ISUZU AUSTRALIA WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH OF NEXT GENERATION LIGHT & MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS

The recent announcement of brand new, next generation of Isuzu truck models from global commercial equipment leader Isuzu Motors Limited (IML), is cause for celebration according to the brand’s local subsidiary, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL).

The international launch showcased the all-new light and medium-duty truck ranges and, representing significant news for the global commercial vehicle market, the introduction of the brand’s first factory produced Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV), the ELF EV.

Launched under IML’s ‘Choose your future’ banner, the new light and medium-duty product range aims to serve distinct distributor markets with a line-up of mixed product technology to address localised market demand, regulation compliance and geographic preferences. ​

“This is an important moment for Isuzu globally and here in Australia,” said IAL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Takeo Shindo.

“This next generation of product defines the path for the continued success of Isuzu around the world for the foreseeable future. ​

“The model-life for commercial vehicles is two to three times that of private or passenger vehicles. This release of all-new internal combustion and zero emission trucks is a landmark event, evolving the brand focus of reliability to now also encapsulate creativity and innovation.

“It provides Isuzu truck customers around the world, with a product suite to support their business today, tomorrow and well into the future,” he said.

The next generation of new light and medium-duty Isuzu truck models are scheduled for local release in Australia, in-line with updates to local Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for vehicle safety and emission standards.

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH SHOWCASE

The next generation of Isuzu light and medium-duty product encapsulates key elements of change from an all-new cabin design, through to industry-first safety technology upgrades and new powertrain technology across the line-up:

Safety

Evolving from the existing Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) currently applied to new N and F Series products in Australia, Isuzu’s newly launched safety suite now includes multiple drive assist features that have been integrated in a push towards dramatically reducing the risk of an incident on the road.

Design

Striking new exterior and interior design has been deployed across the range with a focus on innovation and functionality.

An all-new interior layout has been designed with the end-user in mind, expressing a sense of familiarity with previous interiors, while evolving and updating driver-centric key features and overall ease of use.

Cabin

Accommodating drivers and environments around the world, space surrounding the driver’s position has been greatly expanded for driver comfort and fatigue management.

Operating pedals and a range of other touchpoints within the cabin have been optimised to provide an enhanced driving experience.

Transmission

A feature of the new product line-up is the development of new transmission options across the range. For customers this will build upon the dependability and fit-for-purpose nature of the current transmission options across Isuzu N and F Series Trucks.

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

“Isuzu Motors President and Representative Director, Mr Masanori Katayama has placed a clear corporate focus on the requirement for Isuzu to be able to adapt and provide transport solutions that meet the needs of customers,” Mr Shindo said.

“The release captures the spirit of innovation Isuzu is well known for in commercial vehicles; easy to use, durable and long-lasting products with a focus on low environmental impact,” he concluded.

IAL recently launched the latest iterations of the forerunner to the new model, the MY21 N and MY22 F Series models, complete with comprehensive safety features, technology enhancements and a new benchmark in aftermarket support with 6-year warranty and roadside assist for all 4x2 light truck models and the same market-leading 6-year standard warranty with much higher distance and engine hour limits and 6-year roadside assist for medium-duty models in standard applications.*

The company also marked its 34^th consecutive year of local Australian market leadership at the close of 2022 with record volume growth and total market share.

“IAL continues to build on the strengths of our success in the local market and we are keenly aware of the product attributes that our customers rely on daily in the course of their businesses,” said Chief Operating Officer and Director, Mr Andrew Harbison.

“Ensuring that this is encapsulated in every product and service that we develop and bring to market is critical to this record and we are confident that this new product announcement represents the next assured step in our continued journey.

“What’s exciting about the announcement today is that the products revealed represent both the immediate and long-term prospects for our current and future commercial vehicle customers here in Australia,” he continued.

According to recent road freight projections by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) while total domestic freight in Australia is forecast to grow by 26 per cent to 2050, road freight is set to increase by a much larger 77 per cent over the same period.

“With the converging lines of increased road freight demand and the requirement for ZEV, we see it as essential that we have a product portfolio that our customers can utilise to meet their immediate and near-term road transport needs and have certainty that their capital equipment providers have solutions for their business operations into the future decades,” Mr Harbison continued.

TARGETED PRODUCT ANSWERING INDUSTRY NEEDS

“The Isuzu Elf EV is the culmination of intense research and development by Isuzu in Japan.

“In its first iteration, this battery electric Isuzu truck is targeted at the built-up environment, fulfilling last-mile distribution duties. It will have an immediate and obvious impact in reducing urban transport emissions and contributing to greater quality of life through reduced noise and safety features protecting both the operator and public.

“What our customers can expect, when this new model is announced for the Australian market, is the same compelling operator and business case they rely on Isuzu to provide.

“We look forward to setting out on this journey with our Australian customers,” Mr Harbison concluded.

* For further information on warranty and aftercare visit: isuzu.com.au. Standard factory warranty on cab chassis excludes 4x4 vehicles and those operating in ‘Harsh Applications’ including concrete agitators and garbage compactors.

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