Isuzu’s early history
Isuzu traces its history back to the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd. which was established in 1893. In 1918, this company diversified into car making, by starting a passenger vehicle production venture in a tie-up with the British automaker Wolseley Motor Ltd. In 1922, Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & Engineering succeeded in localizing production of the Wolseley A9 - the first passenger car ever made in Japan (Toyota made its first car in 1936). During the 1930’s “Tokyo Automobile Industries” was formed and in 1949 the company name was changed to Isuzu Motors. The name Isuzu is taken from a river in Japan.
The Hillman connection.
After World War 2, car companies from Western countries were anxious to sell vehicles in Japan. By April 1952 six companies – Rootes, Renault, Standard, Opel, Fiat and Chrysler - had conducted Japanese market research studies. The Rootes group initially wanted to set up their own CKD factory and applied to do so. This was opposed by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and Rootes had to find a Japanese partner. Rootes then proposed an agreement with Ikegai Motors by which Rootes would import parts, Ikegai would assemble them and then Rootes would sell the vehicles. MITI rejected this too and finally Rootes entered into an agreement with Isuzu – under terms set by MITI.
The terms of the agreement signed in January 1953 were;
1. Isuzu received the sole rights to import all types of vehicles made by Rootes.
2. Isuzu acquired the right to build Hillman Minx cars and Commer delivery vans – beginning with CKD assembly and moving to domestic production.
3. Isuzu paid Rootes £25 royalties for each car - these royalties were guaranteed by MITI. Isuzu also paid Rootes £50,000 - but this was not sent back to the UK. Along with a slightly larger sum contributed by Isuzu it was used to establish a sales and service network in Japan. Profits from that network were also not to be returned to Britain.
4. After 5 years, the agreement could be terminated with 1 years notice.
Just ten months later, in October 1953, the first Isuzu built Hillman Minx rolled off the production line. It was the PH 10 model shown on the home page.
Isuzu traces its history back to the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd. which was established in 1893. In 1918, this company diversified into car making, by starting a passenger vehicle production venture in a tie-up with the British automaker Wolseley Motor Ltd. In 1922, Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & Engineering succeeded in localizing production of the Wolseley A9 - the first passenger car ever made in Japan (Toyota made its first car in 1936). During the 1930’s “Tokyo Automobile Industries” was formed and in 1949 the company name was changed to Isuzu Motors. The name Isuzu is taken from a river in Japan.
The Hillman connection.
After World War 2, car companies from Western countries were anxious to sell vehicles in Japan. By April 1952 six companies – Rootes, Renault, Standard, Opel, Fiat and Chrysler - had conducted Japanese market research studies. The Rootes group initially wanted to set up their own CKD factory and applied to do so. This was opposed by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and Rootes had to find a Japanese partner. Rootes then proposed an agreement with Ikegai Motors by which Rootes would import parts, Ikegai would assemble them and then Rootes would sell the vehicles. MITI rejected this too and finally Rootes entered into an agreement with Isuzu – under terms set by MITI.
The terms of the agreement signed in January 1953 were;
1. Isuzu received the sole rights to import all types of vehicles made by Rootes.
2. Isuzu acquired the right to build Hillman Minx cars and Commer delivery vans – beginning with CKD assembly and moving to domestic production.
3. Isuzu paid Rootes £25 royalties for each car - these royalties were guaranteed by MITI. Isuzu also paid Rootes £50,000 - but this was not sent back to the UK. Along with a slightly larger sum contributed by Isuzu it was used to establish a sales and service network in Japan. Profits from that network were also not to be returned to Britain.
4. After 5 years, the agreement could be terminated with 1 years notice.
Just ten months later, in October 1953, the first Isuzu built Hillman Minx rolled off the production line. It was the PH 10 model shown on the home page.
