ISUZU TRUCKS FOR THE LONG HAUL
Isuzu Trucks has built a solid reputation over the years for consistency and reliability, which kept it in the top five position for over a decade. This earned the company five finalist nominations at the Focus on Excellence Awards sponsored by Wesbank.
Growing market share
With medium, heavy and extra-heavy derivatives in its stable, Isuzu caters for the entire spectrum. This has helped Isuzu to grow its market share considerably since the release of the N-Series in 2008. Behind the steady rise of Isuzu Trucks is its philosophy of SEE – Safety, Economy and Enviroment – which manifests itself in each truck, from the light/medium weight N-Series through to the heavyweight F-Series. All Isuzu trucks are Euro 2 and Euro 3 compliant (with exhaust gas re-circulation on Euro 3 models), which allows them entry into corporate and multinational fleets which are strictly governed by environmental codes. New models feature sophisticated safety technologies such as ABS/ASR, Voith retarders, panoramic windscreens, safety belts and door beams.
Delivering profit
The deal clincher in commercial trucking is the truck’s ability to boost bottom line performance. It is Isuzu’s mission to enable lowest cost-of operation for their customers. They achieve this via a number of avenues involving technology, appropriate vehicle specification and after sales service. Isuzu explains: ‘The introduction of Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is a classleading development in technology for medium trucks and is providing a real cost saver for the customers.
‘Conservative value estimates presently show a cost saving of more than R40 000 in parts and labour for lifetime clutch replacements over 500 000km. ‘This figure does not include lost opportunity costs for vehicle downtime, which are estimated at 10 days over the total distance, or the cost of towing and replacement trucks. This means that AMT potential savings over a four to five year period could easily exceed R60 000. ‘With the AMT doing the ‘thinking’ as far as gear changes are concerned, fuel consumption is improved, driveline wear is reduced and safety is improved because the driver is free to concentrate on the road ahead.
On the road for longer
Ensuring optimum vehicle up-time forms part of the Isuzu Economy Proposition and a healthy 20 000km service interval on selected models is really helping operators keep their units on the road longer.
A huge plus factor is the unlimited mileage warranty on all derivatives. When one consider that a typical line-haul truck can easily notch up 600 000km in a few years, this warranty really acts as a strong market differentiator for Isuzu.
Also, ensuring drivers are comfortable behind the wheel is a top priority for Isuzu and each model comes equipped with air-suspension seats.
Into the future
Isuzu Trucks have the right technology for the next decade and their service support infrastructure is backed by a dealer network with 35 branches offering 24/7 roadside assistance. Locally the N and F series of trucks are sold and serviced by Provincial Motors in Richards Bay, Mtubatuba and Empangeni. They have recently been named as the top truck dealer in their category and strive to meet all their customers’ needs.
SALES TEAM
- Pieter Alberts 082 855 0459
- Peter Gauld 083 792 3679
- Jan Botha 079 574 0247
