Following recent acquisitions, Isuzu Truck South Africa (ITSA) believes it has shifted to an ‘enterprise’-type business that provides custom solutions for what it terms ‘trk’eneurs’.
The last two years have seen the manufacturer gain market leadership in the cab-over and medium commercial vehicle segments, where it now holds nearly 13% of the entire R450 billion South African commercial trucking market. This, chief operations officer Craig Uren contends, is because of the company’s inherent adaptability and client-centric approach. Boredom busting“Trucking in the 80s and early 90s was really quite boring – there were few dynamics and the same engines and transmissions were used for a lot of models and over quite a number of years,” he explains. Since then, manufacturers have stepped up a gear, intensifying competition in the marketplace. “The market has become exceptionally dynamic and trucking has changed dramatically.” This dynamism and change prompted ITSA’s most recent acquisition – that of truck body and chassis building specialists KANU/ACT. Ask and you shall receive
Based in Port Elizabeth, KANU Commercial Body Construction and Automotive Chassis Technologies (ACT) were wholly acquired in August this year. The incorporation of these companies has made it possible to offer clients truck bodies and chassis to spec.
In order to simplify the client specification process, the company has introduced almost 20 body-type names, including Waterpack for tankers and Recoverpack for flatbed towing bodies. These body types form the basis of what is on offer through KANU, with almost limitless further customisation possible. ACT, on the other hand, offers chassis modification and accessorisation, which include crew cab conversions, wheelbase extensions/shortening, and winch installations.
Supporting trk’eneurs“We are here to provide clients with the right solution, which will boost their operational efficiency,” explains Hiroshi Nishizaka, CEO, ITSA. “The ideal product, combined with exceptional after-sales support, makes for happy, loyal clients.” The after-sales support Nishizaka mentions relates to what the company has named VAPS (value-added product service offering), which sees ITSA offering new and remanufactured parts, from transmissions and engines to axles. Again, the company endeavours to work with clients to determine the ideal solution, even offering OEM parts that compete with more affordable components. “We see every truck as a mini-economy that aids in job creation and income generation, which also, ultimately, gives back to the national economy. It is, therefore, vital that we support the people – the trk’eneurs – who make these mini economies possible, providing them with the products and services they need to operate effectively,” concludes Uren.
