Australia Scores Podium at Isuzu International Skills Competition

The talent and skills of technicians in the Isuzu Dealer Network have been proven on the world stage following a recent podium placing at the 2025 Isuzu World Technical Competition, also known as the I-1 GP, in Japan. 

The duo of Jonathan (Jono) Elias from Black Truck & Ag in Queensland and Louis Holt from Bendigo Isuzu scored third overall in a total field of 37 nations at the competition held in Yokohama in late October. 

Under the guidance of Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Technical Training Developer and Team Australia Coach, Alex Redsell, Elias and Holt were triumphant in the face of sustained competition, placing ahead of a very strong field of global Isuzu distributors. 

Serious competition 

First held in 2005, the I-1 GP event sees the cream of Isuzu technicians from distributors across the globe compete in both a theoretical and practical technical exercise with proceedings closely scrutinised by a panel of judges from Isuzu Motors Limited.

“This a team result with both Jono and Louis bringing their A game to the competition and a third place is an awesome result,” enthused coach Alex Redsell. 

“No doubt the heat is on when the spotlight is shone on the guys, but they worked through the tests and met the challenge. 

“The theoretical exercise is the first hurdle with exam-like conditions, however the pressure cooker of the practical test is where the teamwork really shows, as they work to solve a range of complex technical issues on the truck, which this year was an NLR,” Alex said. 

“On behalf of the whole Aftersales team in Australia, I’d like to thank our competitors and their home dealerships for their commitment and investment in the preparation for the competition this year. 

It’s no small undertaking and represents the professionalism of all our Isuzu dealers across the country,” Alex said. 

For Louis Holt, from Bendigo Isuzu, the opportunity to represent his country once again was a proud moment. 

“This competition is the best of the best in the world of Isuzu technicians, and this was my second opportunity representing Australia after competing a couple of years ago,” said Louis. 

“This year we bettered that result and bringing home some silverware is a tremendous thrill. 

“I have been humbled with all the support I have received from previous teachers, trainers and coaches who collectively contributed to achieve to the result in Japan. 

“We put in the training in the lead up to the event; working alongside Jono to achieve this result against a tough field and in the stress of the size and scale of the event was huge reward for the effort,” Louis said. 

Toowoomba’s Jono Elias said the experience of the competition and visiting the Isuzu factory was an opportunity that lifts his confidence. 

“The I-1 GP was a whole new level of experience — it really pushes your skills and knowledge,” said Jono. 

“Working with Loui and Alex, who I had never met before, was an amazing experience. The dynamic was great, and both are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. ​ 

“Everyone brought their best, and it made the whole event even more rewarding. 

“The competition was organised so professionally, and visiting the Isuzu factory in person was eye-opening. The scale and efficiency are just unbelievable.” 

Rewarding training ​  

In attendance at the event in Yokohama was IAL Managing Director and CEO Mr Takeo Shindo and Head of Aftersales Mr Brett Stewart. 

“The competition and result was a fantastic outcome for Team Australia and the dealer network,” said Mr Stewart. 

“IAL puts a great deal of value in training, and the very best technicians from our market leading dealer network get to come to this competition which over the years has grown in numbers and stature. 

“A lot is said about the need for more skilled service technicians, and I would encourage people to look at the Isuzu dealer network as a place to forge a long-standing career as the rewards can include you representing your country on a global stage. 

“For our customers, this achievement reflects the skills evident across the Isuzu Dealer Network – no one knows Isuzu trucks better than our dealers and their top-performing technician teams and it’s great to see this recognised in a global context,” Mr Stewart concluded. 

2026 Team Australia selection 

The selection for the 2026 Team Australia for the I-1 GP will be carried out in late November when Isuzu Australia hold its annual National Technical Skills competition at its Training Centre in western Melbourne. 

Top three results at the 2025 I-1 GP Teams competition: 

1^st Thailand 

2^nd Japan 

3^rd Australia ​