THE OUTLOOK FOR 2003

Isuzu Carrier 250T

AFTER THE CHANGES brought about by the return to source engine power the truck market has settled down with manufacturers having identified most of their opportunities and specific niches in the market. Most segments of the truck market are now fully evolved and serviced by local suppliers with product that now has a far more international specification, albeit specifically tailored to South African needs and conditions.

Isuzu Truck had a product realignment and minor specification upgrade in the latter part of 2001 and that this realigned range and specification stays in place for the 2003 model year. In terms of commercial vehicle model lives, the comprehensive Isuzu range of medium and heavy vehicles is relatively young and enjoys a high level of market acceptance.

Following the recent product realignment Isuzu is in a position of being able to address a wide range of market requirements across the medium and heavy commercial vehicle ranges. In many instances with dedicated specification vehicles such as the FTR 800 Tipper with a PTO, dump controls, heavy duty chassis, and limited slip differential fitted as standard equipment.

Similarly the Isuzu FTM1200 Turbo 6X2 is a dedicated Freight Carrier aimed at a specific sector of the market. A front axle capacity of 5400 kg and a GVM of 22500 kg allow a body and payload capacity in the region of 16780 kg.

The range of dedicated type vehicles extends to Truck Tractors where the Isuzu GVR 2300 Turbo comes fitted standard with a fifth wheel, catwalk, and air brake connectors. This 4X2 truck tractor has a GCM of 32000 kg and a wheelbase of 3400mm, 3640mm or 4100mm depending on the customers needs.

These are but three examples from the range of 11 vehicles in the Isuzu 'F' Series range of versatile heavy trucks. Specialist requirements are catered for as well with the Isuzu FSS 550 and FTS 750 4X4 vehicles. With GVMs of 10000 kg and 13000 kg respectively these two models are ideally suited for off-road and rough terrain work. Typical examples are forestry, fire fighting and logistical vehicles for pylon erection or other cross country applications.

Isuzu FTS 33H 4x4

All Isuzu F-Series trucks are fitted with electronic air cleaner restriction indicators on the dash of the cab. These assist in ensuring proper maintenance in this critical area and ongoing efficient operation of the vehicles. The FV range also comes fitted with auto slack adjusters as standard making brake maintenance easier with long life.

Isuzu also offers a range of buses in South Africa based on commercial vehicle chassis with 35 seat and 60 seat options available in various specification levels. The market for buses, especially in the 35 seat configuration is a growth area that Isuzu intends to expand into. Customers benefit from full dealer backup and an Isuzu 2 years unlimited mileage warranty on these buses.

In the medium commercial vehicle market Isuzu will continue to offer a range of 5 vehicles from its 'N' Series model range. These vehicles are the Carrier250 Turbo, NPR 300, NPR 400 S, NPR 400 and the NQR 500 Turbo. Reliable and economical these medium commercials serve a multitude of applications across the 5200 kg to 8500 kg GVM mass range.

During 2002 medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales have proved to be better than originally forecast. For the coming year, 2003, the market is expected to level off and produce year end totals of 5300 medium vehicles and 7300 heavy trucks for a total of 12600 units for the year.

At Isuzu we continually strive to maximise brand quality and image to the benefit of the customer. Operating costs of vehicles across the range are continually examined with a view to reducing the C/km wherever possible. This allows us to maximise the application value of our product for our customers. The process of evolution is continual as we plan products to address specific market sector and customer needs for optimised transport efficiencies.

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