FEATURE
The first Isuzu Giga CYJ530 models have recently arrived in New Zealand.
Isuzu’s tech drive
TD32786
By Colin Smith
TIPPED FROM THE TOP OF THE KIWI TRUCK MARKET SALES leader board in 2021 following a late surge from FUSO, the Isuzu marque has spent early 2022 strengthening not only its model range but also warranty offerings and the dealer network. Last year was the first time in 21 years that Isuzu wasn’t New Zealand’s number one truck brand. The response says Dave Ballantyne, General Manager of Isuzu Trucks New Zealand, has been to bring new models and safety technology to the market. “We have been in catch-up mode a little bit in bringing these features to the market,” he says. “We know that because we haven’t had the safety features, we have missed out on some business. Demand for those safety features has been increasing, so now we have the horsepower, so to speak, to win back some of that business.” Isuzu’s model range in New Zealand has grown to 119 models with an almost equal three-way split. It has 40 N Series variants competing in the light duty segments along with 38 mediumduty F Series models and 41 variants across the Heavy F Series and just refreshed Giga C and E ranges. Isuzu’s roll-out new safety features began in late-2021 with upgrades across most N Series models followed by F Series enhancements. Ballantyne says the F Series continues to perform strongly
– Isuzu is a clear leader in the 7.5-15t market segment with a 35% share YTD – particularly around traffic management, utility services and elevated platform roles. “We’ve got really good penetration in those markets,” Ballantyne says. The full scope of Isuzu’s new technology is deployed on the Model Year 2022 Giga which has just arrived in New Zealand. It builds on the Dual Optical camera safety system launched in the N Series by adding radar support as part of an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) suite that also includes an Electronic Brake System with Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist (on AMT models only), AEB Braking and Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Driving Beam headlights, Forward Collision Warning and Traffic Movement Warning functions. All models have dual airbags and seat belt pretensioners. Adaptive Cruise Control is fitted to the models equipped with the 16-spped automated manual transmission. The Eaton RTLO18918 is now standard across all manual transmission models and a clutch brake replaces the counter shaft brake for these transmissions. Previously there had been 20 models in the Giga range and the choice is now boosted to 29 variants. Part of the increased choice is due to a Super High Roof design available on CYJ530 (8x4) and EXY530 (6x4) models. Truck & Driver | 77
