TOKYO – The president of the Tokyo-based OEM, Susumu Hosoi, reinforced to a group of visiting North American trucking-industry journalists that his company is on the verge of staging “an aggressive offensive” to increase its medium-duty marketshare in North America, according to www.todaystrucking.com. In Isuzu’s most recent annual report, the truck-and-engine manufacturer tallied an almost billion-dollar profit on about $18 billion in global sales.

In its first year of operation in Canada, Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada opened six dealerships and intends to have two more operating by the end of the year. And, more significantly, the head office is also looking at opportunities for strategic alliances with another truck manufacturer, the most likely candidate being General Motors, the report said.

In North America, Isuzu’s prime product is the low-cab-forward P&D delivery truck. However, for other markets — especially in Asia— Isuzu produces a full range of autos, buses, pick-ups, and Class-8s.