Isuzu tackles SA fire threat

According to South Australia's Country Fire Services (CFS), Isuzu's 4x4 trucks play a key role in facing the state's various fire threats.

CFS Vehicle and Equipment Manager, Sandy Paterson, oversees a 900-strong fleet of vehicles and says each and every one of them has to perform when the organisation's services are called upon. Isuzu trucks account for around half of the fleet.

"If our equipment fails in a fire emergency, it can place our volunteers at significant risk," he said.

"Our volunteers need to be able to take refuge inside the truck as it is considered a refuge of last resort. There is always the potential for an unexpected wind change, which can create havoc for our volunteers."

The SA CFS uses a range of Isuzu 4x4 models, including light tankers (1500 litres), medium tankers (2000 litres) and heavy tankers (3000 to 4000 litres). While obviously equipped to handle the extreme rigours of life on the front line, Mr Paterson says they're also comfortable – a factor the importance of which shouldn't be overlooked.

"There are 'home comforts' in the Isuzu which, perhaps surprisingly, are really significant," he says.

"Our crews sometimes travel long distances to help out other brigades. If they’re comfortable on the trip, the volunteers arrive in better physical condition and are able to better serve the communities."

Mr Paterson says Isuzu has only once missed out on the body's annual upgrade tender since 2000.

"I'll make it clear that Isuzu earns its right to win a tender; we don't just give them away," he says.

"One thing we like with Isuzu is the ongoing service and level of after-sales care. We've noticed, too, in recent years, that Isuzu Australia is really paying attention when we talk, rather than just paying lip service."

Mr Paterson also said Isuzu's recently released telematics system could also play a role in the organisation's future.

"It's exciting technology for us and one which could help us improve," he said.

"It’s not so much the fuel usage and driver monitoring, but the vehicle-location capability is certainly something we’re looking at."