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NEW DELHI: Isuzu Motors India has made strong plans to make India as it's hub for global manufacturing operations. Japanese automobile maker Isuzu Motors plans to export vehicles to around 20 countries besides automotive components.
“While we already started exporting to Nepal our office is currently reviewing plans to export to around 20 countries including middle east and African countries. But, focus would be on right hand drive markets,” said Hitoshi Kono, Deputy Managing Director for Isuzu Motors India.
Isuzu Motors already set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh with installed capacity of 50,000 units.
“This capacity can be scaled up to 1,20,000 units with minor investment only but we want to make it clear that our first priority remains domestic market,” added Kono.
The company, which currently sells D-Max V-Cross and variants of D-Max pick-ups launched a seven seater SUV mu-X in India at a starting price of Rs23.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 4x2 variant and Rs25.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 4x4 variant. The product will compete with the likes of Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner.
“Indian market for SUVs is now coming of age and we are excited to be present here in these times with our latest offering. We are confident the mu-X will set a new benchmark for full size premium SUVs in India,” added Kono.
The mu-X will be built at ISUZU’s manufacturing plant at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh. “While there in no localisation in mu-X currently as it is CKD from Thailand so keeping in mind that also we will start assembling engine soon,” added Kono.
Mu-X is powered by a 3.0 litre ISUZU engine and provides a maximum power output of 130 kW (177 PS) and the company claims the product is a perfect combination for those buyers who seek not only style, power and a dominating road presence but also want to have the best-in-class space and comfort for their family.
“India is a key market for ISUZU globally and is also a future hub of our global manufacturing operations. We will continue to invest in the Indian operations and also bring in the best technology and engineering that ISUZU has to offer globally,” said Isuzu Motors Director of the Board and Managing Executive Officer Hiroshi Nakagawa on the occasion of its SUV launch.