Isuzu Motors traces its roots to the Tokyo Ishikawajima Ship Building and Engineering Company, which began producing trucks in 1916. The company adopted the Isuzu name — after the Isuzu River near the famous Ise Shrine — in 1934. Isuzu became Japan's leading commercial vehicle specialist, achieving legendary status for diesel engine reliability particularly across Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Its D-Max pickup is one of the world's most trusted working vehicles.