Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, showcasing how the company continues to create measurable environmental, social and economic value through responsible manufacturing, sustainable mobility, community investment and supplier development.
The report highlights IMSAf's progress against the ISUZU Environmental Vision 2050 and demonstrates how sustainability is embedded across every aspect of the business to build a resilient and inclusive future.
Environmental Progress
Among the report's key achievements is a 38% reduction in carbon emissions against the 2013 baseline despite continued production growth. This was accompanied by an 8.05% improvement in water efficiency and the maintenance of Zero Waste to Landfill status for the ninth consecutive year, with 95% of operational waste diverted through recycling and responsible resource management initiatives.
Advancing Cleaner Mobility
IMSAf continues to offer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks and dual-fuel CNG/Diesel technology in the South African market, forming part of its broader lower-emission mobility portfolio. To support this transition, IMSAf has established a dedicated Clean Technology and Engineering Trial Unit, tasked with evaluating and developing next-generation lower-emission mobility solutions and helping drive South Africa's shift toward a lower-carbon transport future.
Investing in People
Since 2019, IMSAf has invested R51.49 million in youth development programmes, developing 554 young people through its Youth Employment Service (YES) and Graduate-in-Training (GIT) programmes. These initiatives have created 132 permanent employment opportunities, with the GIT programme achieving a 69.2% permanent employment absorption rate, reinforcing pathways from education into meaningful, long-term employment.
Strengthening the Local Supply Chain
The report also highlights IMSAf’s significant contribution to strengthening South Africa's automotive value chain through localisation and supplier development. During the reporting period, IMSAf invested R510 million in supplier development and tooling, developed 729 vendor tools and localised 250 components for the new ISUZU D-MAX. Supply chain optimisation initiatives reduced logistics-related carbon emissions by 500 tonnes of CO₂, while seven emerging suppliers were incubated as part of the company’s shared-value approach across its manufacturing ecosystem.
Executive Commentary
Commenting on the report, Billy Tom, President of Isuzu Motors South Africa, said sustainability is not a separate business initiative but a core business imperative.
"Our Sustainability Report reflects the progress we are making to build a business that delivers value beyond manufacturing vehicles. It demonstrates how we are reducing our environmental impact, investing in future talent, strengthening local supplier capability and creating opportunities that contribute to South Africa's long-term economic growth. Sustainability is embedded in the way we operate because we recognise that the success of our business is closely linked to the success of our people, our communities and the environment."
Tom also emphasised that meaningful progress is only possible through collaboration.
"Building a sustainable future requires strong partnerships across our value chain. Whether we are working with suppliers to strengthen local manufacturing, investing in young people through education and skills development, or collaborating with communities to create shared value, our focus remains on creating lasting impact that benefits future generations."
The report also demonstrates how data-driven decision-making continues to improve operational performance. During the reporting period, IMSAf invested more than R1.3 million in a sustainability data management system to strengthen reporting accuracy and environmental performance monitoring. Enhanced data management enabled the business to avoid more than R500,000 in unnecessary utility costs through improved oversight and proactive intervention.
The publication of the Sustainability Report marks another important milestone in the ISUZU Environmental Vision 2050 journey and reinforces the company's commitment to transparent reporting, continuous improvement and responsible corporate citizenship. By embedding sustainability into its operations, products and partnerships, IMSAf continues to demonstrate how responsible business can create measurable value for customers, employees, suppliers, communities and the environment.
The 2026 Sustainability Report is available at: [CLICK HERE]
For media queries and interview requests, please contact:
Nandi Matomela
Phone: +27 76 833 5047 | [email protected]
Sharné Woods
Contact details: +27 76 785 5090 | [email protected]
About Isuzu Motors South Africa
Isuzu Motors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan, a global leader in commercial vehicles and diesel engine technology. ISUZU has maintained a presence in South Africa since 1964, with the introduction of its first commercial vehicles, followed by light commercial vehicles in 1972. Local production of ISUZU bakkies commenced in 1978, establishing a strong manufacturing heritage in South Africa.
Today, Isuzu Motors South Africa is a leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial vehicles, bakkies, and SUVs, with a significant manufacturing footprint in Gqeberha and an expanding presence across Sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for durability, reliability, and customer-focused innovation, ISUZU continues to deliver mobility solutions that support businesses, communities, and economic growth. For more information on Isuzu products visit www.isuzu.co.za
