Three years later in 1919, Japan’s first truck was built. That was the beginning of a series of industry firsts that continues today.

Isuzu logo. The 2 rising pillars represent the Isuzu philosophy of growing in harmony with the company's customers and society. The Isuzu corporate color red is the colour of the sun's flames and symbolises the companies burning quest for progress, the mark was adopted in 1974.
Isuzu logo. The 2 rising pillars represent the Isuzu philosophy of growing in harmony with the company’s customers and society. The Isuzu corporate color red is the colour of the sun’s flames and symbolises the companies burning quest for progress, the mark was adopted in 1974.

In the U.S., the very first Isuzu truck arrived at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida on November 10, 1984. This was the KS22 truck with an 87-hp naturally aspirated diesel engine mated to a manual transmission. The Isuzu low cab forward design introduced U.S. business owners to a smarter way to work with trucks that are maneuverable, offer a low cost of ownership and deliver remarkable durability. After two short years, Isuzu trucks became the best-selling low cab forward trucks in America – an accolade that still holds true today. Since 1984, over 500,000 Isuzu trucks have been delivered in North America.

In 1919, the first truck in Japan is built by the predecessors of Isuzu Motors Limited and in 1936, the first air-cooled diesel engine is built in Japan by Isuzu Motors Limited.Other milestones include:

1955: Isuzu diesel engines and snow tractors are put into service at Japan’s Antarctic Observation Base (and are still used today).
1959: First 2-ton light-duty low cab forward truck in the world — the predecessor of today’s N-Series trucks.
1984: Isuzu trucks enter the U.S. market with the KS22 truck.

(source: Isuzu)

Isuzu Japan emblem.
Isuzu Japan emblem.