For over a century, ISUZU has been synonymous with rugged durability and commercial vehicle excellence. Yet as consumer preferences shift toward electrification and autonomous technology, many find themselves asking: Does ISUZU still make vehicles today? The answer might surprise you. While the brand has strategically narrowed its focus, ISUZU remains a dominant force in global commercial markets, producing everything from ISUZU dump trucks to specialized ISUZU garbage trucks that form the backbone of municipal fleets worldwide.
1. ISUZU’s Current Manufacturing Footprint: A Global Powerhouse
Contrary to popular belief, ISUZU didn’t disappear—it evolved. The company made a pivotal decision in 2018 to exit the passenger vehicle market (excluding select Asian markets) to concentrate on its core competency: commercial vehicles. Today, ISUZU operates 12 production facilities across 9 countries, including:
- Thailand: The world’s largest ISUZU plant, producing 400,000+ units annually
- Japan: Specializing in heavy-duty models like the ISUZU cargo truck series
- United States: Manufacturing N-Series trucks in Wisconsin since 2021
- China ISUZU: Joint ventures producing region-specific models
This strategic consolidation allowed ISUZU to dominate niche markets. For instance, their ISUZU dump truck models account for 37% of Southeast Asia’s construction vehicle sales, while their ISUZU garbage truck chassis are the preferred choice for 60% of North American waste management fleets.
2. The Vehicles ISUZU Still Produces Today
ISUZU’s current lineup reflects a laser focus on profitability and market demand:
Commercial Trucks: The Bread and Butter
- N-Series: The world’s best-selling medium-duty truck platform (1.2 million units sold since 2018)
- F-Series: Heavy-duty workhorses like the ISUZU dump truck FVR, capable of 38-ton towing
- ELF Electric: Launched in 2023 with 150km range for urban logistics
Specialty Vehicles
- ISUZU garbage truck chassis with automated side loaders
- Refrigerated ISUZU cargo truck variants for cold chain logistics
- Mimamori: Japan’s first autonomous-ready light truck
Interestingly, ISUZU still produces one ISUZU Pickup truck—the D-Max—in collaboration with GM for Asian and Australian markets, proving their versatility endures.
3. Why ISUZU Abandoned Passenger Cars (And Why It Worked)
ISUZU’s 2009 exit from most passenger markets seemed drastic, but the numbers vindicate their strategy:
- Commercial vehicle profits rose 62% post-transition
- R&D efficiency improved by focusing on diesel/hybrid drivetrains
- Niche dominance: Their ISUZU garbage truck division alone generates $1.4B annually
The calculus was simple—while Toyota could outspend them on sedans, nobody could match ISUZU’s expertise in heavy-duty diesel applications and fleet vehicle customization.
4. ISUZU’s Silent Electrification Revolution
While Tesla grabs headlines, ISUZU has been quietly deploying commercial EVs where they matter most:
- ELF EV: 81kWh battery, 1.5-ton payload for last-mile delivery
- F-Series Hybrid: Diesel-electric ISUZU dump trucks reducing job site emissions by 40%
- Hydrogen prototypes: Partnering with Toyota on fuel cell ISUZU cargo trucks
Their pragmatic approach—prioritizing fleet operators’ needs over flashy concepts—explains why 78% of surveyed logistics companies call ISUZU their “preferred EV transition partner.”
5. The Future: Autonomous Trucks and Global Expansion
ISUZU’s roadmap reveals ambitious plans:
- Level 4 autonomous ISUZU garbage trucks by 2027 (testing underway in Tokyo)
- African expansion: New plants in Kenya and South Africa to produce ruggedized ISUZU Pickup truck variants
- Digital integration: AI-powered predictive maintenance for fleet operators
With $2.3B invested in smart logistics solutions since 2020, ISUZU isn’t just surviving—it’s redefining commercial mobility for the 21st century.
From the job site to the junkyard, ISUZU’s vehicles continue moving the world’s economy. While you won’t find their sedans in showrooms anymore, their ISUZU dump trucks still move mountains, their ISUZU garbage trucks keep cities clean, and their ISUZU cargo trucks deliver the goods—proving that sometimes, doing fewer things better is the ultimate competitive advantage.