Isuzu is often referred to as the “King of Light Trucks” by truck enthusiasts. With a history dating back to 1916, Isuzu has established itself as a century-old brand known for producing classic and high-quality light trucks. One notable example is the ELF series, which was introduced in 1959 and has gained widespread popularity among truck drivers and transportation companies worldwide. As a result, Isuzu has become the best-selling Japanese brand in the light truck market.
The Rise of the “Light Truck King”: An Overview of Isuzu’s Century-Old Brand
Join us as we take a journey down memory lane to trace the rise of the iconic “light truck king” brand, Isuzu. This comprehensive guide delves into the brand’s history in Japan, from its founding in 1916 to its launch of classic models, with a special emphasis on the ELF light truck series, which first debuted in 1959. Known for its quality and reliability, Isuzu’s light trucks have won the hearts of truck drivers and transportation companies worldwide, making it the best-selling Japanese light truck brand.
Additionally, the guide will cover the development of two joint venture brands in China, Qingling Isuzu, and Jiangxi Isuzu, and give a comprehensive overview of this “magic truck brand” from Japan. By the end of this article, truck fans will have a thorough understanding of Isuzu’s rise to the top. Let’s begin!
●born in 1916
The roots of Isuzu in Japan can be traced back to 1916 with the establishment of Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipyard in Shinagawa, Tokyo. In 1922, the company teamed up with British firm, Wolseley, to manufacture the A9 sedan, making it Japan’s oldest car manufacturer. In 1933, Isuzu merged with Dashi Motor Company, followed by a merger with Tokyo Gas & Electric Industry Company and Kyoto Domestic Company in 1937, resulting in the formation of the Tokyo Automobile Industry Company. Finally, in 1949, the company was renamed Isuzu Motor Corporation.
Before the implementation of China’s reform and opening-up policy, a relationship was established between China and Isuzu. Isuzu trucks were introduced to China as imports. In 1969, a significant number of 2,100 Isuzu heavy trucks were imported to China.
In 1984, the Chinese government, with the support of relevant departments, procured a batch of Isuzu’s fourth-generation ELF light trucks through technical and trade cooperation. These vehicles were distributed throughout the country and became the backbone of transportation in various regions. Moreover, they served as a role model for the development of light commercial vehicles in China.
● Establishment of Joint Venture with Domestic Firms Qingling Isuzu/Jiangling Isuzu
In 1985, Isuzu Corporation of Japan entered into a technical and trade cooperation agreement with the Chinese government to manufacture light commercial vehicles in China. This resulted in the formation of joint ventures with Chongqing Automobile Factory and Jiangxi Automobile Factory.
In 1985, the Chinese government established a technical and trade cooperation with Japan’s Isuzu Corporation to produce light commercial vehicles in China. This led to the formation of joint ventures with Chongqing Automobile Factory and Jiangxi Automobile Factory. Chongqing Automobile Manufacturing Plant formed Qingling Company in partnership with Isuzu, while Jiangxi Automobile Manufacturing Factory (predecessor of Jiangling Motors) also became a joint venture partner.
The joint ventures between Isuzu and the Chinese companies continued to expand and evolve over time. For instance, Qingling Company, in collaboration with Isuzu and other investors, established several subsidiaries, including a foundry and technology center, between 1995 and 1997. In 2005, they established an engine company together. Then, from 2012 to 2017, they formed a heavy-duty engine company, a technology development company, and introduced the Juka heavy-duty vehicle range. Today, the company offers a wide range of light, medium, and heavy products, including engines and auto parts.
Jiangling Isuzu, which was established as a joint venture between Jiangling Group and Japan’s Isuzu in 2013, became Jiangxi Isuzu. The company operates with equal investment from both Chinese and foreign entities, with 50% ownership each. Jiangxi Isuzu currently offers a diverse range of products including pickup trucks, SUVs, and light trucks, all of which are designed to keep pace with global trends and have received positive feedback from users.
Representative Isuzu Works: ELF Series (1)
The ELF series light truck is the epitome of Isuzu’s outstanding achievements. The first generation ELF was launched in 1959 and has since undergone 63 years of evolution. With over 6.5 million units of the 6th generation model sold in 146 countries, the 4th generation ELF was introduced to China in 1984. It is widely loved by light truck users across the globe due to its fuel efficiency, durability, advanced technology, and other remarkable features.
Small Tips:
the export version of the Isuzu ELF is commonly referred to as the N series, including models such as NHR and NKR. The second letter, H or K, indicates a standard narrow cab, while P or Q indicates a wide cab. The third letter represents the drive system, with R for rear-wheel drive and S for four-wheel drive. For the purpose of clarity and to avoid confusion, this article refers to the ELF series light truck as simply the ELF series.
● The first generation of ELF was released in 1959
The first generation of the Isuzu ELF light truck was officially launched in 1959. ELF stands for “elf”. The N series light trucks, which are popularly known as ELF in the export market, are part of the ELF light truck series, including the NHR and NKR models.
The first generation of ELF light trucks was launched in 1959, with two models available: the TL221 short-axis model and the TL251 long-axis model. It was a unique feature of the first generation ELF that its doors opened forward. Prior to a 1960 update, the ELF light truck was powered by a GL150 gasoline engine with a capacity of 1.5 liters and 60 horsepower.
