In a statement of intent, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) CEO and MD, Mr Billy Tom said Mzansi is going to increase its relevance in the African continent auto manufacturing. With increasing sales in the rest of Africa, auto manufacturers are now best served setting up manufacturing bases in South Africa with the intent to export to the rest of Africa.
At the 2026 IMSAf Address held at the company’s Struandale manufacturing plant, the general feeling sent out by the iSuzu top management was "We are here to stay and grow the African footprint in the world". This year’s event marked a significant shift from previous editions, and it was also the first time since the launch of Isuzu Motors South Africa in 2018 that business media were hosted at the Struandale plant, a fitting backdrop given how much the business has evolved since then. IMSAf used the IMSAf Address to formally introduce the ISUZU Corporate Philosophy to the South African market. Anchored by the purpose, Moving the World – For You, the philosophy articulates why ISUZU exists and how it intends to create long-term value for customers, employees, partners and society.
In 2025, IMSAf's focus on reliability, innovation and long-term partnerships was reflected in solid sales growth across its core segments, strengthening the brand’s position in a highly competitive market.
In 2025, Isuzu Motors South Africa retailed just over 26,000 vehicles locally, up 12.2% on 2024, and exported 5,371 vehicles to Rest of Africa markets, a 4.5% increase reinforcing its role as a regional manufacturing and export hub.
IMSAf retained its position as South Africa’s number one truck brand in the combined Medium – and Heavy – Commercial Vehicle segments for the 13th consecutive year, underpinned by continued growth in the Heavy – Commercial Vehicle segment. Strong passenger vehicle performance further supported results, with ISUZU D-MAX sales increasing by 11.7% and ISUZU MU-X volumes rising by 45.4%, reflecting strong market uptake of the new model.
IMSAF also showcased the growth of the African Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) shipments with Africa now surpassing OCEANA (incl. New Zealand and Australia) and second only to Thailand. With Africa adopting more formal dealer networks and in the process having a structured new car sales chain, this figure is going to steadily grow making Africa an important market to be in for LCV.
The event highlighted Isuzu Motors South Africa’s continued commitment to local manufacturing excellence, people development, and supplier development in the Eastern Cape. Ongoing investments in automation, the expansion of the dealer network into Lesotho and the addition of a new dealership in Angola, together with new facilities such as ISUZU Cape Gate, reflect growing confidence in the ISUZU brand and its long-term presence in Southern Africa.
As part of this effort, IMSAf supported the establishment of a new R750 million manufacturing facility by VSL Manufacturing in Struandale, adjacent to the IMSAf assembly plant in Gqeberha. Officially opened in late 2025, the facility produces critical body components for the ISUZU D-MAX model expanding local technical capability while creating skilled employment. IMSAf’s involvement extended beyond procurement, providing supplier development support and enabling VSL to scale operations to meet global automotive standards, reinforcing the Eastern Cape’s position as a key automotive manufacturing hub.
Another area of clarity which was given by iSuzu Mzansi was the reason for the delay in the local launch of the updated iSuzu D-Max a model which has been available internationally for over a year. IMSAF ensured that the delay wasn't due to any other reason but to ensure the D-Max is best suited for Mzansi and Africa. Due to our harsh climate and high mileage usability of commercial vehicles, our D-Max goes through further modifications to ensure that local buyers enjoy a hassle free ownership experience. The new D-Max was confirmed for local launch before June 2026.
