ISUZU AUSTRALIA LIMITED ANNOUNCES NEXT GENERATION PRODUCT PATH

Following the announcement that four-cylinder F Series Isuzu truck models will be launched locally in the second-half of 2024, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has laid out the product pathway for the release of its all-new truck range. 

“The release of the all-new, next generation Isuzu truck range is set to propel our market success for years to come,” commented IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison. 

“Isuzu Trucks has been fortunate as the preferred partner for Australian road transport equipment owners and operators for over three decades—and we are number one because of our customers.  

“We provide the key capital equipment that they rely on for the success of their businesses. Ensuring that our product is fit-for-purpose, performs efficiently, and most critically, is comprehensively backed both by us as the OEM and Australia’s most professional dealer network is critical,” he continued. 

“The release of the previous all-new Isuzu truck range was in 2008, and those models with their various upgrades and improvements over the period has sustained and even allowed us to build our market share in the 15 years since then. 

“In 2024, we will set off into the future with a brand-new model line-up, the first of which will be the four-cylinder F Series as already announced.  

“From there, we’ll see the arrival of our ever-popular light-duty N Series and the workhorse six-cylinder F Series, followed by heavy-duty FX Series model releases and concluding with the FY twin-steer range,” Mr Harbison said. 

Isuzu Australia Limited Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PEDIGREE

Across the development of the next-generation Isuzu truck range, key drivers include carbon neutrality, driver comfort, safety, and connectivity. The design approach is described with the acronym ‘I-MACS’ or Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component Standard.

This encapsulates the idea of combining various components, parts, and devices on an as-needs basis, thereby catering to the diverse requirements of Isuzu Trucks customers in today’s market and into the future.

“Isuzu is well into the launch program for these new models, and we’re anticipating excellent performance in local operating conditions,” said IAL Head of Product, Matt Sakhaie.

“The execution of the design concepts and principles into the product is impressive.

“Using the new N Series EV and ICE product as an example—the commonality of these platforms which offers a vast number of possible configurations and variations to meet all manner of market and customer needs is quite remarkable,” he said.

“It’s this agile approach and broad thinking that is encouraging to us at IAL, as we know we’ll have an even better product to offer our local customers.”

A first look at the Japanese-spec N Series EV

LIGHT-DUTY DOMINATOR

The new N Series light truck range is set to build on its enduring market success with a host of new features and an expanded line-up.

“The new N Series is a winner in so many ways, from the new cab to more car driver’s licence and tipper models, increased GVM ratings, best-in-class safety and ADR80/04 emissions compliance... it all stacks up,” said IAL Light-Duty Product Manager, Jeff Gibson.

“We also have some neat new model options including the tight-access master, the new NKR 6.5-tonne GVM narrow cab models, and a new high-power 4J engine variant in the 4JZ1 with both 150 and 175 horsepower ratings.

“The all-new cab is comfortable, spacious and very efficiently appointed, while our new nine-speed Isuzu dual-clutch transmission will provide seamless shifts for a super-smooth driving experience,” he continued.

Upgraded safety is another highlight with additional features including intersection autonomous emergency braking (IEB) and traffic sign recognition (TCR) for all models, and full-speed adaptive cruise control (FACC) for all two-pedal models.

“With pilot models due to arrive shortly for validation trials, we’re keen to get out on the road and put these new models through their final paces,” Mr Gibson said.

Up close with the Japanese-spec N Series EV

AUSTRALIAN N SERIES EV TRIALS

The rollout of the all-new Isuzu truck range includes the signature N Series EV, which will see Australian customer trials scheduled for 2024. 

“We also have several Japanese-spec N Series battery electric models due to arrive shortly in Australia,” said Mr Gibson. 

“In-line with our strategy of targeting last mile and local council and government applications, the trucks will be car and light rigid licence models, rated at a 4.5-and 7.5-tonne GVM. 

“The eNLR at 4.5-tonne GVM will feature a three-battery configuration with 60kWh capacity, while the eNPR is rated at 7.5-tonne GVM in a five-battery configuration with 100kWh capacity. 

“Having battery electric trucks on the ground and in trial is a major stage in this new model release program... it’s a remarkable experience to take part in,” Mr Gibson commented. 

The Japanese-spec medium-duty F Series that has undergone a design refresh

MEDIUM AND HEAVY-DUTY POWERHOUSES

Another major part of the launch will be six-cylinder F Series models, with a 6.7-litre DB6A Euro-VI engine in FSR/D, FV and FTS models. 

These models will all feature fully automatic Allison transmissions. 

“Our six-cylinder F Series model range with new engine is a first-class product and an outcome of the alliance with Cummins, representing one of the first major product initiatives from Isuzu Motors’ strategic partnerships,” said IAL Medium and Heavy-Duty Product Manager and Chief Engineer, Simon Humphries. 

“The medium-duty truck range has long benefitted from Isuzu’s expertise in incorporating industry benchmark components.  

“We have also upped the spec on heavy-duty FV models, with higher capacity steer axles, Meritor full-air disc brakes and an all-new chassis frame. 

“In our heavy-duty FX and FY model ranges, we’ll see the introduction of our Euro-VI (Step C) 6UZ1 Isuzu engine and once again, a shift to auto only with Allison HD4430 across all models,” he continued. 

“The trucks will also receive higher capacity Meritor steer axles and Meritor full-air disc brakes on all axles, plus a comprehensive ADAS suite. 

“Our entire new release builds on our story of application engineered trucks that deliver on the promise of reliability. 

“Starting with the all-new four-cylinder F Series models, continuing to the N Series and all the way through to our FX and FY models, we’re confident that the next-generation Isuzu truck range will meet and exceed the expectations of our customers for years to come,” he concluded. 

Images are Japanese domestic specification