Isuzu - a leading truck brand locally & world wide

Isuzu consolidates its modern technology truck model line-up

As from 1 January 2010, only trucks equipped with Euro 2 engine emission technology can be produced in South Africa. The entire South African Isuzu range, medium N-Series, heavy F-Series and extra-heavy Gigamax, include turbo-intercooled, electronically- anaged engines for 2010 to match Euro 2 requirements. Fuel economy is a hallmark of these new technology engines.

Isuzu’s complete new truck range for 2010 in South Africa will be equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) – except the NPS 300 4 x 4 – EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation better known as acceleration skid control) for enhanced safety. ABS also has the added benefit of steer-ability under emergency braking reducing the skill required of drivers in potential accident situations. All Isuzu trucks are also equipped with an engine exhaust brake for extra retardation without using a footbrake that preserves brake linings and keeps the brakes fade-free for any emergency application.

A first for South African trucking in 2010 will be Isuzu crewcabs in both medium and heavy trucks. Isuzu N-Series medium trucks provide for two crew cab models – the NMR 250 and NPR 400. The new Isuzu F-Series range includes one crew cab model – the Isuzu FSR 750 is a 13500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) truck that offers fully-homologated seating for a driver and 6 passengers. This matches requirements of National Road Traffic Act, Regulation 247 for goods and passengers to be carried separately.

Isuzu is the only medium (3500-8500kg GVM) truck manufacturer to offer AMT technology – Automated Manual Transmissions. Fleet operators are discovering the benefits of AMT in reduced driver skills and minimised clutch replacements that result in lower operating cost and reduced downtime. Two ISUZU N-Series models the NPR 400 ‘Smoother’ and NQR 500 ‘Smoother’ include AMT as standard equipment.

Unitised construction for cab parts is another technology first that covers both Isuzu’s N and F-Series in 2010. Isuzu’s medium and heavy truck models are equipped with common cab parts – doors for example. This simplifies parts inventories for large fleets.

Isuzu presents a GVM for every task in 2010

Gross vehicle mass is the basis for appropriate vehicle selection and capital investment for a transport task.

Isuzu’s successful new N-Series range launched in 2008 expanded the range from 6 to 12 models in the 3500-8500kg GVM class.

And the new F-Series launched in 2010 will include a 13-model line-up compared to the previous 9-model range. The all new Isuzu F-Series range now offers GVM’s stepped from 10000kg to 11000kg, 13000kg, 13500kg, 15000kg, 16000kg, 22500kg, 24000kg and 26000kg. It is the most formidable freight carrier line-up available to South African operators. Specialist F-Series 6 X 2, 6 X 4 refuse compactor and truck tractors are included in the range.

The F-Series has a top gross combination mass (GCM) of 32000kg in the model FVR 900. Isuzu Gigamax tops the GCM chart – 70t GCM with 460hp.

Service & Warranty

There are currently 37 Isuzu Truck dealers in Southern Africa. Isuzu Trucks over 3,5 ton GVM are assembled from SKD (semiknocked- down) packs in Port Elizabeth and from 1 January 2007 have been distributed in Africa through Isuzu Truck South Africa (Pty) Ltd. GM South Africa continues to build Isuzu Trucks, that are supplied to the Joint Venture company for distribution.

Isuzu Trucks have a class-leading warranty – 2 years with an unlimited distance or 2-year warranty for all Isuzu Trucks from 3,5 ton GVM and above. A 3-year anti-corrosion warranty for the entire Isuzu truck range completes the warranty package.