Isuzu’s Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor. is drawing the industry’s attention to the yawning gap between the public perception of trucks on the road and the actual facts as they stand today. On reading the report from a recent survey into the public attitude towards the transport industry there is a very obvious lack of understanding in the public at large.

When presented with a list of all the latest safety features available as standard or as an option on a modern truck, many respondents to the survey thought the list was a wish list of desirable systems and thought they should be fitted if they had been invented.

This was probably the most surprising finding of the entire survey although much of the other data  collected will provide the truck manufacturers and the transport industry with useful food for thought and leave them better informed about how the general public perceive them and their industry.

Taylor said that the latest range of trucks boasted active and passive safety features comparable to passenger vehicles and were a far cry from the heavy vehicles of only a few short years ago.

“Many of the trucks now available on the market are well equipped with safety devices such as ABS brakes, traction control, hill start aid and SRS airbags, not only does this equipment help protect the driver and cargo, but all road users,” he said.

“Australia further benefits from some of the most professional truck drivers in the world, boasting plenty of experience driving in a wide variety of conditions, while our more novice drivers are subjected to comprehensive licensing regimes prior to being handed the keys.”

Taylor alludes to recent research conducted by Dr Susan Dann on behalf of the Truck Industry Council (TIC), which found that the public perception of trucks was generally negative.

“The respondents mainly focused on the negative aspects of heavy vehicles – noise, environmental concerns and traffic congestion. There is considerable ignorance amongst the wider general public as to the important role trucks play in our society in transporting just about every consumer product imaginable,” Taylor said.

“Many respondents were also oblivious to the safety features and technology of present day trucks.”

Taylor said that despite the advances in heavy vehicle technology leading to safer trucks, it was the responsibility of all road users to take extra care over the Christmas holidays.

“The summer holiday period is traditionally a time when families pack the car and head off to visit family and friends or travel to their favourite holiday destination for a few days’ break,” he said. “Unfortunately it’s also a time that is synonymous with carnage on our roads.

“During busier periods, it’s essential that all road users remain patient and allow extra time to reach their destination.  Drivers of passenger vehicles should also change their driving habits around trucks.

“Trucks require a much greater stopping distance; when cars cut in front of a truck and then swiftly apply the brakes, it can cause considerable problems for the truck driver to stop his larger and heavier vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

“Car drivers should also keep in mind that when travelling behind a large truck their presence may not be noticed by the truck driver as they won’t be able to sight them in the mirrors. A simple rule to remember is that if the driver of a trailing vehicle can’t see the truck’s mirror, the truck driver will not be able to see them.

“Sharing the road with trucks requires commonsense, some additional care and a little courtesy – this will go a long way to ensuring greater safety on our roads in the coming weeks.”

Aimed squarely at business owners who may have outgrown a one tonne utility or van, the release of the entry level ready-to-work Isuzu NLR 200 Traypack, available in both a short and medium wheelbase, has a payload capacity of approximately two tonnes.

The short wheel base model is fitted with a high quality 3630 mm x 1995 mm aluminium tray with one dropside per side, while the medium wheelbase Traypack is approximately 870 mm longer for total dimensions of 4500 mm x 1995 mm and two dropsides per side.

As with Isuzu’s other ready-to-work models, the Traypack is fully equipped and can be virtually driven straight from the dealership to the worksite eliminating lengthy delays at the bodybuilders.

“The Traypack can be driven on a car licence and is available at an extremely competitive price; combine this with a large load space and the ability to be put to work right from the showroom floor, and I think the overall package will certainly appeal to many buyers,” said Jeff Birdseye Isuzu Marketing Manager.

“Of course the Traypack also benefits from the enhanced features of Isuzu’s recently released, all-new 2008 models including ABS brakes, Driver’s airbag, Hill Start Aid (HSA), Anti Skid Regulator (ASR) and a powerful yet fuel efficient engine.”

