Gqeberha, October 14, 2024 — ISUZU Motors South Africa has proudly secured the title of Overall Exporter of the Year at the 2024 Exporters Eastern Cape Gala Banquet, a prestigious event held on October 11, 2024. This accolade not only underscores ISUZU’s commitment to excellence but also highlights its dedication to sustainability and growth across South Africa and the broader African continent.
Since its inception in 2018, ISUZU has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector. The company has made significant strides in exporting to 26 markets throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a remarkable achievement that includes doubling its exports in the highly competitive 1-ton pick-up segment. In the last year alone, ISUZU has reported an impressive 26% increase in sales volume, reinforcing its leadership position in the African automotive market.
Celestin Ndhlovu, Vice President of Planning, Marketing and Corporate Affairs at ISUZU Motors South Africa, remarked on the achievement: “Winning the Overall Exporter of the Year Award is a significant milestone for ISUZU Motors South Africa. This recognition reflects the company’s dedication to innovation and excellence, as well as our unwavering commitment to expanding our footprint across Africa. We are proud to contribute to the economic growth of the Eastern Cape and South Africa.”
Acknowledgments and Awards
ISUZU’s triumph at the gala was not limited to the Overall Exporter of the Year award; the company also received the Best Exporter OEM award and earned Merit Awards in the SJM Flex Environmental and IDC Job Creator categories. These recognitions underscore ISUZU’s holistic approach to business, combining economic success with social responsibility.
Central to ISUZU’s mission is its commitment to transformation. The company has maintained a Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) status for five consecutive years, demonstrating its dedication to fostering partnerships across its value chain. ISUZU has invested over R9 million in developing black-owned suppliers, reflecting its commitment to driving transformation and creating sustainable growth across various industries.
Commitment to Sustainability
ISUZU’s focus on sustainability is equally commendable. Over the past five years, the company has achieved a 71% reduction in water consumption per vehicle and has maintained a zero-to-landfill status at its manufacturing facilities. In a significant step towards reducing its environmental footprint, ISUZU introduced Euro 5 emission standard trucks in 2023, alongside its first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck. These innovations solidify ISUZU’s position as a leader in environmentally conscious manufacturing and product development.
An Ongoing Legacy of Excellence
This recent recognition follows a series of accolades for ISUZU, including its status as South Africa’s number one manufacturer in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments for an impressive 11 consecutive years. As ISUZU Motors South Africa continues to pave the way for excellence in the automotive industry, it remains a testament to the potential of South African manufacturers on the global stage.
In summary, ISUZU Motors South Africa exemplifies the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. As it charts its course for future growth, the company not only sets the standard for automotive exports but also contributes meaningfully to the economic landscape of the Eastern Cape and the entire continent. With a strong foundation in place, ISUZU is poised for continued success in the years to come.