In 1960, the ELF received its first minor refresh, with the main focus being the upgrade of the powertrain. A 2.0-liter diesel engine was added to the mix. Four years later, in 1964, the ELF was fitted with a 2.2-liter C220 diesel engine, which had a maximum power output of 62 horsepower.
● The second generation ELF: Sales exceed 1 million units
The second-generation ELF was a refurbished version of the first-generation ELF, which was introduced in 1968. This generation offered two power options: a 1.6-liter 75-horsepower GL161AB gasoline engine and a 2.4-liter diesel engine.
According to the records, the second-generation ELF light trucks were renamed ELF250 for the 2-2.5 ton models and ELF350 for the 3.5-ton models. In 1978, the sales of ELF trucks surpassed 1 million units.
● The third generation ELF: the first Isuzu light truck to enter China
In 1981, the third-generation ELF light truck was officially unveiled, and the naming method continued the method of the second-generation ELF. As the first Isuzu light truck to enter China, everyone also experienced the reliability of Isuzu light truck products for the first time.
This generation of ELF is equipped with a 100-horsepower, 3.3-liter 4BC2 diesel engine. The models are also very comprehensive, including both wide and narrow models, and on the ELF light truck chassis, there are also various vehicles such as dump trucks, trailer trucks, minibusses, buses, etc.
Representative Isuzu Works: ELF Series (2)
● The fourth-generation ELF: The most familiar Isuzu light truck
The fourth generation of ELF light trucks was introduced in 1984 and is widely recognized as the most well-known Isuzu light truck among truck enthusiasts. Its iconic design, featuring a square lamp with four eyes and a large angled windshield, is remembered fondly by many truck fans. This generation was equipped with the 4JA1/4JB1 series diesel engines, while the 4DE1 diesel engine served as the prototype for the 4102.
The fourth generation ELF, being the first Isuzu light truck introduced and produced in China, directly led to the birth and development of Chinese light trucks. Both the chassis technology and the cab design became the benchmark for subsequent Chinese light truck brands.
the first company to introduce production of Isuzu light trucks was Jiangling (formerly Jiangxi Automobile Manufacturing Factory). The same year, through a joint venture with Isuzu Motors, the newly established Qingling Automobile Co. Ltd. also began producing the Isuzu N-series trucks, with the first batch being the “Isuzu 630 light vehicle.” Afterward, Beijing Light Vehicle Co. Ltd. (formerly Beijing Second Automobile Factory) also introduced Isuzu N-series light truck technology and launched the Beijing 1041 model light truck. It is understood that these three were the earliest companies to start producing Isuzu N-series trucks.
In addition, the production materials of Isuzu N-series trucks are also shared with other large domestic automobile manufacturers. The first light trucks of many automobile manufacturers are built using Isuzu N-series trucks as a production template.
● The title of the fifth generation ELF: ELF100 resounds all over the country
The fifth-generation Isuzu ELF light truck was born in 1993. The original model was called ELF100. As the slogan “Truck Emperor Isuzu” in the Hong Kong Isuzu advertisement spread into mainland China, everyone also referred to the fifth-generation ELF light truck at that time. It is conventionally called the Emperor H100 light truck with the NPR and NHR light trucks (100P) put into production by Qingling.
The fifth-generation ELF light trucks used the 4JB1 diesel engine, nicknamed the “Generation God Machine” by truck fans. With a 2.8-liter displacement, turbocharging, and a maximum power of 92 horsepower (68KW), it boasts a simple design and low failure rate. Reports exist of the engine running over one million kilometers without major repairs.
● The sixth generation Isuzu ELF: Popular around the World
In December 2006, the sixth generation of the ELF with a wide-body cab was officially launched, and in February 2007, the standard cab ELF was also put on the market. This generation of ELF not only redesigns the vehicle’s appearance but also thoroughly revamps the interior of the cab. The classic “upright headlights” are officially in place, and the sixth-generation ELF maximizes interior space through its smaller angle A-pillar and flat body sides.
In terms of engines, the sixth-generation model initially came equipped with the 50-liter 4JJ1 and 4HK1 engines. The 4JJ1-TCS has a maximum power of 150 horsepower, the 4JJ1-TCN has a maximum power of 110 horsepower, and the 4HK1-TCN has a maximum power of 155 horsepower.
Today’s sixth-generation ELF is still Isuzu’s main light truck product, and the sixth-generation model in the Japanese market has also undergone multiple upgrades, resulting in many minor upgrade models. Not only equipped with the latest Isuzu light diesel engine with engine start-stop function, but also with AT transmission with hydraulic torque converter, pre-collision braking function, and more eye-catching configurations, there’s nothing missing.
Moreover, the sixth-generation ELF has also been put into production in China. For example, Jiangxi Isuzu’s Wing Amplifier series of light trucks and Qingling Motors’ KV light truck products have also received praise from many truck fans in China.
Since the debut of the first-generation model in 1959, the ELF series of light trucks have a history of 63 years. According to the product update cycle, the seventh-generation ELF light truck may be unveiled soon. Whether the new model can still match Isuzu’s “light truck king” What about the title? We will wait and see!
It is not difficult to see that, with its excellent product quality and wide applicability in various scenarios, Isuzu light trucks have been highly recognized by countries around the world including Japan and China, and it is a well-deserved benchmark brand of light trucks in the world.