Powering the Traypack is the 4-cylinder, 3.0 litre, EuroIV-compliant SiTEC Series II 150 engine, producing 110 kW of power and strong torque of 375 Nm, ideal for hauling large loads and towing heavy trailers, particularly when coupled with Isuzu’s 5-speed synchromesh manual transmission.

According to a report by the Kyodo News Agency in Japan, Isuzu is in talks to buy General Motors’ truck manufacturing operation.

GM is struggling as a corporation and is desperate for funds while Isuzu are looking to extend their manufacturing capacity outside of Japan.

GM ended their long-time relationship with Isuzu several years ago, dumping the share it held in the Japanese truck maker. They had maintained some links in the truck tie-up in the US market.

A joint venture between GM and Isuzu makes Dmax engines in a plant in Ohio, supplying the diesel power to the big GM utes. GM build Isuzu trucks in a plant in Michigan.

Isuzu trucks reached the finals in two of six categories at the 19th annual Australian Freight Industry Awards held in Melbourne earlier this month. Hosted by the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), the Australian Freight Industry Awards is one of the most prominent events on the freight and logistics calendar, recognising excellence and achievements within the road freight transport industry.

According to Isuzu Marketing Manager, Jeff Birdseye, being nominated as one of three finalists in both the ‘Innovation / Technology’ and ‘Environmental’ categories was extremely rewarding, as Isuzu was the only truck manufacturer to reach the final for either award.

“Despite not winning an award, Isuzu was honoured to be a finalist in these categories; the nominations were an accolade in themselves, given the strong competition surrounding the awards,” Birdseye said.

“Being the only truck manufacturer or distributor to be nominated for the final in the categories of ‘Innovation / Technology’ and ‘Environment’ is affirmation of the impact the new Isuzu ranges are having on the Australian truck market, particularly in the areas of safety, innovation and environmental performance.

“The launch of Isuzu’s all-new 2008 N, F and FX Series and upgraded Giga range marked the culmination of an extensive period in research, development and planning for the company spanning several years.”

The Federal Government must take a greater leadership position on fuel pricing, reducing emissions and exploring the opportunities of alternative fuels, according to Isuzu Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor. He said rising fuel prices are not only affecting all motorists every time they refill, they are indirectly leading to a hike in the price of consumables, due to more expensive transportation costs.

“Unfortunately there is no magical panacea to address the problem of constantly rising fuel prices,” Taylor said, “however it’s something that Governments should have begun tackling some time ago.

“As a result we now get band-aid remedies from both the Government and Federal Opposition, the idea of cutting fuel excise by five cents a litre or freezing the GST on fuel is about short-term politicking and not a long-term solution. We believe an important consideration is to lessen our dependency on fuels such as petro diesel.”

Taylor said that manufacturers have an expanding role to play in addressing some of these problems, by offering superior products and advanced technology to aid fuel efficiency whilst reducing emissions.

“Truck manufacturers are increasingly showing initiative in research and development to bring new, more environmentally friendly technologies to market, however to expedite this process, Government should offer incentives to manufacturers as they do in other parts of the world,” he said.

“Earlier this year, the Federal and Victorian Governments committed a substantial amount of money to hybrid technology; while there is a niche for hybrids both in the automotive and heavy vehicle industries, it is only one of several potential solutions to reducing fuel costs and minimising emissions, fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offer some viable alternatives,” Taylor said.

According to Isuzu, compared to conventional diesel and diesel-electric hybrid vehicles, the CNG-powered vehicle strongly outperforms the others in the areas of exhaust emissions, noticeably harmful PM (particulate matter) and NOx (combination of Nitrogen Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide). Both CNG and LNG are plentiful in Australia, however they require considerable infrastructure funding.

“There is wide-spread support within the road freight industry for the use of alternative fuels and technologies, but presently the lack of refueling facilities reduces the viability for manufacturers to introduce vehicles that operate using these fuels,” Taylor said.

