Isuzu's new approach to manufacturing

During a recent trip to Japan, Australian transport journalists had the opportunity to check out Isuzu’s new Modular Architecture and Component Standard, otherwise known as I-MACS, in the flesh during a rare, behind the scenes tour and product presentation.

Developed by Isuzu in Japan, I-MACS is a revolutionary approach that allows the combination of various components, parts, and devices to be applied in anticipation of future advancement in technologies and the expansion of vehicle types into the future.

Head of Product at IAL, Matt Sakhaie, delved deeper into the process, which is poised to form a key part of Isuzu’s future product development methodology, both globally and here in Australia.

“Isuzu Australia has a strong reputation for reliability and dependability, which is what I-MACS will continue to deliver for our customers so that they are well-supported as they tackle these challenges," Mr Sakhaie said.

“In the simplest terms, the I-MACS approach is a balance between what customers have been asking for up until now and what will be demanded in the new era of transport,” he said.

By better understanding the link between vehicle components and the notion of interchanging or relocating them, I-MACS makes it possible to adapt to the future while remaining compatible with legacy models.

I-MACS breaks with the convention of developing model-specific parts, which can lead to huge variations in component development as vehicle models evolve.

By standardising and reducing the number of model-specific parts and components, I-MACS presents the ability to interchange key componentry such as engines and transmissions, fuel-cell stacks, Batteries and charging euqipment, fuel tanks, ax;es anmd safety equipment.

As Mr Sakhaie explained, an additional benefit of the approach is how it is helping to create efficiencies across Isuzu’s global operations; namely, on its vast production lines.

“Instead of setting up new main production lines for the new-generation models, Isuzu has re-structured the same main assembly lines for both new and prior generations.

“Backed by I-MACS, the aim is to reduce man-hours and further capital investment,” he said.

As I-MACS vehicles expand overseas and into developed and emerging countries, Isuzu’s expects to see more data-driven results.

“We are at the starting point of a longer journey. Backed by the capabilities of I-MACS, we believe we’re extremely well positioned to respond to whatever conditions the future may hold and support our customers with ongoing reliability and the quality they’ve come to know and trust,” Mr Sakhaie concluded.