Article: After nearly 30 years, Isuzu takes its last ride in the States; Automaker made mark in ad history, but it wasn't enough to save the brand.(News)(Isuzu Motors America Inc.'s history in advertising industry)

Byline: JEAN HALLIDAY

Adios, Isuzu.

The automaker that brought Americans trucks named Hombre, Amigo and Rodeo-not to mention the "lying'' Joe Isuzu-is exiting the U.S. next January after a 28-year run. The cause of its death: failure to innovate, misjudgment of the market and woeful under-spending on marketing.

"Isuzu has been comatose for a number of years now,'' said Charlie Hughes, president of auto consultancy BrandRules.

Even so, its passing will be more than a footnote in advertising history. Once a high-flying brand that helped popularize the now-ubiquitous SUV, Isuzu was put on the map by its big-budget ad blitz featuring ...

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