Update
#4: 01-30-08 14:08 PT
Automotive
News has just published a story on Isuzu's departure with new
details about the national dealer council meeting held this morning.
Update
#3: 01-30-08 12:39 PT
Isuzu
has just released the following statement. It confirms
our sources' information that the departure will also include
the i-Series pickups.
CERRITOS, CA -- 01/30/08 -- Isuzu Motors America,
Inc. announced today that, effective January 31, 2009, it would
discontinue distributing new Isuzu passenger vehicles in North
America. The discontinuation of passenger vehicles results from
the prospective cessation of production by General Motors Corporation
of the Ascender sport utility vehicle and the i-290 and i-370 pickup
trucks.
"It has always been our intention to remain in the
U.S. market," said Terry Maloney, president and COO. "However,
we were unable to secure any commercially viable replacements for
these vehicles."
Although
Isuzu will cease supplying passenger vehicles in North America,
it will continue to stand behind its customers and dealers here
for years to come. Specifically, Isuzu will continue to honor
all product warranties and roadside assistance programs and will
maintain its owner-relations call center. In addition, to assure
long-term service to its customers, Isuzu will be offering all
current, U.S. Isuzu vehicle dealers the opportunity to continue
on as service dealerships for Isuzu. "Let me make
it crystal clear," Maloney said. "Isuzu will discontinue
the sales of vehicles only. Our parts and service operation will
remain fully functional. We expect the vast majority of our dealers
will continue as service-only dealers."
End
Release.
Update
#2: 01-30-08 12:28 PT
Sources
tell us the announcement was made this morning to Isuzu's North
American dealer council.
Isuzu
is abandoning the entire consumer market in North America, not
just SUVs, as has been reported by Reuters.
No
impact is expected to other Isuzu N.A. initiatives, like its
partnership with General Motors to manufacture 6.6-liter Duramax
diesel engines for use in GM's heavy duty pickups.
Update
#1: 01-30-08 11:48 PT
It's
confirmed. Reuters has
just crossed the wires with the same news - though Reuters says it's
only SUV sales.
The
exit also includes i-Series pickup truck sales.
Reuters
says the move will cost Isuzu $37-million USD to leave North America
in dealer buy-outs and other expenses related to the move.
 |
