The ever popular Japanese manufacture has recently unveiled the newest generation of its small-to-medium truck line up.
With its current generation of truck models flying off the shelves Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) recently gave customers anither reason to consider getting behind one of their trucks with the announcement of a whole new generation of vehicles.
The announcement formed part of its Accelerate the Future of Transport presentation earlier this weel which also included 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.
Isuzu Australia managing director and CEO Takeo Shindo says the launch was an important moment for Isuzu globally and in Australia.
“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 expresses 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.
The Australian story
Isuzu Australia Limited 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 fo light and medium-duty models used in standard applications.
The company also marked its 34th consecutive year of local Australian market leadership at the close of 2022 with record volume growth and total market share.
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“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,” IAL CEO and director Andrew Harbison says.
“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.”
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,” Harbison says.
“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,” Harbison says.