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Off the waiting list
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Page 31
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After a series of false dawns, Isuzu Truck (UK) has finally delivered what it has been promising since 1997 a new line-up of 'heavier' trucks up to 18 tonnes. CM was at last week's launch.
Words: Brian Weatheriey /Images: Tom Lee _ _ FOR NIKKI KING, Isuzu Truck (UK)'s no-nonsense boss, the arrival of the new Isuzu range of heavy rigids has been as inevitable (if you'll excuse the strictly unintentional pun) as the rising of the sun. Indeed, she insists: "For Isuzu Truck (UK), it's been a no-brainer where the thought of heavier trucks not coming was totally unthinkable." No-brainer or not, even King accepts that the Japanese truck-maker has taken its time before finally introducing chassis above its previous maximum fighting weight of 7.5 tonnes.
"We've had so many false starts," she admits, "first in 1999 and then in 2001." Ironically, the delays have been less to do with any lack of determination on IT (UK)t part and more with the desire of Isuzu Motors to get the timing absolutely right. Meanwhile, King and her dealers have had to wait for various 'planets' to come into alignment, with the determining (and delaying) factors including waiting for the arrival of the new Forward range with its fourand six-cylinder EGRE uro-4 engine line-up. The current downturn in the Japanese economy and resurgence in European truck sales have undoubtedly provided a fresh impetus too.
Few surprises
But, despite the new range being one oi the worse-kept secrets in the business, IT (UK) still managed a few surprises at the official launch at the Milton Keynes Bowl last week. Not only did it deliver its promised 11, 12, 15 and 18tonners, but it also unveiled new 3.5 to 7.5-tonners. However, the real news was that its entire UK line-up now features the same basic modular cab design, which sees the smallest to the tallest cabin sharing the same door panels and tough 'hexapod' core steel structure.
Along with their attractive exterior styling, the new Isuzu middleweights also go a long way to explode the perception of Japanese cabs being small inside. Indeed, the latest, noticeably deeper 3.5-tonne Grafter cab has an impressively wide door aperture that should have Toyota and Mitsubishi reaching for the tape measure.
Even more impressive is the fact that 15 and 18-tonne Forward chassis come with a large 'rest' cab as standard (Isuzu deliberately doesn't call it a sleeper) with a slim mattress behind the seats. However, the area is far more likely to be used to stow bits of kit, given the relatively modest storage space provided in the dash and headlining.
Having seen the standard cab spec on Isuzu 's new rigids. European rivals may well decide to rethink their options list. That spec includes twin air bags, electric windows, keyless central locking, radio/ CD player, and, from 7.5 tonnes and above, a suspension seat.
Three-year warranty
But what will really put the cat among the pigeons is that IT (UK) is rolling out its current three-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance package to all new models up to 18 tonnes — an offering it will find more challenging as it sells more vehicles. And sell them it will.
At last week's unveiling, Isuzu Motors' executive vice-president. Goro Shintani, insisted that within the next three years 1T (UK) will be selling 5,000 trucks a year — effectively double what it does today. However, the real ace up IT (UK)'s sleeve could be that it is looking to deliver the heavier chassis within fourto-five months of an order being placed — while European truck-makers are currently struggling to do the same in much under 12 months. Meanwhile, the new Isuzu middleweights will be officially launched at this month's CV Show when full details on prices and kerb weights will also be given. •