Isuzu: still on top

Isuzu Australia Limited sold over 7000 new trucks in 2014, sealing its 26th consecutive year of Aussie truck market domination

Last year saw Isuzu Australia Limited continue with its 26-year streak of market domination, the Japanese brand selling a total of 7150 new trucks (Truck Industry Council T-Mark data). That figure put IAL over 3000 units clear of its nearest rival, Hino, giving it a leading outright market share of 23.3 per cent.

IAL's Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor, says the company works very hard to give customers what they want.

"We're always looking for improved ways to deliver top-quality products that are reliable, affordable and right for the job," he says.

"We are of course delighted to be in a strong position again at the start of 2015, and we thank our customers for their continued support."

According to IAL data the brand has sold over 145,000 trucks in Australia over the past 26 years.

IAL increased its overall sales in 2014 by 4.9 per cent over the previous year, making gains across all three truck segments.

Last year saw Isuzu lead both the medium-duty and light-duty segments, where the brand enjoys market shares of 41.7 and 37.5 per cent respectively.

It also slots into third position in the heavy-duty segment, with its 1116 sales in 2014 giving it a share of 10.4 per cent. That puts it behind Kenworth and Volvo, but ahead of brands such as Mack, Scania, Iveco, Freightliner and Western Star, among others.

Mr Taylor says Isuzu's recently introduced FY Series 8x4 has given the brand a significant push in the heavy-duty market.

"We continue to be pleased with the performance of our FY range in the heavy market," he says.

"The market acceptance that this product has, and in a relatively brief timeframe, is proof positive of the product and engineering strategy employed at Isuzu.

"These same qualities are evident throughout our truck range, from the NLR 200 all the way through to our heavy models.

"And whilst the Australian truck market is a particularly competitive one, we will never stop adapting to change and striving to provide the most comprehensive product range and support services to the Australian road transport industry."

Mr Taylor said Isuzu expects the Australian truck market to hold steady this year.

"The mining sector is in steady decline right now and the whole industry has taken a hit across the board," he says.

"But with some fresh infrastructure projects on the cards in States and Territories across the country, we could hopefully see some growth in the construction sector mitigating that decline.

"And, as always, we won't rest on our laurels. Through innovative new products, like Isuzu's telematics packages, we're working to further develop our after-sales offerings.

Isuzu: still on top

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