Isuzu answers your questions

Question 1:

Why was the Frontier discontinued? Will you be launching another pick up-based SUV to fill the gap in the current line-up? Will you be launching a new bakkie and/or new engines to compete with the recent additions to the Ford and Mazda brands? Why is no one-and-a-half cab featured in the KB line-up since these vehicles are generally a lot more versatile than a standard single cab?

The isuzu frontier was a previous generation locally developed isuzu kb-based SUV that we brought to market. It was extremely popular among customers but was discontinued, as the replacement was not engineered for local conditions. We do, however, have other product offerings within the global gm stable that compete in the suv segment of the market and we are delighted to have been able to bring the Chevrolet Captiva to market to serve this need.

The isuzu kb will undergo significant enhancements which will among other features include new powertrains. This is set to go on sale in the South African market in the first quarter of 2008.

With regards to a cab and a half - watch this space but we have recognised the demand for this model from isuzu customers.

Question 2:

Several readers raised questions about the quality and reliability of the products and the apparent inability of dealership staff to deal with these issues satisfactorily. Common problems are often brushed aside as "factory faults" and left unresolved. There's also talk of general apathy from GMSA when approached for resolution. What, if anything, is GMSA doing to allay these fears?

Isuzu enjoys consistently high rankings in customer care, both in product quality and sales/service interactions, as revealed in independent surveys such as jd power and synovate. We also provide extensive product and technical training to all franchised dealership staff on an ongoing basis.

If there are any issues that any one of our valued customers do not believe is being resolved to their satisfaction, we invite them to contact our customer care line on 0800 422 777 and they will be attended to. Of course, if the issue is dealer related, they are advised to first address this with the managing director (we call them dealer principals) of the selling/servicing dealership.

Question 3:

How has Isuzu's previous connection with Delta hindered its progress as a legitimate brand since the absorption by GMSA? Several readers carry disillusionment stemming from earlier interactions with Delta, particularly following the Jaco van der Merwe case that brought Isuzu build quality, and the honesty of its employees, into question. How well has Isuzu managed to bounce back from this public relations bungle? And how is it doing more to enhance its public image and attract new owners while retaining existing owners even as several have already deflected to other brands?

The overwhelming majority of Isuzu owners are passionate about the Isuzu brand, both from a loyalty and customer satisfaction perspective. The current Isuzu build quality is at the highest level ever and should any Isuzu customer be unhappy with his vehicle or the service he receives from a general motors dealership, he should contact us using the numbers supplied above or those found in the owners manual. We will do our utmost to resolve any query referred this way.

Question 4:

How does the recent Isuzu shares purchase by Toyota affect the development of future Isuzu products within GM? To what extent will Toyota influence the brand, especially since it has products that compete directly with Isuzu's? How will the local consumer affected by this?

Isuzu remains an important brand for GM South Africa in the light commercial and truck market. In 2006 we had a 24.8% share (Isuzu accounted for 11.9% of this share) of the one ton light commercial market and 9.1% share (versus 8.4% in 2005) of the truck market. Going forward we will be looking to further grow our share in these markets through the Isuzu brand.

Towards the end of 2006 General Motors South Africa and Isuzu Motors Limited announced the formation of a local joint venture company in a 50:50 partnership - Isuzu Truck South Africa. The new company is responsible for distribution and support within South Africa and including Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mauritius for all Isuzu Trucks from 3,5 ton GVM upwards.

We are working closely with Isuzu to investigate opportunities to grow our truck business in South Africa. We believe that the time is right to pursue with this course of action, particularly with the growth in economic activity in the country and anticipated further increase in the size of the vehicle market over the next few years.

There are other successful collaborations that will continue throughout General Motors and they are the following:

Question 5:

What is Isuzu's position on your previous-generation designs being used by several Chinese manufacturers? When the blueprints were sold, was it not envisioned that the move could have a negative impact on the existing Isuzu brand?

General Motors South Africa regrets any association between any of our brands and some of these older technology vehicles. It should also be noted that neither GMSA nor any of it's dealers are in a position to service or maintain these products, even if the engine or other components carry what appears to be the Isuzu name.