Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd (IMSB) has achieved a significant production milestone, surpassing 100,000 units of completely knocked down (CKD) trucks assembled locally in the first quarter of this year. The landmark achievement was marked by two of the brand’s best-selling models—the Isuzu ELF and FORWARD series—produced at the Isuzu Hicom Malaysia Sdn Bhd (IHM) facility in Pekan, Pahang.
IMSB Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, said the accomplishment represents far more than just a production figure. “Reaching and exceeding 100,000 truck units in Malaysia is a proud moment for us. It signifies years of continuous effort in building strong corporate partnerships, strategic product planning, and maintaining our leadership in the commercial vehicle sector,” he said. “This milestone is also a reaffirmation of our enduring market position, having led the overall commercial vehicle category for 11 consecutive years and the light-duty truck segment for 15 straight years.”
Local production of the Isuzu ELF and FORWARD models began in 2007 following the establishment of the IHM production partnership. That year, 3,362 units were assembled, and output has steadily increased since then. The company’s highest production years were recorded in 2022 and 2023, with 7,417 and 7,334 units respectively. As of the second quarter of 2025, total production has reached 101,733 units.
Isuzu Hicom Malaysia CEO, Koshi Yamaguchi, attributed the success to the plant’s strict adherence to quality and efficiency. “Our facility continuously upholds stringent inspection and quality control in line with global standards. Even during the pandemic, through careful planning and collaboration with Isuzu Malaysia, we maintained strong production levels despite supply chain disruptions—culminating in our record output in 2022,” he shared.
Isuzu’s local production journey has also been defined by major technological milestones. The company began producing Euro I trucks in 2010, upgraded to Euro II models in 2014, and progressively advanced towards Euro IV and Euro V standards over the years. In 2017, IHM received ECE Regulations Compliance accreditation, affirming its conformity with international standards for safety, design, and environmental performance.
Innovation has been at the core of Isuzu’s continued growth, marked by the introduction of the ELF Crew Cab and ELF Smoother Series in 2019, the Euro III ELF range featuring the Isuzu Safety Plus platform during the pandemic years, and most recently, the launch of the Euro IV ELF and Euro V FVR240 Smoother models in 2024. These advancements reinforce Isuzu’s role in driving safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly logistics in Malaysia.
“We owe this achievement to nearly two decades of dedication, strong collaborations, technological advancement, and unwavering support from our customers and partners,” added Tomoyuki Yamaguchi.
Looking ahead, Isuzu Malaysia aims to continue delivering high-quality commercial vehicles that align with national automotive goals, including sustainable and efficient logistics. The company plans to further expand its Euro V product lineup in the near future, underlining its commitment to innovation and long-term growth in the Malaysian market.
