Isuzu’s tech drive

The first Isuzu Giga CYJ530 models have recently arrived in New Zealand.

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.

All-new cabin layout and instruments, Adaptive LED headlights and ISRI air suspension driver’s seat are among the 2022 upgrades for the Isuzu Giga CYJ 530.

Aimed at line-haul operators, the Super High Roof enhances all-round functionality with the introduction of a number of roof mounted storage spaces. The first units were scheduled to arrive late-August.

“In terms of configuration the actual dimensions of the truck haven’t changed. But we’re adding the high roof models and a couple of models with the AMT transmission that we didn’t have before,” Ballantyne says.

The AMT models now comprise about half of Giga sales. Interestingly, South Island customers are more likely to stick with a manual truck.

Ballantyne says the safety package and improved driver comfort are the main benefits for drivers of the new Giga.

“And the AMT has improved gearshift performance and there’s the warranty package. That’s been well received by customers who have already ordered.”

Giga models now feature a new additional warranty cover, taking the total warranty period to five-years/ 500,000km coverage. It’s an extension of the standard threeyears/250,000km warranty and requires the truck to be serviced at an Isuzu dealership throughout the five-year term.

Further benefits include a modernised interior layout with new instrumentation, including a more pronounced wraparound design and multi-information display.

“The previous model had the woodgrains and we’ve gone away from that for a more modern look and feel,” Ballantyne says.

An all-new ISRI driver’s seat (on CYJ AMT models) provides enhanced comfort and adjustability along with the comfort of heating and ventilation functions.

The upgraded Isuzu Giga continues with the 15.6-litre 6WJ1 sixcylinder engine in Euro V specification using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

There’s a 20hp increase in power at the entry level to deliver 420hp.

“The guys who have 6x4 tippers will benefit from a bit more horsepower to tow trailers,” Ballantyne says.

The 460hp and 530hp engine choices are carried over.

The flagship 530 models are identified with a chrome appearance treatment and new look lights package, consisting of front LED with auto headlights and LED rear lamps (not available on EXY model).

Ballantyne has high expectations for the new Giga

“We haven’t been doing as well in the heavy-duty sector as we have done previously. The previous model range was coming to the end of its life. It’s been overdue for a refresh,” he says.

Alongside the product enhancements there has been an expansion of the Isuzu dealer network in recent months.

“The dealer network has been very stable with a core of 11 main sales dealers, but we have taken on two new ASCs (Authorised Service Centres), one in Hawera and one in Cromwell,” says Ballantyne.

Isuzu New Zealand general manager Dave Ballantyne says new safety features will boost the sales of the Isuzu truck line-up.

The 8x4 CYJ 530 (pictured) and its EXY 530 6x4 stablemate are the flagship versions in the new Isuzu Giga line-up.

“The Cromwell and Central Otago area is a key area for us, and an opportunity came up there.

“From a dealer perspective we have a network that is stable and has good coverage.”

Electric and alternative fuel trucks is something the Isuzu NZ management team is hoping to learn about during a visit to Japan in late-August.

“We are talking to Isuzu about EVs and low emission vehicles but there is nothing to reveal today,” says Ballantyne.

“We know they are doing development work on alternative fuel vehicles. We are going to Japan next week for the first time since 2019, and that’s one of the areas we’ll be discussing with them.” T&D