Isuzu Diesel Takes Technology of the Year Award

29 March 1999

Isuzu Diesel Takes Technology of the Year Award: Japan's Prestigious Researchers & Journalist Conference Selects Isuzu for 1998 Technology of the Year Trophy

    WHITTIER, Calif.--(AutomotiveWire)--March 26, 1999--Isuzu Motors Ltd. (Japan), world leader in diesel-technology development, production and engine design, has also established a new company for the United States.
    DMAX Ltd., the Moraine, Ohio, manufacturing company, will be the nation's most advanced diesel production facility and will produce 100,000 engines annually beginning in the year 2000.
    This most advanced production facility will produce one of the world's most advanced diesel engines. The new engine's technology is so significant it won Japan's prestigious Researchers and Journalists Conference (RJC) Technology of the Year award over such elite competition as Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota.
    "Despite other impressive new technologies, the committee selected Isuzu's newest diesel engine for the top prize," said Takeshi Inoh, President and CEO, Isuzu Motors Limited.
    The innovative Isuzu 4JX1-TC direct-injection diesel engine was reviewed by Japan's leading automotive authorities, 65 prominent automotive journalists and other industry experts, before being awarded the Technology of the Year prize. The award is given for the best new automotive technology released in Japan during the previous year.
    The 4JX1-TC engine is used in the Japanese domestic version of the Isuzu Trooper sport-utility vehicle, introduced to the Japanese domestic market in March 1998 and the Japanese domestic version of the Rodeo sport-utility vehicle introduced in June 1998. It is a three-liter direct-injection engine with an extremely precise common rail injection system.
    The RJC award committee praised the Isuzu engine for its excellent fuel economy, low noise and vibration, reduced emissions and overall engine output. "We refer to this engine as being representative of Isuzu's new diesel technology...powerful and dependable diesel engines that are environmentally friendly and deliver economical driving performance," Inoh added.
    "Isuzu direct-injection and common rail engine designs literally transform the nature of light-duty diesel application. This new diesel technology, efficient and environmentally compatible; engineered to perform over the long haul, was selected by Japan's leading automotive experts...over other significant new automotive technologies...as leading the way to an alternative fuels option for everyday drivers.
    "The award suggests a bright future for small displacement, common rail diesel engine designs and we are honored by its presentation," Inoh concluded.