“The release of the all-new, next-generation Isuzu truck range is set to propel our market success for years to come.” These are the words of Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) CEO, Andrew Harbison. He made this statement to Australasian Transportation News as the company prepares to bring next-generation trucks to the land Down Under.
Vehicle manufacturers around the globe are working fast to ensure electric vehicles (EVs) are being produced to lessen their company’s carbon footprint on the world’s roads. Manufacturers are looking to operate sustainably, and besides this, the electric option will see trucking customers spend less on fuel.
Series of new Isuzu models
In 2024, IAL will begin with a new brand model line-up. The first of these new models is the four-cylinder F-series. “From there, we’ll see the arrival of our ever-popular light-duty N-Series and the workhorse six-cylinder F Series, followed by heavy-duty FX Series model releases, and concluding with the FY twin-steer range,” says Harbison.
The N-series light truck range is set to give customers loads of choice when it comes to their vehicle requirements. “Using the new N-Series EV and ICE product as an example, the commonality of these platforms, which offers a vast number of possible configurations and variations to meet all manner of market and customer needs, is quite remarkable,” he says.
Then the N-Series EV will make its debut in Australia. This is in line with the company’s efforts to target last-mile, local council, and government applications.
Removal company goes electrical
Australia seems to be racing ahead with its EV initiatives, with one of the country’s largest furniture removal companies going the electric truck route. Grace Removals welcomed the country’s first fully electric removal truck recently.
Further afield in Germany, MAN Trucks and Bus announced earlier this year that it would roll out its electric truck in 2024. The company takes it one step further though, producing the EV’s battery pack in-house at its site in Nuremberg.
Electric truck industry in Australia
According to Mordor Intelligence reports the electric truck market is forecast to experience huge growth from 2023 to 2028. “Over the medium term, increased demand for fuel-efficient, high-performance, and low-emission vehicles, increasingly strict laws and regulations on vehicle emissions, declining battery costs, etc., are expected to act as primary factors driving the market growth.”
The report adds that Australian regulations to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles and government expenditures to improve public EV charging infrastructure are likely to contribute to market development. “Further, increasing investments and product launches by major OEMs in the country and their focus on localizing supply chain facilities create a positive outlook in the market.”
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
