- by John Reilly
End of road for Trooper
20 February 2003: One of Ireland's biggest selling and most dependable SUVs, the ubiquitous Isuzu Trooper which began life back in 1982, is reportedly in run-out mode.
A statement from the company says Trooper production will cease in June, 2003 - leaving dealers with enough supplies to see them through until next February. By mid-year Isuzu will be focusing more and more on diesel engine construction and the truck manufacturing side of their automotive business - part of a major GM restructuring strategy.
The announcement - a sad moment for Irish 4x4 buyers who made the strong and capable Isuzu Trooper commercial their number choice during the mid to late nineties - doesn't mean the end of Isuzu as an off-road specialist.
Assembly of the Isuzu TFS double cab pick-up will continue. Indeed an all-new Thailand-built TFS pickup with new engines will debut in September/October.
Part of Isuzu's new responsibilities will be to develop diesel engines for the GM fold including a 6.6 litre V8 for the Chevrolet Silverado; the 3.0 liter V6 for the Saab 9-5; and a 1.7 litre direct-injection to be mounted on Opel's Astra/Corsa.
©2003 irishcar.com