A highlight on the commercial vehicles calendar is Isuzu Trucks South Africa’s (ITSA) media briefing. This year was no exception, and ITSA’s announcement of record results in 2013 gives us a glimpse of what can be expected in the year ahead, Maryke Foulds reports.

According to an upbeat Craig Uren, chief executive officer of ITSA, the company posted record sales of 4 000 trucks. The last time this milestone was reached was in 1981 when 3 890 trucks were sold.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that there were no significant events such as the World Cup of 2010 to boost sales. Instead, dales were driven by supply – and the eventual cost savings that accrues by replacing older vehicles that are no longer subject to service guarantees and maintenance plans.

“One of the biggest challenges facing the market is reducing margins. At Isuzu we don’t sell cheap trucks; we sell expensive trucks that offer cost savings to our customer,” said Uren at the event. The expense incurred in buying a new truck will, over the long run, still provide a return on investment as it will give a client better returns over its lifespan.

Uren is confident that the successes of 2013 will be repeated in 2014. “We currently have the second largest share of the market, and we are the largest selling cab-over-truck brand in the country. Factors that have contributed to our continued growth include a great product line-up and specifications.”

A particular area of focus for ITSA in the heavy commercial vehicle segment is the waste transportation industry – a rapidly growing market with a continuous flow of new entrants to this dynamic industry.

“Ownership of an Isuzu truck will alleviate the stress regarding the functionality of your transportation and allow you to focus more on the day-to-day operations of your business. The purchase of an Isuzu truck is the beginning of a relationship. It is a long-term commitment for us to ensure that your truck is always on the road and keeping your business moving. Our after-sales service is not just a service, it is an ethos,” Uren concluded.