- Best Exporter OEM Award for Isuzu.
- Two merit awards for environment and CSI.
- Production up 21% in 2025/26.
- D-Max exported to over 30 African countries.
- R510 million invested in supplier tooling.
Three accolades went to Isuzu Motors South Africa at the Eastern Cape Exporter of the Year Awards on Friday, 6 November 2026, headed by the Best Exporter OEM Award. The company also received the SJM Flex Environmental Merit Award and the Community Chest CSI Merit Award.
The export award recognises the shipment of vehicles built in the Eastern Cape to markets across the rest of Africa. “Our contribution goes beyond manufacturing and exporting vehicles,” said Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President: Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
Isuzu D-Max and truck production in Gqeberha
During the 2025/26 financial year, combined production of D-Max bakkies and Isuzu Trucks rose 21% year on year. The Struandale plant in Gqeberha built over 27 400 D-Max bakkies and more than 3 800 trucks, and the bakkie is exported to more than 30 African countries.
In the same period, the company invested R510 million in supplier tooling and capability development for D-Max production. That money funded 729 vendor tools across its local supplier network, allowing 250 components to be sourced locally.
Emissions and waste at the Struandale plant
Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions are down 38% against a 2013 baseline, and the target is a 50% cut by 2030 under the Isuzu Environmental Vision 2050. The plant follows a zero-waste-to-landfill approach and recycles 96% of its waste.
Isuzu community and education projects
With Gift of the Givers, three Isuzu water tanker trucks delivered 29.6 million litres of clean water to drought-affected communities, while three D-Max bakkies supported food relief that reached 526 000 people, including the distribution of harvested invasive carp.
Education support runs from the Rally to Read literacy programme at three primary schools to AI, Coding and Robotics laboratories, one of which serves 650 learners at Khulile Primary School. Further up, the company backs the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre and the Isuzu Chair of Mechatronics at Nelson Mandela University.
Conservation work with SANCCOB
A solar energy project funded through SANCCOB cut the seabird centre’s monthly electricity costs by 85%. Isuzu also supported the planting of 4 748 spekboom plants. Looking ahead, Ndhlovu said the focus remains on “growing our export business, supporting local industry and investing in the people and communities we serve.”
Supplied by MotorPress (Nandi Matomela, Department Executive Corporate Affairs, Isuzu Motors South Africa)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
Enjoyed this story? We need your help.
Add Saffarazzi as a preferred source. You’ll see more of our stories on Google, and you’ll help us grow.
