 2001 Zen
  • 2001 GBX

Buses (Philipines)

  • LV314K
  • LV314L
  • CJM470
  • CJM500
  • LT132
  • LV423
  • LV123
  • PABFTR33PLB
  • FTR33P
  • FTR45
  • PABFVR33P

Buses (Thailand)

  • CQA650A/T
  • JCR600YZNN
  • LT112P
  • LV223S
  • LV423R
  • LV486R
  • LV771
  • MT111QB
Last updated on 4 September 2013 at 22:39.

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