TRUCK OF THE YEAR 2019: ISUZU TRUCKS WINNERS

As we go into 2020, it’s time to have a quick look back on 2019’s Truck of the Year competition and its winners. Held by Isuzu Australia Limited, the Truck of the Year competition is arguably Australia’s longest-running truck competition; it was started in 1996 and is still going strong more than 20 years later. The competition not only showcases the Isuzu trucks that owners and operators take great pride in, but also the diverse range of applications and industries these trucks operate in.

The first Truck of the Year competition, appearing in the 1996 issue of Truckpower magazine.

Isuzu Australia Limited National Sales Manager, Les Spaltman, said that the truck competition is one way to recognise loyal customers, and celebrate their beloved Isuzu trucks. Mr Spaltman said, “Our customers are at the core of Isuzu Trucks’ success and our product development. “We couldn’t have achieved what we have without the backing of the Australian truck buyer. “Competitions such as Truck of the Year are a way for us to show our appreciation of our customers’ continued support of the brand. “It’s also a nice platform that brings together a community of like-minded truck owners who take pride in their trucks, which for many, are at the core of their businesses.” A winner is chosen each month from a pool of submitted entries, and the year’s monthly winners go into the yearly draw for the Grand Prize of $6,000 (Visa cash card). And in 2019 the competition was amped up further, with the introduction of the Series Prizes for the N Series, F Series, FX/FY Series and Giga truck models; each Series prize is to the tune of $1,000 in a Visa cash card. The 2019 Truck of the Year Grand Prize goes to Powered Innovations, the monthly winner for October, and the Series prizes are awarded to the following:

• N SERIES | Powered Innovations (also Grand Prize winner)
• F SERIES | Vac Truck Rentals
• FX/FY SERIES | Target Transport Services
• GIGA | Alpha Haulage

The 2019 Truck of the Year competition saw a phenomenal number of entrants, and 2020 promises to be equally exciting. TRUCK OF THE YEAR & N SERIES WINNER | OCTOBER—POWERED INNOVATIONS Powered Innovations’ NPR 65-190 works as their mobile repair platform to carry their vast array of electrical and mechanical equipment. According to Powered’s Martin Cordina, their Isuzu truck has high carrying and towing capacity, is easily manoeuvrable, providing easier access to more streets and worksites… and yet is fuel efficient. Martin also absolutely loves the excellent visibility through the front windscreen, as well as the spacious cab. F SERIES WINNER | MARCH—VAC TRUCK RENTALS Vac Truck Rentals specialises in dry-hire solutions for all hydro excavation, sewer jetting and industrial vacuum needs, and provides equipment for hire all across Australia. We reckon they’ve knocked it out of the park with this custom bodied FVZ 260-300 Auto. FX/FY SERIES WINNER | APRIL—TARGET TRANSPORT SERVICES Providing the highest quality service in the asphalt and profiling carting industry, David Mills, owner of this immaculate FYX 350-350 Auto, said he adores driving his new rig. The FYX is equipped with all the features and benefits his business needs, and more. “Driving this rig is like spending the day in your armchair at home,” said David. Yep, nothing like an Isuzu to keep you comfortable on the road. GIGA SERIES WINNER | AUGUST—ALPHA HAULAGE This EXY 260-520 Prime Mover is one of the smaller trucks in the heavyweight category but it doesn’t act like it. This beast of a truck carries tonnes of dangerous goods every day of every week. With that kind of power mixed with the reliability of the Isuzu brand, Daniel Johnson is one proud owner of his Isuzu Giga. FEBRUARY—ALLENS FREIGHT For Victoria-based Allens Freight, there is literally no job too difficult, especially when Isuzu’s heavy-hitting Giga EXY 510 prime mover is on the job. With daily double shifts the norm, the top dog of the Allen’s fleet has clocked-up a staggering 1.2 million kilometres and is still going strong!   MAY—GRAHAME & ROBYN BUTLER The ultimate retirement set up…an NPR 45-155 Tradepack from Isuzu’s Ready-to-Work range carting a tinny and a caravan. Grahame and Robyn say it has the, “reliability and power to take us anywhere”. It’s safe, dependable, full of features and of course the necessary space required for their on-road adventures. The truck does all the hard work, so they can do all the easy work: relaxing. JUNE—COACHBIZ Coachbiz teaches heavy vehicle driver training and what better way to learn than behind the wheel of one of Isuzu’s best kept secrets—the FXZ. Students of Coachbiz love the FXZ 240-350, and so does owner Paul. “It ticks all the boxes. Great visibility in the cab and all the instruments are at your fingertips. It’s quiet, comfortable, has plenty of power and the brakes are fantastic.” JULY—EXTRACT OR BLAST The team from Extract or Blast have a blast in their NPR 75-190, which carries a state-of-the-art, high-pressure hot water cleaning unit, with a water tank and a waste tank for extractions. Joseph Miller is so proud of his truck with its bright blue livery that he never lets it stay dirty for long, which is highly impressive for a truck involved in such messy work. You can tell they’re proud of their truck—“We always have and always will be Isuzu supporters.” SEPTEMBER—AJ HOPE & SONS Brian Hope of AJ Hope & Sons could not cope without this Isuzu FYJ 300-350 to help him. For the cropping business, the FYJ is an integral part of their equipment. And with the truck’s comfort, it makes travelling between properties a pleasure—and that’s not to mention its tight turning circle and the lower weight compared with many competitors, giving higher payload and ability to travel comfortably across fields. NOVEMBER—BODY SHOP PAINT SUPPLIES For all your spray painting, panel beating and body shop needs, Body Shop Paint Supplies is your one-stop shop to turn your truck into something as beautiful as this glossy, black NQR 87-190 with automated manual transmission. Hearty congratulations again to all of 2019’s winners!