The Auto Writer

Isuzu is gone or at least will soon be. One of Japan’s smallest automakers is quitting the US market, citing a lack of new products from partner GM as the reason for its leaving.

Although the company sent their own cars and trucks to the US for many years, Isuzu has in recent years relied on General Motors exclusively for their US product line up. The Isuzu Ascender SUV and the i-290 and i-370 extended cab model pickup trucks are re-badged GM products; GM has signaled that they will not be updating or replacing these models anytime soon.

First introduced stateside in 1980, Isuzu was known for producing the Rodeo SUV, I-Mark compact, and a host of edgy truck-like vehicles. Isuzu first abandoned sending automobiles to the US in the 1990s then stopped selling their own trucks a few years later. GM had a 49% stake in the company before selling out in 2002.

In a message fromTerry Maloney, President/COO of Isuzu of America, the company has promised to service and maintain Isuzu vehicles for years to come.