Dakar 2026 tough on South African participants
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
- Industry News
- 19 January 2026
Mr Naohiro Yamaguchi is the new chairman Isuzu Motors South-Africa (IMSAf) effective from 1 October.
He has held various leadership roles throughout his 35-years with Isuzu and has filled various positions in business, including that of International Sales Office Manager from 1999 to 2003 in Japan, and several General Manager positions in Thailand from 2003 to 2015 and Senior Executive positions specialising in Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in India from 2015 to 2021.
Naohiro will continue serving in his current role as Senior Executive Officer: LCV Business (LCV Business Department, Sales Division and Sales Headquarters) and will commence duty as chairman of IMSAf while residing in Japan.
“We are pleased to have Naohiro Yamaguchi join the Isuzu Motors South Africa team, especially given the extensive Isuzu experience he brings with him. We look forward to supporting him in his Chairmanship as we continue to grow Isuzu from strength to strength in the markets we represent,” said Billy Tom, President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa.
Naohiro Yamaguchi takes over responsibility from Shigeji Sugimoto, who has been Chairman of IMSAf since March 2020. Shigeji Sugimoto fulfilled his role as Chairman while based in Dubai and will now begin a new role as Senior Executive Officer and Chairman of Isuzu Motors Sales Co Ltd, which is the biggest distribution subsidiary in Japan.
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
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