Royans & Isuzu: Genuine Parts key to Winning the War on Downtime

Downtime is the enemy of profit. Nowhere is this truer than in the Australian transport industry, where a single heavy vehicle off the road for smash repairs can cripple a week’s earnings. 

This is the stark reality for transport operators facing the arduous smash repair process. Unlike passenger vehicles, a heavy truck’s downtime isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s an existential threat, compounding daily through lost work and idle drivers. 

With Australia's truck parc booming—evidenced by new vehicle sales exploding from 44,379 units in 2022 to 51,277 in 2024—the pressure on specialised smash repairers has never been greater. ​ 

This growth, particularly in last-mile delivery fleets, demands repairers with the specific expertise and parts access to handle everything from minor dents to major rebuilds, ensuring strict compliance and safety standards are met. ​ 

Experts in Truck Smash Repairs 

With over 80 years of experience Royans, one of Australia’s leading transport accident repair businesses, has been at the forefront, stepping up its commitment to customers and getting them back on the road faster. A key to its success is a deep partnership with Australia’s leading truck brand, Isuzu. 

With over 100,000 new Isuzu Trucks registered over the last 10 years, and as the nation’s biggest selling truck brand since 1989, Isuzu trucks of all configurations form a major part of the Royans business. ​ 

The growth of Isuzu parts used in Royans repairs has grown 23.7 per cent since 2020. That equates to an average of 8,500 Isuzu Genuine Parts per annum during that period. 

“Approximately one in every four trucks in for repairs are Isuzu, so it really mirrors what is being purchased as new and the supporting parts distribution operation,” said Matt Clarke, Group Procurement Manager for Royans Australia and New Zealand. ​ 

“Royans has a long history with Isuzu Australia and through the dealer network for direct access to the genuine replacement parts. 

“The Isuzu dealer network is excellent in having stock on-hand, as in the repair game no two weeks are the same in terms of what we require to repair trucks.” 

Since 1970 Royans has concentrated its smash repair business on heavy vehicles, growing an impressive 27 percent per annum since 2020. ​ 

Growing Nationally  

It’s grown its footprint from eight sites to 27 outlets across Australia and New Zealand in just this five-year period alone and now employs around 625 industry professionals. 

Royans not only supports the capital cities it also services all the major regional transport hubs including Wagga Wagga, Wodonga, Dubbo, Grafton, Townsville, Tamworth and Shepparton. 

“Our company ethos is to get the customer back on the road as quickly as possible, without compromising the performance and safety of the vehicle,” Mr Clarke outlined. 

“Royans preference is to recommend using genuine OEM parts, ensuring accurate fitment and optimal safety, which ultimately ensures further peace of mind for the customer.” 

Parts Access 

Access to these genuine parts is via Isuzu’s 70+ dealer network, supported by the massive 15,000 square metre National Parts Distribution Centre in Truganina, Melbourne. ​ 

The state-of-the-art facility is recognised as one of the largest truck parts and component sites in the southern hemisphere and is a key asset in helping Isuzu maintain its reputation for efficient and effective parts turnaround. 

“Royans and Isuzu share a common commitment to the customer. We partner together in keeping the wheels of Isuzu owners turning whether it be a scratch and dent repair, right through to a major rebuild,” Mr Matt said. 

In terms of the types of trucks in for repairs, Royans acknowledges the growth is in smaller trucks, especially those used in final-mile delivery. 

“These trucks cover a pretty broad segment these days, especially in parcel and grocery deliveries, so the larger fleet operations of these trucks require them to be safe and presentable at all times,” said Mr Clarke. 

New Models are Part of the Service  

As Isuzu begins to roll-out its new MY25 models, Royans is working directly with the manufacturer on parts ordering, fitment details and new technologies that are integrated into each vehicle. 

“A lot of new safety systems and other technology in the new models must be taken into account when repairing the MY25 Isuzu range,” said Mr Clarke. 

“We work with Isuzu providing learnings during the repair process; this again is where Isuzu stands out in having the outcome for the customer front of mind. 

“From an operational side this helps with the parts ordering forecasts, underlying that having availability across the country is crucial.” 

Compliance 

Continued growth in the truck parc, overall road safety, the need of operators to meet compliance and other regulatory requirements, further underlines the importance of operators using dedicated truck smash repair businesses. 

“Whether it is Royans as an Isuzu Truck smash repair business or another dedicated truck repairer, it is crucial that owners understand the importance of using genuine OEM replacement parts,” said Mr Clarke. 

“Using genuine OEM parts will save you time and money in the long run both in terms of safety, fitment and reliability. 

“This is especially important in the second-hand truck market where an on-sold vehicle’s performance will be maintained without compromise for the future buyer customer,” he concluded.