Isuzu Motors India has announced a significant leadership change in its top management, appointing Takeshi Hirano as the new Deputy Managing Director. The appointment comes as part of the company’s ongoing business strategy and leadership transition plan.

The announcement was made on March 11, 2026, confirming that Hirano will succeed Toru Kishimoto, who will move on to a new assignment at the parent organization, Isuzu Motors Limited, in Japan.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION TO STRENGTHEN GROWTH STRATEGY

With more than two decades of experience in global distribution and marketing, Takeshi Hirano brings extensive expertise in automotive operations across multiple international markets. His career includes leadership roles within both Isuzu Motors and Mitsubishi Corporation, where he played a key role in expanding business operations and strengthening market presence.

Hirano is not new to the Indian market. He previously served at Isuzu Motors India as Vice President – Sales and Marketing, where he contributed significantly to building the brand’s early presence and market strategy in the country. His familiarity with India’s automotive landscape and customer preferences is expected to play a crucial role in driving the company’s future growth.

Industry experts believe the leadership transition reflects Isuzu’s commitment to strengthening its operations in India, one of the fastest-growing automotive markets globally.

ISUZU’S EXPANDING PRESENCE IN INDIA

Established in August 2012, Isuzu Motors India has steadily grown its footprint in the country. Headquartered in Chennai, the company offers a range of vehicles catering to both personal and commercial segments.

In the personal vehicle category, the company sells popular models such as the ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross, the Hi-Lander pickup, and the ISUZU mu-X premium SUV. In the commercial vehicle segment, the brand offers variants of the ISUZU D-MAX pickup, including the S-CAB, S-CAB Z, and Regular Cab models.

Isuzu vehicles are widely known for their durability, reliability, and performance, attributes that have helped the brand build a loyal customer base worldwide. Recently, the company also introduced a fully built ambulance model meeting AIS-125 Type C specifications, strengthening its presence in specialized mobility solutions.

MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT GROWTH

Isuzu Motors India operates a modern manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, spread across 107 acres. The plant began operations in April 2016 and later expanded with Phase II operations, which included the addition of a state of the art press shop and engine assembly plant.

The company has also emerged as a strong exporter. According to a SIAM report, Isuzu Motors India became India’s top exporter of commercial vehicles in FY2024-25. Vehicles manufactured in India are exported to multiple global markets, reinforcing the country’s importance in Isuzu’s global manufacturing network.

With over 100 dealer touchpoints across India, the company continues to focus on delivering high quality products and services while expanding its customer reach.

The appointment of Takeshi Hirano marks a new chapter for Isuzu Motors India as it continues to strengthen its market presence and drive growth in both domestic and export markets.