Isuzu Motors India Appoints Takeshi Hirano as Deputy Managing Director

Isuzu Motors India (IMI), the Indian subsidiary of Japan-based Isuzu Motors Limited, has announced a change in its senior management. The company said that Takeshi Hirano has been appointed as the Deputy Managing Director of Isuzu Motors India.

He succeeds Toru Kishimoto, who will take up a new assignment at the company’s headquarters in Japan.

Professional Background of Takeshi Hirano

Takeshi Hirano currently represents the Isuzu Business Division at Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan. He has more than two decades of experience in distribution and marketing functions related to Isuzu’s operations in international markets.

Hirano has also previously worked with Isuzu Motors India as Vice President – Sales and Marketing. During that period, he was involved in the company’s sales and marketing activities in the Indian market.

Role Transition for Toru Kishimoto

Toru Kishimoto, who served as Deputy Managing Director at Isuzu Motors India, will move to a new role within the parent company in Japan. The company said the management change is part of its ongoing business plan.

Recently, Isuzu Motors has launched the MY26 V-Cross, priced between Rs 25.50 lakh and Rs 30.28 lakh (ex-showroom). With this update, the company has discontinued the 4x2 variants, making 4x4 the standard drivetrain across the entire lineup.

Design and Features

The overall design remains largely unchanged, though the front grille and bumper have been revised, and the earlier faux skid plate has been removed. The pickup also gets new 18-inch alloy wheels, while the black wheel arch and body cladding have been removed.

Inside the cabin, the V-Cross now features a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other additions include a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a roof-mounted 8-speaker sound system in the Z Prestige variant.

Powertrain

The pickup continues with the 1.9-litre diesel engine producing 161 bhp and 360 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The updated model now offers shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive and an auto-locking rear differential as standard.