Hino, Isuzu Manufacturing Operations

Toyota is discussing options on how to possibly combine manufacturing operations in North America of Hino Motors Ltd. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. It is not yet clear whether the discussion will lead to the merging of the two truck manufacturers but according to statement released by Toyota executives in separate interviews, the Japanese automaker would like to create synergies between the two commercial truck producers. In short, combine manufacturing operations of the two truck companies in terms of building big medium and heavy duty trucks and afterwards developed a demand for them.

Hino will try to sell 10,000 trucks in North America, which is more than the 6,200 obtained by the company last year. Meanwhile Isuzu is exporting big inter-city delivery trucks from Japan to North America. However, Toyota thinks that its more efficient to produce these trucks locally in North America especially once sale starts to grow. According to the spokesman of Isuzu that the company is trying to reach sales level of about 50,000 vehicles a year more than the current annual sales pace which are a little less than 30,000.

Isuzu and Toyota, the maker of Toyota strut bellows are studying ways on how they would develop and produce small advanced clean diesel engines for both passenger cars and light-duty trucks.

Toyota has not yet reached that point but pointed out that such discussions would follow after Toyota and Isuzu know they would collaborate with regards to the advanced diesel engine technology.