Isuzu Motors India Private Limited today held ground breaking ceremony for its new manufacturing facility at Hyderabad. The plant’s foundation stone was unveiled by Shri. Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Susumu Hosoi, President and Representative Director from Isuzu Motors Limited, Mr Hideyuki Nabeshima, Member of the Board, Senior Executive Vice President from Mitsubishi Corporation, along with Dr. (Smt.) J Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Major Industries, Sugar, commerce and Export Promotion, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Mr. Takashi Kikuchi, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India and Mr. Shigeru Wakabayashi, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India.
The company acquired 107 Acres of land in 2013 after signing MoU with the Andhra Pradesh State Government in order to start automobile manufacturing operation in India. The new facility is likely to commence commercial operations by early 2016, with the initial production capacity at 50,000 units/ year.
Isuzu will scale up the production capacity to 120,000 units/ year, with the accumulated investment of Rs. 3000 Crore, and is expected to generate 2000-3000 jobs. It is an exemplary showcase of Isuzu’s long term commitment to the Indian market.
Mr. Susumu Hosoi, President and Representative Director, Isuzu Motors Limited, said “We are extremely happy to begin work for our manufacturing plant in India. Our investment showcases our commitment to India and we look forward to gradually increase our presence in the country. This project is considered as one of the important projects at Isuzu Motors. By introducing the globally popular Isuzu pick-up trucks and SUVs, we are quite confident that our fuel efficient and durable products will match the needs of the customers in India.”
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Takashi Kikuchi, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India said, “It is an important and exciting day for us since we have broken ground at Sri City. India is a key region in Isuzu’s global growth strategy for its emerging markets and as an important manufacturing hub in the future. Our focus is to accelerate our business and establish Isuzu as an important player in the pickup trucks and utility vehicles market in India.”
He further added, “Andhra Pradesh is an investor friendly and progressive state with a receptive government and we are delighted to locate our manufacturing plant here. Moreover, Sri City is in an ideal location offering impeccable opportunity, superior connectivity and great infrastructure which are prerequisites for every industry.”
The manufacturing plant will have a production capacity of 120,000 units, once it is fully operational. By the end of March 2014, Isuzu will have presence in nine Cities with exclusive dealerships in Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Cochin, Bangalore, Tirupati, Vishakapatnam, Madurai and Delhi.