Newly appointed head of innovation at Isuzu Australia Kylie Barlin says she wants to “set the standard” across the transport industry as it continues to change and evolve.
She has the future of Isuzu’s Australian operations front of mind, tasked with the development of new products and services for its customers. With Isuzu leading the way for truck sales so far again in 2024, it’s a position that she doesn’t take lightly.
Isuzu wants to be at the forefront of the ‘new’ industry, with the launch of its electric N Series for the Australian market a highlight of recent years alongside its new range of models.
Barlin says her previous experience in the automative industry at Toyota Finance and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific will hold her in good stead to take on this challenge.
“With so much change afoot, it is not just about moving the metal, but also working to support the scale of industry transformation that’s coming ahead,” she says.
“Key to this is delivering the type of projects that ensure Isuzu continues to set the standard for the industry well into the future.
“Isuzu has been very successful leading the Australian truck market for 35 years with a business that has the customer at its core, and I feel this is a great advantage.
“However, there is a driving need to evolve with the significant technological changes coming at us, and to see how we can structure products and services that are best fit for future road transport and the applications of Australian businesses.
“The strong activity that IAL has underway to cater to this is evident across the organisation and I’m excited about the future prospects for the company, our business partners and customers.”
Barlin’s role will see her working closely with Isuzu Austraia chief of strategy Grant Cooper, who says he is also working to identify new opportunities for Isuzu’s network of dealers.
“The trucking industry as we know it is changing, and it is imperative that we are on the front foot not only with the right product but ensuring our business can support it and our customers for years to come,” he says.
“Isuzu is not content to rest on past laurels, with the evolution of our business a major focus going forward.
“We are very confident Kylie is the right person to bring an even greater focus on delivering significant value for our customers – during this transformative period and well into the future.”