Report - Isuzu considers setting up diesel engine manufacturing facilty

Isuzu's seriously considering a diesel engine manufacturing plant in India. The location and the investment haven't been firmed up as of now, a report on the Financial Chronicle says. The report quotes Isuzu India's president and managing director, Takashi Kikuchi.

Isuzu India at present contract manufactures the MU-7 SUV out of Hindustan Motors' plant in Chennai. The plant has allocated a capacity of 5,000 cars per annum to Isuzu Motors. The plant had also come into some trouble, with Hindustan Motors considering putting it up for sale.

The setting up of the plant could see India becoming an export hub for Isuzu-made diesel engines as the engines are used in a number of countries.

The Japanese company is also setting up a new manufacturing facility for its light commercial vehicles at Sri City near Chennai. The plant is expected to roll out its first vehicle in 2016. This facility takes an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. Right from the start, Isuzu plans to have 70 percent localisation in its cars and has aims to take it up to 100 percent in a few years' time.

Isuzu also has plans to launch the extended cab variant of its D-Max pickup truck at the Auto Expo 2014.

[Source - MyDigitalFC.com]