Isuzu Motors South Africa hosted the new generation Isuzu D-Max bakkie launch at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on the 7th of April 2022. The launch was attended by President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, and Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane. NAACAM Executive Director Renai Moothilal and NAACAM President Ugo Frigerio were also in attendance.
The new generation Isuzu D-Max is the seventh generation of Isuzu bakkies to be manufactured in Gqeberha over the past 42 years and is the culmination of an R1.2 billion investment in Isuzu’s local operations.
Isuzu Motors South Africa said around 1000 direct jobs were secure at its Gqeberha operations through this investment and many more in the value chain, which is a directive of the South African Automotive Master Plan (SAAM 2035). The new generation D-MAX demonstrates Isuzu’s commitment to South Africa and is one of the successes achieved under the National Automotive Production Development Programme.
Mr Billy Tom, President and CEO of ISUZU Motors South Africa, noted: “Our sourcing strategy has enabled us to acquire plans and procure local manufacturers to design components needed to manufacture the next generation D-MAX. Through this process, we have created at least 235 new job opportunities at local component manufacturers.”
Isuzu Motors South Africa’s launch of the new generation D-MAX also included a dedicated Supplier Breakaway Session. During this session, NAACAM Executive Director Renai Moothilal addressed suppliers and purchasing staff involved in the production of the new generation D-MAX, on the current dynamics and opportunities for SA component production.
In congratulating ISUZU SA, Mr Moothilal noted: “Recent global supply chain challenges have highlighted how critical it was for local OEMs to have strong partnerships with their domestic suppliers and that constructive two-way communications around issues like localisation, transformation and volumes are crucial, as we try and work under the SAAM35 frameworks.”
Follow the link to learn more about the launch of Isuzu Motors South Africa’s new generation D-MAX. https://bit.ly/3LRwlEw