HEAD OF ISUZU MOTORS JAPAN OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW IAL HQ

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) was thrilled to be visited by Isuzu Motors (Japan) President and Representative Director, Mr Masanori Katayama when he flew out to Australia to officially open the new IAL headquarters in Truganina, Melbourne’s transport growth corridor, on 30 May.

Joining Mr Katayama were several political dignitaries, including Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Victoria, Mr David Hodgett MP, State Member for Tarneit, Mr Telmo Languiller, Consul-General of Japan, Mr Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, and Deputy Mayor for Wyndham City, Mr Walter Villagonzalo. Also addressing the gathering of 200 was IAL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Hiroko Yaguchi, and IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor. From the podium Mr Katayama noted that Isuzu Motors is represented in no less than 30 countries outside of Japan, singling out for praise the high performing Australian organisation. “Isuzu Australia Limited has an outstanding reputation around the Isuzu world for its commitment to constant improvement and innovative transport solutions. “In fact, the research and product development work conducted here in Australia is often implemented on a global scale,” Mr Katayama said. “We view Isuzu Australia as a model truck distributor and a great ‘test bed’ for Isuzu product.” Indeed, with IAL recently introducing an Electric Vehicle test program and an expanded Ready to Work range, its product offering sits at the leading edge of the Australian market. With IAL looking to achieve 30 consecutive years as Australia’s top-selling truck brand, 2018 is shaping up as a significant year for IAL. Ms Yaguchi echoed Mr Katayama’s sentiments regarding IAL. With significant experience working at several Isuzu operations, from Central America to Europe in her 30-year Isuzu career, Ms Yaguchi noted the unique challenges of the Australian landscape and the significance of the new facility in continuing to deliver smart, application-based solutions. “We are aiming for 30 years market leadership in 2018 and I believe the completion of this facility with help achieve that unprecedented milestone. “It provides a launch-pad for local product innovation, better transport solutions and more advanced aftersales offerings,” Ms Yaguchi said. Speaking about the strategic importance of the new facility, Mr Taylor said the decision to bring all of Isuzu’s operations under the one roof and streamlining its operations was made 18 months ago. “This building now houses our Administration, Sales, Engineering, Service, Parts and aftersales operations. “For the first time in the history of this subsidiary in Australia, these pillars of our business model have been brought together as a cohesive unit,” Mr Taylor said. “It provides an environment for enhanced and more immediate collaboration and communication between the various operations of IAL.” After speeches were concluded, Mr Katayama toured the new 21,000 m² purpose-built truck distribution facility. The whistle-stop tour included a 1,700 square metre training centre with a ten-bay workshop, a truck-specific showroom to house all sorts of events and future product reveals, an integrated Parts warehouse, the Product Development Centre, and Isuzu’s Engines department, concluding with a plaque unveiling ceremony.