The awards celebrate local businesses making an international impact, together with showcasing the talent and tenacity of some of the province’s top economic contributors.

The Best Exporter award in the OEM category recognises ISUZU’s growth and expansion in the export market while the SJL Flex Merit Award acknowledges the company’s efforts in making a positive impact to the environment and operational efficiency.

Isuzu has deepened and further grown its export market from the Eastern Cape to 25 markets across the African continent culminating in the company being the number one Eastern Cape-based automotive exporter into the African continent for 2022. This has had a positive effect on revenue growth and sustainable profitability, allowing the company to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

“Isuzu Motors South Africa has a BOLD agenda of creating a thriving automotive sector in Africa and driving the re-industrialisation of the African continent. We are extremely proud to receive the Best Exporter award in the OEM category as we are fully committed to growing the business throughout Africa, with focus on expanding our footprint and supporting trade initiatives and partnerships.

“Growth brings vast opportunities for us as a business, our dealers, the industry and country,” says Penelope Mkhwanazi, Senior Vice President for Revenue Generation in Rest of Africa and International Markets.

Penelope continues: “Over the past three years, Isuzu Motors South Africa has seen an increase in its sales by 59% in the 1-ton pick-up segment in the rest of Africa markets, sub-Saharan Africa. We have achieved 195% growth of commercial vehicles in the ROFA markets compared to the previous financial year.”

Isuzu also received the SJL Environmental Merit award for the third time recognising the interventions implemented to protect the environment.

The company achieved a 13.3% reduction in water usage and a 7.5% reduction in energy usage at all its sites while maintaining the recycling ratio of 99% for non-manufacturing facilities. Isuzu improved the recycling ratio for the main manufacturing operation from 95% in 2021 to 97% in 2022 with all company facilities continuing to be landfill-free since 2018.