Gqeberha – Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) recently hosted its 2026 IMSAf Address at the company’s Struandale manufacturing plant, using the occasion to reflect on eight years of transformation and to outline a clear, future-focused direction. The event marked the first time since IMSAf’s 2018 launch that business media were welcomed at the Struandale plant – a fitting backdrop for showcasing the company’s evolution.
Central to the Address was the formal introduction of the ISUZU Corporate Philosophy to the South African market. Anchored by the purpose, “Moving the World – For You,” the philosophy articulates why ISUZU exists and how it intends to create long-term value for customers, employees, partners, and society.
“Moving the World – For You is not a slogan; it is our philosophy,” said Billy Tom, President and CEO of IMSAf. “We exist to help move people, goods and communities forward, and to do so in a way that creates lasting value.” The philosophy unites ISUZU’s global vision, mission, and values, serving as a guiding compass for strategy and decision-making. For IMSAf, this means delivering reliable, future-ready mobility solutions, advancing sustainability, and strengthening contributions to communities and economies.
“IMSAf today is a very different organisation to the one we launched eight years ago,” Tom continued. “We have transformed our leadership structure, modernised operations, consolidated our manufacturing footprint, and expanded our product offering, all while remaining true to the values that define ISUZU. This engagement was about showing that progress and being transparent about where we are going next.”
Performance underlines the philosophy. In 2025, IMSAf’s focus on reliability, innovation, and long-term partnerships delivered solid sales growth across core segments. The company retailed just over 26,000 vehicles locally, up 12.2% on 2024, and exported 5,371 units to the Rest of Africa, a 4.5% increase, reinforcing its role as a regional manufacturing and export hub.
IMSAf also retained its position as South Africa’s number one truck brand in the combined Medium- and Heavy-Commercial Vehicle segments for the 13th consecutive year, driven by growth in the Heavy Commercial segment. Passenger vehicles also performed strongly, with ISUZU D-MAX sales increasing by 11.7% and ISUZU MU-X volumes rising by 45.4%, reflecting strong market adoption of the new model.
“Our strength has always been consistency, continuity, and reliability,” said Craig Uren, Executive Vice President Revenue Generation at IMSAf. “Customers choose ISUZU because they know exactly what to expect: vehicles that are reliable, durable and built for the realities of African operating conditions. What has changed is how we innovate on that foundation, ensuring we remain relevant in a rapidly shifting market.”
The 2026 Address highlighted IMSAf’s commitment to local manufacturing excellence, people development, and supplier growth in the Eastern Cape. Investments in automation, dealer network expansion into Lesotho, and a new dealership in Angola, alongside facilities such as ISUZU Cape Gate, underline confidence in the brand’s long-term Southern African presence.
“Our manufacturing base in the Eastern Cape goes beyond being an asset for Isuzu Motors Limited,” Billy Tom said. “It supports jobs, skills development, and economic resilience in the region.”
IMSAf is also strengthening its supply chain through strategic partnerships that deepen localisation and skills transfer. The company supported the establishment of a R750 million VSL Manufacturing facility in Struandale, producing critical body components for the ISUZU D-MAX. IMSAf’s involvement included supplier development support, helping VSL scale operations to meet global standards and reinforcing the Eastern Cape as a key automotive hub.
Guided by its corporate values, IMSAf continues to invest in people, dealer networks, and communities. The company’s focus on employee development has contributed to recognition as a Top Employer for four consecutive years, while community initiatives include water security, education, and conservation programs. Sustainability is also central, aligned with ISUZU Environmental Vision 2050, embedding eco-conscious practices across operations.
Looking ahead to 2026, IMSAf confirmed the launch of the new ISUZU D-MAX and next-generation truck range, with the company remaining steadfast in its commitment to deliver solutions customers can trust today and in the future.
Uren concluded, “As we introduce new products and technologies, our commitment remains unchanged: to move the world for our customers, reliably and responsibly.”
