Isuzu Motors India Private India Limited, held the ground breaking ceremony for their new upcoming plant, on 27th January 2014, at the ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad. The Japanese firm has acquired 107 acres of land in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, and the plant will be operational in the year 2016. Isuzu Motors India chose Sri City since it has proximity to the port, excellent infrastructure facilities, and readily available land.
Present on the occasion were Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh- Mr. Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, 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.
After the introduction of the Honorable guests present, the ceremony began with a film showcasing the history and different vehicles of Isuzu Motors. The Chief Minister and Isuzu officials present then proceeded to perform the ground breaking ceremony of the plant.
Speaking on the occasion, 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.”
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, after his speech said- “I am waiting for the production to start soon, and I will be the first one to buy your vehicle because it will be made in Andhra Pradesh”.
Isuzu Motors India also presented the Chief Minister with a Japanese Samurai Warrior Helmet as a gift.
Isuzu will begin the production at the plant by the year 2016, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 units initially. Isuzu currently assembles the MU7 SUV from the Hindustan Motors plant, and will be building the SUV and the D-Max pickup from the upcoming Sri City plant. The firm also donated the vehicle training kit to the Tirupati ITI on the occasion.
Known as the Masters of Diesel technology, Isuzu Motors India will be investing INR 3000 crores, and will provide employment to around 2000-3000 people. Isuzu Motors will have a production capacity of 120,000 units after the full completion of the plant.
After the Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh left, the event concluded with a Q&A session with the media present.