The Isuzu stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) was a hive of activity, not only on the media days but also due to the scintillating Isuzu-branded artworks proudly displayed alongside the company’s diverse range of commercial vehicles.

Two key announcements were also made during JIMS.The first was that Isuzu Trucks South Africa is to be 70% owned by Isuzu Motors (it was owned jointly by Isuzu Motors and General Motors) and the second was the launch of the new, improved NMR 250.

NMR 250

Medium commercial vehicles are traditionally favoured in urban delivery applications. The introduction of the upgraded N-Series NMR 250 into the market place sees these vehicles fitted with Isuzu’s Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) in both its Freighter and Crew Cab derivatives.

While the N-Series range was first launched in South Africa during 2008, it is the first time these trucks – with a payload of 2.5 t – have been equipped with AMT. It had, however, been available in Isuzu trucks with payload capacities ranging from 3to 8 t.

According to Isuzu, the improved driver comfort and reduced cost of ownership will be appreciated by small business owners, especially during typical stop-start urban driving conditions.

What makes the AMT different from traditional automatic gearboxes, which normally rely of torque converters and planetary gears, is that the AMT operates in most aspects like a manual gearbox. Shifting of gears is managed electronically, with the ability for a driver to select gears manually if desired. Power in the gearbox is transferred through a fluid coupling, eliminating the need for clutch replacements.

Anton du Plessis, national sales manager, says: “Because we are now bringing AMT down into the 2.5 t segment, we can now offer smaller operators an alternative to the traditional bakkies or light commercial vehicles that load just over 1.5 t. This new model should allow us to create new markets that satisfy customers’ needs across both the light and medium commercial vehicle segment within the market place.”

Isuzu Truck SA more proudly Isuzu than ever

As the brand continuously plays a leading role in the South African truck market, Isuzu Trucks South Africa (ITSA) believes that it’s logical next step was to be majority owned by Isuzu Motors.

In 2007, a consolidated company ITSA was formed as a joint venture between Isuzu Motors and General Motors South Africa (GMSA).

Isuzu Motors has taken a 70% stake in the company, with GMSA remaining as a 30% shareholder.Craig Uren, ITSA’s COO, says: “With this announcement comes the requirement from Isuzu that ITSA take more responsibility for the sub-Saharan Africa territory and we have some specific objectives to achieve. We are going to aim to enhance the Isuzu sales volume, provide better customer satisfaction, enhance life cycle business and stabilise the business in South Africa by strengthening the connection between Japan and South Africa.”

Uren concludes: “This is a feel-good moment for the company against a local context that is full of negatives and economic challenges. The future for ITSA domestically as it grows its footprint and spreads its wings north into sub-Saharan Africa is very exciting. We are all looking forward to it.”

The existing export of right-hand drive vehicles to neighbouring countries will be enhanced because ITSA will now have more flexibility in terms of matching truck’s specifications to the specific market requirements in various countries.