By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia in Kasane, Botswana
Isuzu Motors South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to growth in African manufacturing. The company made the commitment during the launch of its latest Isuzu D-Max pickup range in Kasane, Botswana.
The firm said it planned to deepen the localisation of vehicle components and expand its footprint across the continent, including Malawi.
Speaking during the launch, Isuzu Sales Division Department Executive Lebo Rakgekola said Africa had become an increasingly important market for the company, which currently operates 28 dealerships across the continent and plans further expansion.
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“The cars are built here in Africa and, over the years, we plan to increase the localisation of parts. With every new model, we have been able to attract more local suppliers, which contributes to making replacement parts more affordable,” Rakgekola said.
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She said the company had maintained its market share in recent years by responding to customer feedback and improving efficiency while ensuring that quality standards were not compromised.
Rakgekola said although African markets had seen an influx of imported vehicle brands, many were not designed for the continent’s operating environment.
This comes at a time African countries are seeking to strengthen regional value chains and industrial capacity through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African trade and manufacturing.
Automotive communications specialist Kamiza Chikula of Zambia-based Fiera Communications said there was a need to scale up local manufacturing in creating economic opportunities for Africa.
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“The D-Max is built for Africa and, most importantly, it is built in Africa. So, every unit that goes into the vehicle contributes to jobs for Africans and, ultimately, supports economic growth on the continent,” Chikula said.
Isuzu’s local authorised dealer Automotive Products Limited ( APL) said it expected to receive the new D-MAX range by July this year and anticipated strong interest among Malawians.
APL General Manager Limbikani Gumbo said the company believed that the upgraded model would enhance durability, safety and performance on Malawi’s roads.
The new range includes the Double Cab X-Rider series and highspecification LS, LSE, V-CROSS and Arctic models.
