DCH Holdings of HK to Set Up Isuzu Truck Assembly Plant in Taiwan

Taipei, Dec. 4, 2012 (CENS)—Eying the commercial vehicle market in Taiwan, the Hong Kong-based DCH Holdings (Chinese-capitalized) plans to invest about NT$1 billion (US$33.3 million) to set up a plant in Taiwan to assemble and sell Isuzu trucks locally.

DCH Holding plans to invest through its local subsidiary, Taipei Triangle Motors Ltd., the local agent of Isuzu trucks since 2012.

C. M. Yu, president of Taipei Triangle Motors, said his company plans to invest additional NT$250 million (US$8.3 million) to set up sales and service network throughout Taiwan in 2012 and 2013, also aiming to win a 25% share in the domestic commercial-vehicle market in the next five years.

According to Yu, DCH Holdings is a long-term partner of Isuzu of Japan that has been selling trucks in Hong Kong since 1972. DCH Holdings has made Isuzu the No. 1 imported truck brand in Hong Kong for 33 years, as well as in China for 10 years, hence motivating Isuzu to go to DCH Holdings to tap the Taiwan market.

Yu said Taiwan is a mature market for commercial vehicles, and purchases are mainly replacements. Isuzu has many customers, Yu said, and the brand's high cost/performance (C/P) value is expected to win back old customers and compete with major rivals Hino and Fuso.

Taipei Triangle Motors focuses on selling imported 3.49 to 9.5 ton light trucks and mid-sized bus chasses. In the future, Yu said, 10-ton-plus Isuzu trucks will be assembled on the island to reduce tariff cost and upgrade price competitiveness.

By the end of 2013, Taipei Triangle Motors aims to set up eight to nine sales-cum-service points, plus more than 30 franchised service points, in Taiwan. The firm plans to set up a fully-owned truck assembly plant in central Taiwan, also having bought land in Taipei to build headquarters with sales, service and spare parts facilities.