Japan’s Isuzu begins bus production in China

Japan’s Isuzu Motors Ltd. began production of buses in China as the first Japanese firm to engage in such production in the city. The Guangzhou Isuzu Bus Co., jointly established by Isuzu and the Guangzhou Automobile Group, is producing two types of sightseeing buses, those with 33 seats and 49 seats. Plans for the production of a 43-seat bus is also underway. Isuzu said the demand for sightseeing buses will increase quickly in China with the construction of more highways. The joint company will produce 100 buses in 2001 and aims to raise the figure to an annual 1,000 units by 2004.