How localisation is building durable
supplier capability and strengthening
South Africa’s industrial base.
Localisation with a longer-term purpose
For Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), localisation is about more than replacing an imported component with one manufactured locally. It is about developing the industrial capability, technical expertise and supplier capacity that enable South African businesses to participate competitively in a global automotive manufacturing environment.
That philosophy is reflected in IMSAf’s R510 million investment in supplier tooling and capability development undertaken as part of the development programme for the new ISUZU D-MAX. The investment enabled the development of 729 vendor tools across IMSAf’s supplier network, supporting the production of 250 locally sourced components.
Behind each locally manufactured component is an ecosystem of businesses, employees, technical expertise, production processes and manufacturing infrastructure. By investing in that ecosystem, IMSAf is helping create the conditions for local suppliers to strengthen their capabilities to meet global standards and participate sustainably in South Africa’s automotive value chain.
From localisation to lasting capability
The programme is designed to do more than increase local content. It enables suppliers to expand production capacity, strengthen manufacturing capability and meet ISUZU’s global quality requirements. Sustainable localisation is ultimately measured by whether local businesses gain the technology, systems, expertise and production capability needed to remain competitive beyond a single vehicle programme.Local suppliers are exposed to international automotive manufacturing requirements across quality planning, process control, dimensional validation, tooling development and production readiness. Technical collaboration involving Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan, ISUZU Thailand and international technical partners has further supported local suppliers in meeting ISUZU’s global manufacturing and quality standards.
Technical collaboration involving Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan, ISUZU Thailand and international technical partners has further supported local suppliers in meeting ISUZU’s global manufacturing and quality standards.
Turning investment into jobs and production capacity
The impact is already visible within the Eastern Cape manufacturing sector. VSL Manufacturing, incubated as part of IMSAf’s localisation strategy to support large stamping operations, created 52 new jobs and now manufactures 25 large pressed skin panels for the new ISUZU D-MAX, including the bonnet, body side panels, front and rear doors and tailgates.
Chassis supplier Praga also expanded its operations, creating 34 new jobs to support the production of stamped and welded chassis frame assemblies supplied directly to IMSAf’s manufacturing plant in Gqeberha.
The localisation footprint now extends across a broad range of parts, including bonnets, grilles, tailgates, body side panels, inner and outer door panels, seat trim components, chassis frame assemblies, brake pedals, knuckles and selected plastic parts.