Isuzu South Carolina Plant to Start Gasoline Truck Production in 2027

Isuzu Shifts South Carolina Plant Launch Toward Gasoline Trucks

Isuzu Motors Limited plans to begin production at its new Isuzu Motors Limited plant in South Carolina, USA, in early 2027, but the facility will now start with gasoline-powered trucks rather than EVs. The change reflects a slowdown in the U.S. electric vehicle market compared with earlier expectations. The plant had originally been planned to begin operations with electric trucks, but Isuzu is adjusting its launch strategy to align production with current market demand. The decision allows the company to establish manufacturing operations while maintaining its longer-term plan to produce both electric and gasoline-powered commercial vehicles.

New Plant Targets Growing Delivery-Truck Demand

Demand for small-volume delivery services is increasing in major cities across North America, supported by the expansion of online shopping and other factors. Isuzu intends to strengthen its supply capacity for the cab-over-engine medium- and light-duty trucks in which it specializes, helping reinforce its earnings base. The South Carolina facility will produce EV and gasoline versions of the N Series light-duty truck, known as the Elf in Japan, and the F Series medium-duty truck, known as the Forward. This production strategy is designed to serve commercial vehicle demand while retaining flexibility as powertrain preferences evolve.

Investment and Production Capacity

Isuzu plans to invest about USD 280 million, equivalent to approximately JPY 44 billion, in the new facility and increase annual production capacity to approximately 50,000 units by 2030. The plant is expected to support the company's efforts to expand local supply for commercial trucks and could also reduce the impact of U.S. tariffs. By establishing production capacity in South Carolina, Isuzu Motors Limited can position its manufacturing network closer to customers in the United States while preparing the facility to produce both gasoline and electric versions of its core truck lines as market conditions develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Isuzu begin production at its new South Carolina plant?
Isuzu plans to begin production at its new South Carolina facility in early 2027, initially focusing on gasoline-powered trucks rather than electric vehicles because of slower U.S. EV market demand. The plant will eventually produce both gasoline and electric versions of the N Series light-duty truck and F Series medium-duty truck. Isuzu plans to invest about USD 280 million, or JPY 44 billion, and raise annual production capacity to approximately 50,000 units by 2030. The facility is also expected to help strengthen regional supply capacity and reduce exposure to U.S. tariffs.