Isuzu celebrates 45 years of bakkie production in SA

Isuzu SA is proud to be celebrating 60 and 45 years of truck and bakkie production in the country and their position as one of the renowned OEM manufacturers in South Africa.

This celebration is a demonstration of the company’s resilience, moulded through multiple transitions from General Motors and Delta, to ultimately becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited in 2018.

Notable achievements in recent times include being the number one truck brand in the medium and heavy commercial cab-on-chassis segments for 11 years consecutively, manufacturer of the year in the SAVRALA awards for four consecutive years, internationally recognised top employer for two consecutive years and Eastern Cape Best Exporter into the African continent in 2023.

Isuzu is strategically positioning itself to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and grow its footprint across the continent. Isuzu’s journey of resilience and growth continues and the company remains a proud contributor to South Africa’s automotive sector, delivering quality vehicles while creating meaningful impact in the community it serves.

Celebrating 45 years of building bakkies

Isuzu Motors South Africa is celebrating its legacy of producing bakkies in the country for 45 years with the launch of a limited-edition D-Max 45.

Based on the seventh generation D-Max 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4x4 Automatic derivative, this model will be available with an exclusive range of accessories and features, adding further lustre to one of the bakkie segments most revered nameplates.

The D-Max 45 is based on the 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4x4 Automatic, which means it has an appreciably high level of standard comfort, safety and convenience features, matched to the proven capabilities of the 3.0-litre Ddi intercooled turbodiesel engine, which produces 140kW and 450Nm. This is paired with a dependable six-speed automatic transmission and a part time four-wheel drive system with a standard diff lock for conquering more challenging terrain.

The D-Max 45 is differentiated from LSE models thanks to the addition of a gloss black grille with contrasting lower fog lamp facia accent garnish, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with distinctive silver ring caps and a class yet practical black Rhinoman Xpedition canopy. The theme continues on the tailgate with a black Isuzu decal as well as special 45-year commemorative badge.

Easy access to the load compartment is facilitated with the inclusion of tailgate assist and a spray on bedliner.

The interior, which includes the LSE’s partial leather seat trim, also benefits from the addition of durable Bundi Basher rubber floor mats, which are ideal for dusty and muddy off-road adventures.

A wireless charger is included to keep your compatible smartphone charged at all times and compliments the nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The standard suite of safety features is carried over to this special edition model and this includes driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and a far-side airbag between the front seats.

Active safety features include ABS with EBD, Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Trailer Sway Control.

A legacy of building bakkies in Africa for Africa

The Isuzu D-Max and KB before it, have enjoyed a long and proud legacy in South Africa and were responsible for creating and popularising the double cab bakkie segment which is now the mainstay of the local industry.

The inherent practicality, versatility and go-anywhere capability offered by this type of vehicle has made bakkies top sellers in South Africa.

The D-Max has consistently been a leading contender in the segment, whether it’s for commercial applications with the trusted D-Max single cab, empowering the agricultural industry with the tough D-Max Extended Cab or as a family-oriented leisure vehicle with the all-encompassing D-Max Double Cab.

Over its seven iterations, the Isuzu bakkie range has remained one of the most compelling and popular models in the light commercial vehicle segment, since the first-generation KB came off the Kempston road production line in Port Elizabeth in 1979.

The Isuzu bakkie range is credited with numerous trend-setting innovations over the years, including becoming the first bakkie to feature rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension in 1981.

In 1993 the pioneering Turbo Blazer version of the KB was launched marking the first time that a South African manufacturer offered a turbocharged petrol-powered bakkie.

This was followed by the creation of the double cab segment in the same year when the four-door KB260 LE 4x4 and KB280DT was launched, laying the groundwork for what is now one of the most popular segments of the new vehicle industry in South Africa.

In 2018 the KB name was subsequently dropped in favour of D-Max in order to align with Isuzu’s global naming conventions.

The D-Max remains one of the leading contenders 45 years after local production commenced and continues to be a firm favourite for bakkie owners who appreciate its fuel economy, low running costs and proven durability in the harshest conditions.