“There are a number of local governments that have commissioned their own CNG refueling infrastructure at council depots, while a growing number of bus fleets are also turning to CNG, however little interest has been shown at a higher government level to promote and better facilitate the wider adoption of alternative fuels.”

Queensland truck dealership, Brisbane Isuzu, has opened a new facility applying the very latest environmental standards and practices. Officially opened by senior Isuzu Motors, Japan special dignitary, Yoshifumi Komura, the $8 million Burpengary dealership is claimed to be the largest truck centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

The facility provides sales, service and parts for all Isuzu models while offering luxuries to customers such as an entertainment lounge for use during short services, as well as self contained accommodation suitable for use by long haul drivers during major truck servicing.

As well as providing its customers with facilities and a broad range of services, the Burpengary dealership is also at the forefront of environmental practices with numerous water and electricity-saving devices installed.

The site includes a 500,000 litre in-ground storage area where rainwater from roof catchment and storm water is stored for use in cleaning and on green areas.

Other environmental features include an advanced hot water system that recovers heat from the workshop’s air compressor, while electricity and water is also saved in the lounge areas and washroom through sensor activation of the hot water systems.

In addition, sensor activation of all lighting areas provides electricity savings, and the workshop flooring, finished with light-reflective concrete, reduces the need for constant overhead lighting.

In commenting on the new Brisbane Isuzu dealership, Isuzu  Managing Director & CEO, Yuki Murata, said the opening of the new facility was timely given the widespread market acceptance of the new Isuzu truck ranges.

“Queensland has been a top performing state for Isuzu now for several years,”Murata said. “This wonderful new facility will assist in offering our expanding customer base, particularly in the greater Brisbane area, with the best level of service and support available for their Isuzu trucks.

“The new Burpengary dealership compliments Brisbane Isuzu’s other sites and builds on the benchmark standards offered at the landmark Archerfield dealership which opened in 2004.”

Murata said the Burpengary facility was one of the finest of any truck dealerships in the country and one befitting of offering full support services to the recently released Isuzu truck ranges.

“Earlier this year IAL very successfully completed the largest new truck launch in Australian history, introducing over 120 new truck models to Australia across the light, medium and heavy duty markets,” Murata said.

“The new model release has further cemented Isuzu’s position as Australian truck market sales leader with significant increases in both share and volume and a widening of the gap between Isuzu and its closest rival.

“Product aside, another reason for our continued success is the dedication and high work ethic held by our dealer network which is the largest and most professional in the country.

“The huge investment in this site by Brisbane Isuzu is affirmation of their confidence and support of the Isuzu brand and its customers; I would like to congratulate and thank dealer principal Alan Newcombe and his entire team for their efforts in developing such a world-class facility.

“The dealership will assist Isuzu to achieve its 20th consecutive year of Australian truck market sales leadership at year’s end.”

For the new F Series meium duty range, Isuzu have expanded the availability of the brand’s proprietary four-bag air suspension system to five models, the FRD 500, FSD 700, FSD 700-S, FSD 850 and FSD 850-S.

Isuzu’s four-bag air springs are designed to moderate shock and minimise vibration, and work in tandem with the Australian-tuned shock absorbers. Lending support and stability to the suspension system is a V-rod link to provide smooth axle movement, while Isuzu’s ‘Stabilinker’ provides added strength and stability between chassis and axle.

According to IAL Product Planning and Engineering Support Manager, Simon Humphries, Isuzu’s four-bag air suspension provides several benefits for both operators and drivers.

“Isuzu’s air suspension dramatically reduces vibration across the truck body and cabin, which provides a much smoother ride for the load and driver in both laden and unladen conditions,” Humphries said.

“Right and left height sensors also aid performance, reducing the risk of cargo collapse or damage when driving around corners or over uneven road surfaces. The benefits of this feature are compounded in cases where the freight is loaded to one side, a common scenario where multiple drops are involved.”

