Is the Duramax still made by Isuzu?
The Duramax diesel engines are still produced through a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu Motors, not by Isuzu alone. The program is carried out by DMAX Ltd., a GM-Isuzu collaboration with manufacturing tied to a U.S. production site in Ohio. This arrangement remains in force as of 2024–2025.
What is Duramax?
Duramax refers to a family of turbocharged diesel engines developed for GM trucks and commercial applications. It began in 2001 as a joint initiative between General Motors and Isuzu and has evolved through multiple generations to improve power, efficiency, and emissions compliance. The Duramax lineup includes both inline-six and V8 configurations across various displacement sizes, most notably the 6.6L V8 and the 3.0L inline-six variants used in modern GM pickups.
Current production arrangement
Duramax engines are produced by DMAX Ltd., a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu Motors. The collaboration was established to co-develop and manufacture diesel power for GM’s truck platforms, and production continues under this joint framework.
Ownership and structure
The Duramax program operates within a formal GM-Isuzu joint venture structure. This means that while GM uses the engines in its vehicles, the engines are produced through a partnership rather than solely by Isuzu or GM alone. The arrangement has persisted through years of corporate changes within both companies.
Production locations
Historically, the primary Duramax production site has been the DMAX facility in Moraine, Ohio, USA. This facility specializes in assembling Duramax engines for GM’s light- and heavy-duty trucks, with engineering and sourcing support from both parent companies.
Key points about who makes Duramax engines and where they are built:
- DMAX Ltd. is the production company for Duramax engines.
- DMAX is a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu Motors (not owned by Isuzu alone).
- The primary manufacturing site is the DMAX facility in Moraine, Ohio, USA.
- Duramax engines cover multiple generations, including the 6.6L V8 family and the 3.0L inline-six.
- GM-Isuzu collaboration continues to underpin the Duramax program as of 2024–2025.
These points indicate that Duramax production is not exclusively controlled by Isuzu; it remains a joint venture with GM that continues to supply diesel engines for GM’s trucks and related applications.
What about the future models?
As of 2024–2025, GM continues to rely on Duramax engines for its Silverado and Sierra lineups, including the modern 3.0L Duramax inline-six. The Duramax program is expected to continue evolving with improvements in emissions, efficiency, and performance through the joint venture. While corporate relationships can shift, the Duramax production pathway remains anchored in the GM-Isuzu partnership via DMAX Ltd., with ongoing development to meet regulatory and market demands.
Recent developments
Industry coverage has focused on ongoing diesel technology refinement and GM’s strategy for powertrains in the light- and heavy-duty truck segments. The Duramax line is a core element of GM’s diesel strategy, produced through the established GM-Isuzu collaboration at the Moraine facility and adjacent operations.
Summary
Duramax engines are still produced through DMAX Ltd., the GM-Isuzu joint venture. The program remains a collaborative effort rather than a purely Isuzu-driven venture, with manufacturing centered at the Moraine, Ohio facility and ongoing development to power GM’s diesel lineup for current and future models.
Bottom line
The Duramax name continues to represent a GM-Isuzu partnership in diesel engineering and production, rather than a product solely manufactured by Isuzu. For customers and observers, the key takeaway is that the Duramax engines powering GM trucks come from a joint venture that remains active and evolving in the 2024–2025 timeframe.
Does Isuzu make engines for GM?
Isuzu has used both its own engines and General Motors-built engines. It has also developed engines for General Motors, Renault, Saab, Honda, Nissan, Opel and Mazda.
Did Isuzu design the L5P?
No, the L5P is not made by Isuzu, though Isuzu was a partner in the original design and production of the Duramax engine family through the joint venture DMAX Ltd.. General Motors (GM) now makes the L5P entirely on its own at its plant in Moraine, Ohio, and became the sole owner of DMAX in 2022.
- Past collaboration: Isuzu and GM originally collaborated on the Duramax engine, with DMAX Ltd. serving as a joint venture where Isuzu held 40% and GM held 60%.
- Current production: The L5P engine is now manufactured solely by GM.
- Ownership change: GM fully acquired DMAX Ltd. in May 2022, which ended Isuzu's involvement in the partnership.
Who makes Duramax now?
DMAX Ltd. is a subsidiary of General Motors, LLC. Its facility produces Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel engine offered on GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado HD pick-up trucks.
Where is Isuzu Duramax made?
Moraine, Ohio
DMAX is an American manufacturer of the Duramax V8 diesel engines for trucks, based in Dayton, Ohio. Engine production began in Moraine, Ohio in 2000.
