Driving innovation in autonomous and green mobility, Isuzu invests $280 million in an EV plant in South Carolina, US, creating 700+ jobs and producing 50,000 trucks annually by 2030.
Japanese automanufacturer Isuzu’s subsidiary, Isuzu North America Corp., has announced plans to invest $280 million in a new commercial electric vehicle assembly plant in Piedmont, South Carolina. The facility, spanning one million square feet, will be transformed to produce both petrol and battery-powered N-series trucks, alongside diesel-powered F-series models.
The company aims to manufacture up to 50,000 units annually by 2030. The project is set to generate over 700 jobs, with production scheduled to commence in 2027 and an expansion planned for 2028.
The new facility will also allow Isuzu to consolidate production processes, enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations. Situated on more than 200 acres, the site offers space for vehicle storage and logistical operations. The automaker highlighted the flexibility of the location, enabling it to adapt to market demands within North America’s commercial vehicle sector.
The plant will also witness the introduction of a variable-model, variable-volume production system, allowing the seamless manufacturing of both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles. This system is designed to respond rapidly to fluctuations in customer demand.
Furthermore, the facility will pioneer a production line without conveyors or pits, a first for the company. Automation will play a crucial role, with technology-driven inspections ensuring parts traceability and minimising defective products.
As part of a broader strategy, Isuzu aims to enhance its North American production capabilities by increasing procurement of components for battery-electric vehicles. It will also focus on advancing automotive technology research and development.
The Japan-based firm plans to enhance autonomous driving technology, connected services, and carbon-neutral solutions, targeting 1 trillion yen in revenue over the next decade. As part of this initiative, Isuzu signed a five-year agreement with Applied Intuition in August 2024 to develop level four autonomous commercial trucks and to launch these vehicles in Japan and North America by 2028.
