Isuzu Freightpack for fresh fruit and veg

When Lan and Duc Tinh Nguyen returned to selling fresh fruit and vegetables at Perth's Malaga Market, they put their trust in a new Isuzu FVL 240-300 Freightpack – and they haven't looked back since.

After fleeing Vietnam for the safety of Hong Kong several decades back, the couple moved to Australia in 1994, going on to work on fruit and veg farms for five years before establishing their own fresh produce business: Hong Kong Fruit & Veg.

The pair grew the business into a thriving enterprise, but after selling up and shutting shop in 2016, they later returned to Malaga Markets on the back of strong customer demand for their high-quality goods.

Today their stall takes up 200 square metres, and offers just about any fresh produce you care to mention, if it's in season.

Integral to the pair's success is a reliable truck, on which Duc relies to cart the fruit and veg from Canning Vale Markets early every Thursday and Friday morning.

However, returning the business wasn't all smooth sailing. The couple had used an Isuzu previously in the business's early days buy when they returned, they tried a number of rental trucks – which proved costly – before purchasing a second-hand truck from another brand.

"It was no good," said Lan.

"The truck broke down all the time. Once in the middle of the road!

"We spent at least $15,000 in repairs until I finally said 'enough'. It was time to invest in a better truck."

Enter the new Isuzu FVL 240-300 Freightpack, which has been instrumental in the business's success ever since.

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The truck arrived in July 2020 – just as Western Australia was emerging from the worst of its COVID-19 closures and social restrictions.

"We had almost no business in April and May 2020 but by July we were back to trading as usual… and more than ready for that new truck.

"My husband and I have always liked Isuzu trucks; we know it's a good brand and that the trucks are very reliable on the road."

The deal was done with Frank Johnston from Major Motors Isuzu (Malaga), and the pair have powered ahead ever since.

Powered by a six-cylinder turbo-diesel producing up to 221kW at 2400rpm and 981Nm at 1450rpm, the truck has a 24-tonne GVM which more than covers the Nguyen's needs.

Duc loves the ease of the Allison six-speed automatic transmission and features like the LED lighting in the body interior, which make for stress-free early-morning loading, along with the reversing camera, which operates effectively in low light conditions.

"My husband says the truck is smooth to drive and easy to operate," said Lan.

"He finds the easy glide curtains with quick-release latches very useful.

"And since he travels at least 45 minutes each way to the market, the auto transmission and cab comfort has made his driving sessions much more enjoyable.

"In fact, we are so happy with our Isuzu that we tell all our friends and other market operators about Frank at Major Motors."

Lan said Frank made purchasing the new truck so easy – he also sold the couple's old second-hand truck too.

"Now Duc is very happy driving his new truck and I am much happier in the office, as I don't constantly worry about him driving an old truck that may break down at any time," said Lan, laughing.

"I can replace an old truck, but I can't replace my husband!"