Technology Smarts Underpin New Range from Truck Market Leader
In supporting the variety and complexity of uniquely Australian customer needs and applications, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) is shining a light on some key product smarts built into its new model line-up, going on sale throughout 2025.
The design approach to developing the new truck model range—specifically, the Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component Standard, otherwise known as I-MACS—has enabled a range of intelligent, innovative enhancements with a global approach in mind.
Simon Humphries, the Australian arm’s Head of Product Management & Commercial Vehicles Chief Engineer, described the I-MACS approach as allowing the company to produce and offer “…a balance between what customers have been asking for up until now and what will be demanded in the new era of transport.”
“Essentially, this approach allows the design, development and combination of various common components, parts and devices to be applied in light of future tech advancement and the expansion of vehicle types,” Mr Humphries said.
“Hard-wired into this new model range is an improved understanding of the linkage between vehicle components and the notion of interchanging or relocating components—all making it possible to adapt to the future while remaining compatible with legacy models.”
A common approach
A key plank literally powering this change is the rollout of an all-new global wiring harness system intended to have a more ‘far-reaching’ influence on the vehicle’s operation, regardless of the powertrain applied and the market in question.
Mr Humphries noted that improvements to the flow of energy and information within a vehicle’s electrical architecture can profoundly affect its primary functions.
“With the level and sophistication of technology now found in modern cars and trucks, particularly in the area of safety innovation, the need for more robust communications systems simply translates to faster, more reliable operation of a range of active and passive functions.”
Safer, smarter
In other developments, Isuzu’s 2025 range has moved away from more traditional intra-vehicle communications towards a new lightning-fast digital messaging system, bringing the electrical engineering of the range line-up right on par with the latest global technological offerings in commercial vehicles.
“Again, under the banner of the global I-MACS approach, we’ve transitioned to full CAN bus (Controller Area Network) communications, which connects multiple electrical devices or modules together.
“This means there’s now faster, more reliable decision-making between critical modules within the vehicle, such as braking, steering and sensory reaction times and between the truck and ancillary body equipment.
“Whilst there are some production line efficiencies over in Japan, for the operator, it means that electrical communication within the platform is dramatically enhanced, meaning a safer, more responsive and better-managed tool of trade.”
Cyber threat protection
In another sign of the times, Mr Humphries said that Isuzu’s new generation range also complies with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s regulation 155 (UNECE R155), reflecting the global group’s commitment to addressing cyber security risks across an increasingly connected and technologically advanced mobility ecosystem.
“These recent regulations are part of a global push to protect against cyber security threats. As our products become increasingly connected, a more standardised and unified approach is needed.
“In responding to this, Isuzu has introduced a sophisticated gateway central controller unit or ECU that separates different module networks to produce more secure communication between critical functions of the truck,” he said.
“This is an exclusive gateway for Isuzu products, helping to protect the integrity of a range of key systems such as our advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
“There’s a huge amount of data floating around a modern truck, so when we think about some of the autonomous safety features that might save our lives one day, the ultimate goal is to have those systems completely locked down and inaccessible to cyber threats.”
Backed by its parent company’s enthusiasm for delivering global mobility solutions for the here and now and into the future, Australian operators stand to benefit most from these features found ‘under the skin.’
“They may not have the same gravitas as something like a new type of powertrain technology, but these peripheral smarts are paving the way for safer, more efficient and better-suited products for Australian operators.
“This is about seizing an opportunity such as an entirely new model launch and building in critical improvements that will, without a doubt, see out the lifespan of a particular model or product,” Mr Humphries concluded.