Isuzu Brings New Generation of Emergency vehicles to AFAC 2025

With no less than 26 natural disasters officially declared by the Federal Government in just the first six months of 2025, the significance of our emergency services sector has never been so acute. ​ 

Responding to everything from cyclones, major bushfires, storms and floods across nearly every state and territory, this cohort, from professional responders through to volunteers, provide critical response and recovery assistance regardless of the situation. 

AFAC 25 

A key gathering for these organisations is the annual Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Conference & Exhibition (AFAC), this year being held in Perth from August 26-29. ​ 

AFAC is an independent, member-based organisation that supports connected and capable emergency management across Australia and New Zealand. 

Isuzu Trucks, Australia's biggest selling truck brand since 1989, will once again be a major supporter of the event in 2025, and as part of their presence, will be displaying a broad range of product including representatives from its popular 4x4 range, along with a collection of its off-highway power units. ​ ​ 

New gear, old foe 

“The harsh Australian landscape and weather events present many challenges for our emergency services and as we can see from the stats, the battle is not letting-up,” said Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) Head of Sales, Craig White. 

“Isuzu plays a major role in the supplying capital equipment that not only handles the terrain they operate in, but also meets the safety challenges these dedicated crews face every day. 

“In an exciting development this year, Isuzu will be displaying variants from our all-new model range that not just mark a step-up for emergency crew operations, but also a leap forward in safety and function for operators. 

“As well as the hardware, we will have a range of experts on hand to provide further detail on the products and technical information for the vast array of body builds that are required.” ​ ​ ​ 

Models on stand  

Isuzu will be showcasing two all-new 4x4 models aimed directly at rural fire and emergency services applications. 

FTS 150-260 

Taking the stand at AFAC is the extremely popular MY25 FTS 150-260 4x4 CREW model, a proven emergency services platform ideally suited to a range of frontline and support operations across the country. The FTS, a pre-production evaluation unit imported specifically with fire service development in mind will be displayed as bulk water carrier, a vital piece of rural firefighting equipment. 

With a Gross Vehicles Mass (GVM) of 15,000 kg, the 4x4 FTS is powered by the all-new six-cylinder Isuzu DB6A-TCN (ADR80/04 compliant) engine, producing 191 kilowatts or 260 horsepower and peak torque of 883 Nm @ 1,000-2,070 rpm. 

Built in Isuzu’s Tochigi Engine Plant in Japan, this unique, all new Isuzu powerplant is designed without the need for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), targeting fewer maintenance requirements in the field, improved combustion efficiency, and fuel economy. 

Delivered via the Allison LCT2500 Generation 6 automatic transmission, operating Isuzu’s FTS vehicles is not only more straight forward, but also opens up driving duties to a wider driver pool, especially part time crew and volunteers. 

FSS 110-210 

Taking pride of place alongside its larger sibling, Isuzu will also showcase another all-new model in the guise of the FSS 110-210 4x4 CREW, fitted with a firefighting body from South West Fire Unit Fabricators in Collie (WA). 

The proven product in the market, the FSS checks in with an 11,000 kg GVM and is powered by Isuzu’s bullet proof, four-cylinder 4HK1-TCS engine variant, producing 154 kilowatts or 210 horsepower, with peak torque of 706 Nm @ 1,600 rpm. ​ 

Another tried and tested emergency services stalwart, the FSS has long been an underestimated support and staging unit across the sector and now sports a range of new safety, comfort and efficiency features in 2025. ​ ​ 

As is the case across the new line-up, the FTS and FSS come fully equipped with a class-leading safety suite via Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Highlights include Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Attention Alert Systems (AAS). Passive safety measures include occupant seatbelt pretensioners and driver and front left hand passenger airbags up the front of the cabin. 

Designed to deliver ​ 

Built with the operator in mind, both the FTS and FSS include the ISRI 6860/875 NTS2 climate air suspension driver’s seat and Multi Information Display headlining an all-new ergonomic cabin design. 

“Isuzu designs and builds its range of trucks, including these special units, always with the driver top of mind,” said Mr White. ​ 

“A common design architecture means that whether a fire volunteer jumps from a light N-Series 4x4 vehicle into a larger F Series fire tender for example, the layout inside the cabin is almost identical.” 

“All components that go onto the vehicles from Isuzu and trusted OEM partners means that every detail has been taken into consideration in the design and manufacture of the vehicles,” he said. 

“Isuzu’s 4x4 range is designed, engineered and rigorously tested for these types of operations and this includes the provision of engineering support to specialist body builders in this space.” 

Meeting high standards 

The vehicles are not just up to the task, but they also meet tight compliance guidelines set down by emergency service agencies and other areas of government. 

“The feedback we have had from emergency services around the country is that compliance is as crucial as the capability of the equipment in the field,” said Mr White. 

“Our approach is to meet and, in some cases, exceed these requirements, as the situations these crews face can be at the highest level of extreme. 

“Straight forward operation means that more team members can operate these vehicles safely, ensuring they arrive and return from jobs without compromise.” 

Solutions Theatre presentation 

Isuzu will be further showcasing the MY25 models with Head of Product Management & Commercial Vehicle Chief Engineer holding a keynote presentation on “How the MY25 New Generation Isuzu can meet the needs of the next generation of Fire Fighter.” 

The not to be missed presentation will take place at 2pm on Tuesday 26 August in the Solutions Theatre. 

Power-up on site 

Isuzu’s trusted diesel engine technology is also applied to the Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) range of products, and the brand will have a 20kVA GS 020-PTY generator set also on display in Perth. 

Part of the IPS genset range that includes 37 kVA and 50 kVA variants, the GS 020-PTY on stand not only delivers reliable power via 3 Phase, 15 Amp and three separate 240V receptacles, it does so with a low decibel output (rated at 51 dB(A)). 

IPS Sales Manager WA/SA/NT, Scott Lewis, says the IPS Power units are growing in popularity for emergency services during weather events and into the recovery phase. 

“Whether it be fire, flood or thunderstorm, having the ability to supply reliable stand-by power during operation and recovery is crucial,” said Mr Lewis. 

“The GS 020-PTY is perfect for truck or trailer mounter operation for emergency crew in-field operations and staging sites. 

“It can supply power to pumps, electrical equipment, lighting and even refrigeration and cooking appliances that keep crews fed and in operation. 

“IPS units utilise the same technology that drives the trucks, so naturally, function and reliability are at the forefront in these gensets. 

“When first response emergency services move on, gensets are usually the lifeblood during the recovery period as power outages can last extended periods of time.” ​ ​ 

Isuzu Australia will be at Stand 394 at AFAC held 26-29 August at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre.