Isuzu Motors said on Monday it would start assembly and sales of medium-duty buses in India by collaborating with local commercial automobile maker Swaraji Mazda.
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According to Kyodo News, Isuzu will start assembly in 2007 by delivering completely knocked down kits to Swaraji. Sumitomo Corp. is the largest shareholder, holding a 41% stake in the Indian firm.
The buses will be sold in India under the Isuzu brand through 30 of about 130 exclusive Swaraji dealers, Isuzu said, adding it plans to sell about 100 units in 2007 and expand to 1,000 units in 2009.
Swaraji first began commercial vehicle assembly and sales operations in 1983 with Mazda. Although it still retains Mazda in its corporate name, Swaraji’s relationship with Mazda ended when the Japanese car maker withdrew its capital in August 2005.
