Isuzu's new Innovation approach

Isuzu Australia has announced the creation of a new Innovation business unit to deal with the rate of technological change in the global and domestic transport markets.

Isuzu says the new business unit will be responsible for IAL’s transformation in the face of what the company calls the four fundamental shifts in the transport sector; Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric trucks — referred to as ‘CASE’ .

Isuzu says the move accelerates the Australian subsidiary’s history of taking existing offerings and evolving them to the benefit of local customers — a key factor in its reign at the top of the Australian truck market for the past 31 consecutive years.

Related reading:
Isuzu's future on show in Tokyo
Isuzu backs World Solar Challenge team

The announcement comes as Isuzu Motors Limited (IML Japan) recently revealed new global initiatives with the establishment of a strategic alliance with Volvo Group and a technology sharing arrangement with Honda R&D to jointly undertake research on heavy trucks using FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) technology.

IAL’s Australian Innovation business unit will be led by Grant Cooper, who was recently appointed to the position of Head of Innovation.

Mr Cooper has been with Isuzu for the past three years and has a background in strategy consulting working with a range of organisations to solve complex problems and deliver growth through customer-led innovation.

In making the announcement, IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison, described it as the progression of an approach Isuzu already takes towards product research and development.

“Innovation is at the core of what we do at IAL, and for many years now we’ve demonstrated a constant hunger to evolve and push the boundaries with our offering,” he said.

“In the face of the industry’s CASE shift, it’s essential that we’re addressing customers’ real needs and satisfying those needs with products and services that are ‘fit for purpose’.

“We don’t see merit in hastily introducing technologies that confuse or hinder a customer’s ability to get the job done — a pattern we’re seeing increasingly in the marketplace.”

The new business unit will look at all elements of the impact of CASE across IAL from core products through to aftersales opportunities and services.

Mr Cooper offered some insight into ongoing innovation programs based on data-led business efficiency and alternate powertrains.

“Work continues apace with alternate powertrain technologies and, as we see it, all developments across product segments and customer applications share a common aim.

“It’s about ensuring that we have the right product/application fit and that it makes economic sense for our customers; the recent technology partnership announcements along with existing initiatives within our global network gives us strong arsenal to achieve this,” Cooper said.