Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Isuzu Completes Acquisition of UD Trucks

Isuzu Motors has completed the transaction to acquire Japan-based UD Trucks from the Volvo Group for approximately $2.2 billion.

April 1, 2021
Isuzu Completes Acquisition of UD Trucks

Isuzu Motors has completed the transaction to acquire Japan-based UD Trucks  from the Volvo Group for approximately $2.2 billion.

Photo: Volvo

2 min to read


Isuzu Motors has completed the transaction to acquire Japan-based UD Trucks (formerly long known as Nissan Diesel) from the Volvo Group for approximately $2.2 billion.

The transaction is estimated to have a positive impact on the Volvo Group’s operating income in the second quarter 2021 of close to $230 million and increase the Volvo Group’s net cash position by approximately $2.2 billion, Volvo officials said in a press release.

Ad Loading...

Under the deal, the two OEMs created a 20-year strategic alliance within commerical vehicles, and upon the completion of the acquistion, it became operational.

The alliance between Volvo and Isuzu is now entering the next phase to derive potential synergies in areas that will encompass:

  • Forming a technology partnership, intended to leverage the parties’ complementary areas of expertise within both well-known and new technologies and creating a larger volume base to support investments for technology.

  • Creating the best long-term conditions for a stronger heavy-duty truck business for UD Trucks and Isuzu Motors in Japan and across international markets by transferring ownership of the complete UD Trucks business from the Volvo Group to Isuzu Motors.

  • Exploring further opportunities for even broader and deeper collaboration within the commercial vehicle businesses across geographical areas and product lines for future urban logistics solutions.

  • Exploring cooperation in the areas of purchasing and logistics, leveraging common technology, as well as the geographical footprint complementarity and volume expansion.

Ad Loading...

Volvo and Isuzu will establish a Joint Alliance Office, with facilities both in Japan and Sweden, which will be overseen by an Alliance Board comprising the Isuzu president, the Volvo Group chief executive officer and other key executives from the two groups.

In 2012, Volvo ended production of UD medium-duty trucks for the U.S. market due to a decline in demand in the cab-over-engine segment and increase regulatory costs. 

More Equipment

Video still of Volvo's Duane Tegels explaining the Volvo D13 diesel engine for EPA 2027 emissions
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 16, 2026

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]

Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →
Photo of new Michelin drive tire
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 15, 2026

Michelin Tire Improves Efficiency and Durability for Regional Fleets

The Michelin X Multi Energy D2 is a regional haul drive tire engineered to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, durability and traction in demanding stop-and-go operations.

Read More →
Presentation slide showing ZF's North American market growth
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 10, 2026

ZF Expands Commercial Vehicle Push in North America

ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle presence with new transmission applications, electrification, trailer technology and autonomous-driving systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tesla Semi electric truck with interior of Tesla Cybercab superimposed on top
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 8, 2026

Tesla Wants a Self-Driving Semi. Are Cameras Enough?

Could Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology work on an 80,000-pound Semi? In this commentary, HDT's Deborah Lockridge takes a look at Tesla, Cybercab, and how autonomous trucks see the road.

Read More →
Red highway tractor pulling white trailer with red logo identifying Kodiak.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2026

Kodiak: Driverless Long-Haul Truck Launch on Track for 2026

Kodiak AI says its driverless long-haul safety case is 93% complete and it remains on track to begin commercial operations by year-end 2026.

Read More →
Collage of five autonomous trucks
Safety & Complianceby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 8, 2026

What DOT’s Automated Vehicle Strategy Means for Trucking

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new automated-vehicle strategy that outlines plans for driverless-truck regulations, cross-state freight corridors, and federal safety standards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Port of Newark EV truck charging station.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2026

East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.

Read More →
PlusAI autonomous truck with trailer going down a highway
Equipmentby StaffSeptember 3, 2026

PlusAI Going Public to Fund Autonomous Truck Launch

A SPAC deal could provide PlusAI with up to $300 million as it works toward a 2027 commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks.

Read More →
Faded sketch of diesel engines on a factory floor with NHTSA logo superimposed on top
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 31, 2026

NHTSA Moves to Rewrite Truck Fuel-Economy Rules

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it lacks authority to regulate medium- and heavy-duty truck engines separately from complete vehicles, but the existing standards have not yet been eliminated.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Freightliner Cascadia on highway with engine cutaway
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 27, 2026

Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines

Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.

Read More →