Yefim
01/30/2008, 03:00 PM
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120172584463929557.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Isuzu to End Car Sales
In North America in 2009
By KATHY SHWIFF
January 30, 2008 4:12 p.m.
Isuzu Motors Ltd. said it would discontinue distributing new passenger vehicles in North America, effective Jan. 31, 2009.
The move is the result of General Motors Corp. ending production of the Ascender sport utility vehicle and the i-290 and i-370 pickup trucks. GM has recorded no Isuzu sales since July, while 2007 sales dropped 50% to 7,906.
"It has always been our intention to remain in the U.S. market," said Terry Maloney, president of Isuzu's North American operations. "However, we were unable to secure any commercially viable replacements for these vehicles."
Isuzu will continue to honor all product warranties and roadside assistance programs. It also will maintain its owner-relations call center.
To assure long-term service to its customers, Isuzu will offer all current U.S. Isuzu vehicle dealers the opportunity to continue on as service dealerships. Mr. Maloney said, "Our parts and service operation will remain fully functional. We expect the vast majority of our dealers will continue as service-only dealers."
Isuzu has had a presence in North America for decades, and sales topped 100,000 annually in the 1990s. But consumer demand waned, and GM ultimately sold its 8% stake in Isuzu two years ago.
Isuzu to End Car Sales
In North America in 2009
By KATHY SHWIFF
January 30, 2008 4:12 p.m.
Isuzu Motors Ltd. said it would discontinue distributing new passenger vehicles in North America, effective Jan. 31, 2009.
The move is the result of General Motors Corp. ending production of the Ascender sport utility vehicle and the i-290 and i-370 pickup trucks. GM has recorded no Isuzu sales since July, while 2007 sales dropped 50% to 7,906.
"It has always been our intention to remain in the U.S. market," said Terry Maloney, president of Isuzu's North American operations. "However, we were unable to secure any commercially viable replacements for these vehicles."
Isuzu will continue to honor all product warranties and roadside assistance programs. It also will maintain its owner-relations call center.
To assure long-term service to its customers, Isuzu will offer all current U.S. Isuzu vehicle dealers the opportunity to continue on as service dealerships. Mr. Maloney said, "Our parts and service operation will remain fully functional. We expect the vast majority of our dealers will continue as service-only dealers."
Isuzu has had a presence in North America for decades, and sales topped 100,000 annually in the 1990s. But consumer demand waned, and GM ultimately sold its 8% stake in Isuzu two years ago.