On 26 th August 2019 Isuzu had celebrated the 60 th anniversary of their best-selling Light Duty Truck, the ELF. This truck was first introduced by Isuzu Motors Japan in back in August 1959, and since then, it has steadily become a quite a well known truck series internationally in the light-duty truck segment. The Isuzu ELF truck has been one of the truck models which has gained market acceptance for its affordability, durability, innovation and quality over the years.
Photo: Ypy31 - Self-photographed, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3021688
While keeping the same model name throughout the 60 years, the Isuzu ELF has gone through massive changes and notable milestones throughout the years. Take a look at the first generation ELF produced in 1959 (pictured above). The first ever ELF was a two-tonne, cab-over design with a tiny by truck standards, 1.5 litre petrol engine. A 2 litre diesel engine was only introduced in 1960, making it a first for its class.
This was then later preceded by the second generation in 1967, when the ‘Isuzu Light ELF’ model was added to the existing line-up, with upgraded engine capacity and performance. One must note that 1959 was a period post world war II and Japan was only just rebuilding itself and the period required small, robust vehicles that would keep manufacturing costs and maintenance costs down as well.
Photo: Tennen-Gas - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5811088
However, by 1975, the third generation was introduced. This new generation, like most truck models last longer than most passenger cars and lasted for nine years, featuring various facelifts. It was larger and looked more like the trucks we see today., By 1978, Isuzu had sold one million ELF making the truck one of their most popular models even back then. The third generation ELF also went through a number of enhancements that by 1980, finally met Japan’s 1979 emissions standards. By then, the exterior was also redesigned to accommodate a tilting cab. Note how more modern it now looks compared to the ones above.
In 1984, fourth generation ELF was introduced (photo above) and it was also exported and manufactured internationally in several different countries, including the United States, Australia and China. Aside from exterior updates, the fourth generation also featured engine technology innovations, from the direct injection diesel engine , to the turbo diesel engine,in addition to the debut of the four-wheel drive version of the ELF 250. Yup, direct injection diesel was already used back then but required cleaner diesel than what was available in developing countries. This model was quite common even here in Malaysia. Well, the 1980s was a time when Malaysia started to prosper.
The fifth generation, rolled out in 1993 (a variant seen below), introduced various enhancements, including an upgraded, cleaner diesel engine, aside from distinguished exterior styling. In the span of the 60 years of enhancements and technological improvements that the ELF has undergone, the current sixth generation of the series now boasts improved styling, a sturdy yet lightweight cabin, smoother engine transmission, and clean yet powerful turbo diesel engine.
Photo- TTTNIS - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8734063
As for the current, sixth generation ELF truck, as pictured below, it was first launched in December 2006 as the ELF or N series in High Cab and Wide Cab configuration (hence the NPR nomenclature used on ELF trucks these days). This was followed in February 2007 by the Regular Cab variant. By the time the full range was available by mid-2007, the fifth generation Elf was finally retired. So the fifth generation ELF carried on for over 12 years.
This current ELF also has a long life span from the looks of it. Of course, truck chassis development have essentially reached a point where there is only so much you can do to a ladder frame chassis. What has been changed are cabin fixtures and the newer engines which benefit from the latest diesel fuels where available. The improvements are all underneath in terms of safety features like its compliance to the current UN-ECE vehicle safety regulations.
In terms of Malaysia, the Japanese truck maker first introduced its line-up of trucks to the Malaysian market in 1979. Since then, the ELF light-duty truck quickly became a common sight on Malaysian roads. They are used by businesses in search of Japanese made trucks that also offered great reliability and also fuel efficiency.
The Isuzu ELF Series continues to be popular the light-duty truck segment in Malaysia. Sales of the series have greatly contributed to Isuzu Malaysia maintaining its position as the ‘Top-Selling Truck in Light-Duty Segment’ for the ninth consecutive year. These days, Isuzu trucks are assembled locally at the Isuzu HICOM Malaysia manufacturing plant in Pekan, Pahang. This keeps the costs lower for their customers as the company basically takes advantage of the locally assembled tax incentives and rebates.
To date, the total production of the ELF Series is over 6.5 million units and it is currently available in 146 countries throughout the world. Aside from its top notch sales performance in Malaysia, the ELF Series have retained No.1 market shares in 25 countries across the region.
The popularity of the Isuzu ELF is definitely due to its reliability, continuous product development and advancement. Here in Malaysia, there is a preference for the light-duty trucks in Malaysia especially in Peninsula Malaysia due to the increase in last mile deliveries and packed urban areas. With this, and the demand of such light duty trucks ensure a company like Isuzu to ensure their commitment in ensuring great customer satisfaction.
At the moment, Isuzu Malaysia offers a wide range of options for the ELF light-duty truck, with 19 variants available, ranging from the 4-wheeler, 6-wheeler, 4x4 and Crew-Cab, in addition to its impressive engine output and performance, interior functionality and comfort, and safety features.
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