Isuzu's History in the Automotive World: They Built Coupes Before Trucks

KatadataOTO – Isuzu is one of the Japanese automotive giants that is still active in the global market today. However, before focusing on large vehicles, Isuzu was once involved in various types of vehicles, including coupes.

Recently, Isuzu invited KatadataOTO and several media outlets to see their long history firsthand at Isuzu Plaza, Fujisawa, Japan.

The Isuzu Plaza Museum presents visitors with a lineup of vehicles made by Isuzu from its founding in 1916 to their latest products.

Not to be missed are various interactive activities, including simulators, providing a memorable experience in exploring Isuzu's history in the automotive world.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“Isuzu itself is the name of a river near a Shinto shrine in Nagoya,” opened Atsunori Murata, Business Director of PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia (IAMI) in Japan recently.

He then showed a Wolseley unit, which was the result of a collaboration with a British company. The model, touted as Isuzu's first car, is displayed in the front area of Isuzu Plaza.

Going inside, more of Isuzu's classic car collection is displayed. There is the Sumida M bus from 1932, the TX80 from 1948, the Elf TLD20 from 1963, up to the Piazza coupe and the heavy-duty Forward truck, known as the Giga in Indonesia.

The Isuzu Piazza coupe attracts the attention of the general public, especially knowing that Isuzu is better known for its truck and bus lines in both Japan and Indonesia.

The classic car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Isuzu Piazza debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1979 and was equipped with various modern features for its time, such as tilt steering memory, multi-adjustable seats, and a digital meter panel.

Isuzu had produced many passenger vehicles, including sedans, before finally starting to focus on large commercial vehicles.

In one corner of Isuzu Plaza, an unfamiliar unit is also visible, the Isuzu SKW 6x6 defense vehicle. This model is used exclusively in Japan for military and logistical needs during disasters.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“We only provide this truck for Japan's defense, (it's a) 6x6. It is still in production,” said Murata.

In addition, they also supply engines for various large vehicles, proving Isuzu's reliability in the global automotive scene.

Murata emphasized that Isuzu will continue to produce vehicles and innovations according to consumer needs, in line with the development of technology and the automotive industry.