Isuzu Closing Doors in U.S.

Isuzu began notifying its dealers Wednesday that next year the Japanese automaker will stop selling its entire consumer lineup, including the midsize Ascender SUV derived from the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the midsize i-290 and i-370 pickup trucks derived from the Chevy Colorado.

One source said he wasn't sure consumers would even notice, since Isuzu only sold 7,098 vehicles in the U.S. last year. Isuzu sells only SUVs and trucks here, no cars.

Sales will stop after Jan. 31, 2009, but service will not, the automaker said. Consumers who own an Isuzu SUV or truck will continue to be offered service and warranty work, company spokesman Chip Letzgus said. He wouldn't provide details on how that will work until all dealers have been told how the service program will work.   

There are 200 Isuzu dealers in the U.S., but only about a dozen are stand-alone Isuzu stores. The rest are duals with other brands, many Chevrolet, which is why those dealers can continue to service the vehicles; both are rebadged Chevrolets.

One Chicago Isuzu dealer said his store got a phone call this morning advising them of the action. He said his business has basically been limited to service — rather than sales — for some time.

It doesn't help that Chevrolet is expected to sell its own version of the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook crossovers, called the Traverse, for 2009. That car will cater to those who previously shopped for the TrailBlazer SUV in Chevy’s lineup, thus taking away Isuzu's source for its SUV.

There has been speculation that the slow-selling Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups’ days are numbered, though Chevy insists they are still in the product cycle for at least three years.

Letzgus said Isuzu will continue to sell some commercial vehicles in the U.S.

Comments

[Liger]

The writing has been on the wall for years.....

[TOYOTAtakingovergm]

What took them so long???

[ermatthe]

I wonder if will still be able to get parts for my 99 rodeo.

[JM]

to bad. the trooper and axiom would have been decent cars if GM would stop messing with its foreign divisions...

[J]

So they finally exits the US market, huh? They do make really good industrial trucks.

[Chip]

Just to clarify (I am the Chip Letzgus quoted in the above entry):

This action in no way affects Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. I am not a spokesman for that company, and I never said Isuzu would continue to sell "some" commercial vehicles in the U.S.

This action applies to Isuzu passenger vehicles (SUVs and pickup trucks) only, which are distributed by Isuzu Motors America, Inc., a separate company.

[Chip]

To ermatthe:

Yes, you will still be able to get parts for your '99 Rodeo. Isuzu is not leaving the U.S. market; we are simply discontinuing the sale of new product here effective next January 31. We will still have a nationwide network of dealers for parts and service and will be here for many years to come.

And thank you for buying a Rodeo.

[J]

Chip,
So does that apply to those who bought a Honda Passport / Acura SLX, since both of them are rebadged Isuzu. :)

I have had a very bad experience with my rodeo I brought it brand new and within 30 days I started to have problems. Now I'm in a situation where my motor is gone I still have 2 years left to pay on it I took it back to the dealer several times and they gave me the run around until my warantee was up so if you not going to make any more that would be good and will save people alot of money for repairs.

[used cars]

Who wants Isuzu if you have Toyota!

[J]

used cars,

"Who wants Isuzu if you have Toyota!"

Industrial truck drivers.

[rob]

i really thought this had happened years ago. stupid strategy of only selling trucks was inferior long-term to subaru's decision to only do AWD.

[Lu Ng]

Hi...question for Chip. am locate in Vietnam. Was going to buy a Isuzu D-max diesel PU truck (engine package is best for price here in VN). Does this means Isuzu will get out of building personal vehicles completely worldwide (2009 or eventually), or is this just USA? I may not buy if it is world-wide, as it definitely would affect resale price.

[Lu Ng]

Hi...question for Chip. am locate in Vietnam. Was going to buy a Isuzu D-max diesel PU truck (engine package is best for price here in VN). Does this means Isuzu will get out of building personal vehicles completely worldwide (2009 or eventually), or is this just USA? I may not buy if it is world-wide, as it definitely would affect resale price.

[Ichigo]

I really hate to hear people bad mouth one of the oldest Japanese car manufactures. They make great automobiles as long as GM keeps their hands out of the company. Just as a side note its to my understanding that GM is the reason Isuzu does not have cars in the USA. I have a 1988 Isuzu Trooper (not a trooper II) that was built in Japan (this is based on the VIN#) and it has been the best SUV that we have owned It has 228,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. My biggest concern is if I will still be able to get all the parts I need, because I am rebuilding the truck to look like new, though the truck still looks very good for her age. Here is a link just to show you what my original well kept Trooper looks like.http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=88335518&albumId=1698245

[teddy1]

What do us people who have an Reodeo SUV do if you still owe on the truck and there is only one dealer in your city that will even work on it? You know the parts will go sky high and wow the labor just to work on it will be pay their price. Most people will soon get rid of the truck just to save money on repair and parts. STUPID move on Isuzu part. Just somthing else to woory about like we don't have enough already. Good Bye to my Reodeo ASAP.

[HELEN]

I AM CONSIDERING PURCHASING A 2008 ASCENDER
BUT AM WORRIED i WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TO USE THE WARRENTY OR LOCTAE PARTS . THE ASKIING PRICE IS 16,000 ( OUT THE DOOR) AND IT IS IN PERFECT CONDITION LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ANY ADVICE