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Our History

History of Sathosa Motors

The origin of Sathosa Motors PLC goes back to 1962, when Isuzu Agency was secured by the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment in 1962. The first agreement was signed between M/s Isuzu Motors Limited, Tokyo, Japan (Manufacturer), M/s C Itoch & Co. Ltd., (Distributor) and Co-operative Wholesale Establishment C.W.E. (Franchise holder).

Although the demand for Japanese vehicles, specially for commercial vehicles, was not encouraging in 1960’s and early 1970’s, after the liberalization of imports in 1978, Isuzu became the most sought after vehicle by fleet owners, Government sector etc.

1962

Our beginning as Sathosa Motors PLC goes back to 1962 when ISUZU Agency was secured by the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment.

1978

By 1978, after the liberalization of imports in Sri Lanka, We were able to highlight ISUZU, and it became the most sought-after vehicle by fleet owners, the Government sector, etc.

1985

ISUZU vehicles' spare parts imports and sales were handled by the C.W.E. up to 1985.
The C.W.E. decided to convert the New Vehicles & Machinery Department as a fully owned subsidiary company of the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment titled “Sathosa Motors Limited” on 1st January 1985.

1992

While following the government policy, we became a peoplized company on 26th August 1992 and 60% of our capital was acquired by M/s C Itochu & Co., Limited (ITOCHU Corporation) Tokyo, Japan

2007

To comply with the new Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, Our Company was re-registered as Sathosa Motors PLC.

2012

On the 29th February 2012, Access Engineering PLC has acquired a major controlling stake in our company.

2013

The Land Rover brand received a new lease of life by being exclusively distributed under the name SML Frontier Automotive Pvt. Ltd., where we, Sathosa Motors PLC, having a majority stake.

2015

The company has set up a state-of-the-art workshop at Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02, to cater mainly to our Isuzu SUV & Double Cab customers.

2016

We unveiled the Isuzu NMR dump truck to the local market because it has been specially designed to suit Sri Lankan terrain, through a collaboration of ISUZU Japan, Shinmaywa, and Sathosa Motors PLC.

2017

The company establishes new pathways for growth regional presence, within Matara and Kurunegala with 3S facilities, while opening a Spare parts outlet in Rathnapura.

2018

In October, We launched the new lineup of EURO 4 compliance vehicles to the local market for the first time in Sri Lanka.

2019

With the production of the 2019 edition of the Isuzu D Max RT66 Double Cab, We were able to unveil the Double cab along with the brand new ISUZU showroom at Vauxhall Street, Colombo 02.

2020

By 2020, all of the vehicles we offered came with the EURO 4 emission standard.

2021
Expansion of Sathosa Motors PLC

Sathosa Motors developed facilities and established new pathways for growth, regional presence, and capturing new sectors in the country. Opening a newly developed state-of-the-art workshop facility in Vauxhall Street to cater to any brand of vehicle. Expansion of the network of outlets for the convenience of our valued customers in Negombo, Dambulla, and Kandy for ISUZU Genuine parts. Establishment of a new division for Brand New Isuzu Marine Engines. 

2022

Sathosa Motors PLC opened a branch in Badulla for ISUZU Genuine parts & opened the revamped state-of-the-art workshop facility in Peliyagoda.

Isuzu vehicles spare parts imports and sales were handled by the New Vehicles & Machinery Department of C.W.E. up to 1985. However due to tremendous demand for Isuzu products in the Sri Lanka market, The Ministry of Trade and Commerce under whose purview C.W.E. operated, decided to convert the New Vehicles & Machinery Department as a fully owned subsidiary company of the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment titled as “Sathosa Motors Limited” on 1st January 1985 to give more freedom to carry on business operations efficiently, facing the competition from other vehicle dealerships.

Sathosa Motors Limited commenced operations with an issued capital of Rs 15,000,007 in 1985. In keeping with the government Policy, the Company was peoplised on 26th August 1992 and 60% of issued capital was acquired by M/s C Itoch & Co., Limited (ITOCHU Corporation) Tokyo, Japan, one of the largest trading organizations (Sogo-Shosa) in Japan. Of the remainder, 10% was gifted to employees and 30% was issued to the General Public..

In order to comply with new Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 the company was re-registered as Sathosa Motors PLC.

The Access Engineering Company Ltd (AEL) which went public acquired a major controlling stake in Sathosa Motors PLC (SML) on 29th February 2012.

The Sri Lankan military’s ‘vehicle of choice’ and a top European Luxury Brand in the country, Land Rover received a new lease of life with the brand being exclusively distributed under SML Frontier Automotive Pvt Ltd, where Sathosa Motors PLC having a 50% ownership.