Isuzu’s F Series airbag models feature a standard electronic in-cab adjustable height control unit with two memory settings for varying dock heights.

Complementing the rear suspension is a single stage alloy steel taper leaf spring pack up front, with double acting hydraulic shock absorbers and stabiliser bar.

Combined with the top-of-the-range ISRI 6860 suspension driver’s seat, Isuzu’s air bag models are said to help minimise driver fatigue and improve comfort leading to occupational health and safety benefits.

“Isuzu estimates that the four-bag air suspension reduces vibration shocks within the vehicle cargo area to as little as one quarter of that experienced within an equivalent steel suspended truck,” Humphries said, “while in the cabin vibration levels are reduced by up to two thirds.”

At the Sydney Truck Show Isuzu launched its Breathe Easy campaign to emphasise the  environmental benefits of the New Generation Isuzu truck range to prospective truck buyers and other road users.

The initiative marks the second phase of Isuzu’s Green Campaign, which to date has promoted the superiority of the New Gen Isuzu range in terms of particulate matter (PM) emission levels versus the competition, through various advertising media.

Isuzu point out they are the only Japanese conventional diesel manufacturer in the light and medium duty truck markets, to meet stringent EuroIV emissions standards, compared to the US EPA04 standards met by others.

While both standards meet ADR80/02 requirements, Isuzu’s EuroIV-rated engines emit as little as one sixth the PM standard met by comparable US EPA04-rated trucks.

In the heavy duty market, Isuzu’s FX and Giga models are rated to even stricter Japan New Long Term 05 (JNLT-05) standards, already eclipsing EuroV levels, allowing them to meet ADR80/03 standards not due for introduction in Australia until 2011.

According to Isuzu Marketing Manager Jeff Birdseye, the Breathe Easy program allows purchasers of New Gen Isuzus to publicly show their support for a reduction of their impact on the environment, in line with Isuzu’s long term commitment to reduce environmental impact world-wide, through the provision of some of the cleanest diesel engines in the world.

“There has been widespread market acceptance of Isuzu’s all-new models since their release, with a strong selling point being the range’s strong environmental performance,” Birdseye said.

“In recent times the truck market and our society in general has become increasingly concerned about environmental issues and adopting ways in which we can minimise our footprint, and in this regard the new Isuzu range stands alone from competitors, particularly our N and F Series trucks.”

Breathe Easy provides owners of new 2008 Isuzu models with the no cost option of having their truck(s) fitted with the unique ‘Breathe Easy – it’s a low emission Isuzu’ decal kit, available in various shapes and sizes at the time of purchase.

“Operators of New Gen trucks identified with the Breathe Easy livery are bringing Isuzu’s environmental benefits to the attention of customers, business partners and other road users, while also letting others know of their own commitment to the environment.”

Birdseye said there had already been significant interest shown in the Breathe Easy initiative from many organisations.

“Several high profile companies along with numerous councils have expressed their interest in adorning their fleets with the Breathe Easy livery,” he said. “Their trucks are in the public view and as industry and opinion leaders they are interested in portraying a strong image of corporate citizenship.

“In many cases the purchase of new low emission Isuzu trucks is part of a wider organisational scheme or policy to reduce environmental impact, and they are keen to publicly confirm this commitment is being met, by having their new trucks adorned with Breathe Easy livery.”

The recent release of Isuzu’s all-new N and F Series truck models heralds the introduction of an expanded factory built tipper range, providing truck buyers with ready-to-work vehicles.

Initially available on NLR 200, NPR 200, 275 and 300 N Series models as well as the medium duty        FRR 500 F Series, the factory fitted tipper body means that the Isuzu tippers are available ready-to-work from Isuzu Truck dealerships.

For buyers needing the additional space and convenience to transport a work crew, the NPR 300 tipper is also available in a crew cab model, providing transportation for up to six people plus a driver.

