Isuzu News August 2018

The skills to pay the bills

Early this August saw Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) 11^th National Technical Skills Competition, an illustrious nation-wide competition pitting the best of Australia’s Isuzu technicians against time, trickily faulty engines, and nerves. This annual competition is not just a contest of technical know-how. It’s a test of each technician’s mettle, their approach towards problem-solving, and how they perform under pressure. And from this, the cream of Australia’s best technicians will be selected to represent the nation at the upcoming 2018 Isuzu World Technical Competition (also widely known as the I-1 Grand Prix). There were ten competing technicians from nine dealerships across Australia, with Michael Primmer from Winter & Taylor in Geelong, Victoria, and Jason Peterkin from Tony Ireland Isuzu in Townsville, Queensland, clinching the top two spots, respectively. Mr Primmer and Mr Peterkin and will represent Australia at the upcoming I-1 Grand Prix together with team coach Paul Harrison (IAL Technical Support Consultant), which will be held in Japan in early December. Best of luck to Michael, Jason and Paul from all at IAL!

Industry stalwart joins Sales team

We’ve also recently welcomed Tony Kerr to the Isuzu sales team. Mr Kerr assumes the position of National Fleet Sales Manager and has a broad but intensive 30-year career across the truck industry, in the light, medium and heavy-duty weight categories. His extensive experience also comprises sales, general management and operations in respected companies such as Comet/Kwikasair Express (TNT), Scania, Volgren, and Genuine Truck Bodies/Vehicle Storage and Engineering. Mr Kerr spoke of his desire to bring to the table different perspectives and approaches that aim to first understand the customer’s business and their needs, and then work on providing satisfactory long-term transport solutions that will help customers achieve their business objectives. “What I want to do here is to first understand our customer’s business, and their objectives. We’re not just selling a truck to them—we’re also working on how that truck can grow their business.” “It’s about selling quality service and solutions, not just products. We’re here for our customers—to provide solutions and assist with challenges faced, and I’m looking forward to forging new relationships,” he said.

AWRE 2018

Isuzu Trucks is set to exhibit at the upcoming Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo (AWRE), which will be held on 29 and 30 August 2018 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. Following the successful 2017 show in Melbourne, the expo returns to Sydney this year to offer effective and sustainable waste management and recycling solutions for Australian industry.

AFAC 2018

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services expo is back again, and will be held in Perth, from 5 to 8 September 2018. Isuzu’s Truck and Engines departments will make an impact with many of the exhibitors, showcasing the latest product developments for this important civil sector. IAL’s National Sales Manager, Les Spaltman, said he was excited at Isuzu’s continued involvement with Australian fire services, and that AFAC was a very important event for Isuzu. “Isuzu supplies trucks and also our diesel power solutions to every state and territory’s fire services and that’s something we’re extremely proud of,” Mr Spaltman said. “AFAC returns to Perth this year, and as always, we’re looking forward to connecting with our friends in the emergency services sector again in 2018.