“Factory-built tippers are a popular choice due to reduced delivery time; this allows buyers to have the truck working sooner because custom body fitment is not required,” Isuzu Product Planning and Engineering Support Manager, Simon Humphries said. “The overall package not only provides convenience but value for money, and is well suited to a variety of applications, including local councils, landscapers, nurseries, trade contractors and many others.

“The introduction of the crew tipper also greatly increases efficiency for situations where you need to mobilise a work crew, as it eliminates the need to operate a second vehicle. In addition, the 2008 tipper models feature significant advancements in safety, driver comfort, power and torque, whilst providing large reductions in exhaust emissions.”

Powering the entry level NLR 200 model is the SiTec Series II 150 producing power of 110 kW @ 2,800 rpm and 375 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. The NPR models are fitted with the 4-cylinder, 5.2 litre SiTec Series II 155 providing 114 kW @ 2,600 rpm and torque of 419 Nm between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm. In the medium duty segment, the FRR 500 features the SiTE SiTec Series II 205 engine developing 154 kW of power @ 2,600 rpm and torque of 637 Nm @ 1,600 rpm.

Advanced technological enhancements include passive safety features such as standard driver’s SRS airbag, front passenger airbag (available on selected models), as well as pre-tensioned and load limiting seatbelts, and a quiet new cab that provides best-in-class crashworthiness. This is combined with active safety features including, ABS brakes, Anti-skid Regulator (ASR) or traction control and Hill Start Aid, (HSA).

The road transport industry has become one of the most important contributors to Australia’s ongoing economic growth, as is many cases, road is the only mode possible for freight within cities due to geographic challenges and a limited rail network.

According to a report by the Australian Logistics Council, the country has experienced an average rate of economic growth of 3.3 per cent a year for the past decade; overall road tonnages moved domestically has risen at the rate of 4 per cent a year, whilst interstate road freight has increased even faster at 5 per cent.

Should these rates continue, tonnes moved by road in Australia would increase by 80 per cent in 15 years, while interstate road freight would more than double.

According to Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor, the figures confirm the importance of the road transport industry in Australia, and the challenges which lie ahead.

“The report shows that road transport carried 2,148 million tonnes in 2004-2005, which was 75 per cent of the 2,866 million tonnes of domestic freight carried in Australia as a whole,” Taylor said.

“Such figures highlight the importance of the trucking industry, particularly for shorter journeys where rail is not an option, to deliver goods to business’ front doors, Australia is reliant on trucks due to the vast metropolitan areas surrounding our cities.”

According to Taylor, heavy reliance on road freight not only requires thorough and well-planned road networks for the smooth flow of traffic and efficient transportation of goods, but also ancillary infrastructure such as rest facilities and areas where trucks can stop to check and adjust loads.

“Until now, fatigue management in the trucking industry has been hampered by a complex set of laws, which vary from state to state,” Taylor said.

“While this is being partially addressed later this year with the rollout of new fatigue management legislation in all states apart from Western Australia and the ACT, adequate infrastructure also has its part to play in reducing fatigue, an important factor given the predicted growth of the country’s freight task.

“Due to Australia’s vast expanses, there are parts of the continent where there are stretches of up to 500 kilometres of travel between a shower, meal break or facilities for truck drivers, while those involved in urban delivery within our major cities also suffer from lack of adequate rest areas.”

According to Taylor, it is one thing to set maximum driving hours and ask drivers to comply with these requirements, but for the full effect of legislation to take place, adequate rest areas are a necessity.

“Currently, there is a severe shortage of truck stops across the country and the lack of these facilities will make it more difficult for operators and drivers to comply with new fatigue regulations,” he said.

“For the legislation to work at its best, drivers should be provided with the facilities to gain the maximum benefit from their rests, rather than just pulling the truck up on the side of a highway or road somewhere to stop for the required period.

“While some recognition should be given to Government for its efforts in making our roads safer with these proposed fatigue management measures, increasing the number and quality of rest areas and truck stops should not be overlooked in helping to ensure that drivers are properly rested.”