Quick squiz at Isuzu Trucks new line-up

ISUZU Australia Limited (IAL) shared details of its all-new truck line-up at a media briefing in Melbourne this week, confirming it will launch the updated N and F Series models at Brisbane Truck Show in May next year after a 17-year run for the current generation.

While the truckmaker has remained tight-lipped about its next-generation models, key executives outlined safety, technology and ergonomic changes – however specific powertrain details were not shared.

The updates coincide with Australia’s clean shift, as the ADR 80/04 (equivalent to Euro 6) standard kicks in late-next year for all heavy vehicles, but Isuzu made it clear it is not simply keeping up with incoming standards – instead the truckmaker aims to stay ahead of the curve.

“For the list of features we are proposing with the new generation, only 10 per cent of them are to comply with new ADRs – so we are basically exceeding the regulations,” said IAL chief of product and executive officer, Matt Sakhaie.

The models will use a new Isuzu Modular Architecture and Component Standard (I-MACS) platform, which offers a powertrain-agnostic chassis with standardised parts that can be interchanged.

Mr Sakhaie explained that the I-MACS platform allows Isuzu to interchange things like ICE engines, transmissions, fuel cell stacks, batteries and advanced safety devices, but another benefit is streamlined production.

The new range of Isuzu trucks, from the light-duty N Series to the heavy-duty F Series models, will now feature a full suite of ADAS technology – much like what is used by its sister company, Isuzu Ute, in its D-Max model.

An additional eight safety systems will be fitted to the new models, including adaptive cruise, misacceleration mitigation, distance and speed difference readout, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter and more.

Isuzu also outlined plans to test additional blind-spot monitoring and driver monitoring systems locally, which can be fitted to the new models once validated.

Alongside the active safety technology fitted to the incoming models, the truckmaker outlined its focus on occupant comfort as a means of both improving safety outcomes and also easing the ‘driver shortage’ plaguing the transport industry.

“Challenges relating to driver attraction and retention is a global road transport issue, and one experienced by numerous countries around the world,” Mr Sakhaie said.

“One critical aspect that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Isuzu can influence

is the continued development of safe, comfortable and professional workspaces for drivers to ply their trade.”

Isuzu’s comfort focus includes the fitment of improved seating, driver controls that are more car-like and IR/UV cut glass, which the manufacturer says “drives home just how central driver wellbeing has been to their design and development”.

While powertrain specifications are yet to be revealed in detail, Isuzu Trucks did confirm it will use a new in-house developed nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in N Series models – the first of its kind in a light-duty truck.

Isuzu also shared that the first of its battery-electric NLR EV and NPR EV truck trials are coming to a close, with positive feedback and driving range figures consistent with what the truckmaker predicted.

“We have one of each of those two trucks now operating with last-mile logistics fleets,” said IAL chief engineer, Simon Humphries.

“We’ve had them on the road for most of this year with very good feedback from the drivers – so much so that there’s a queue of other fleets that are keen to try out the Isuzu N Series EV.”

When probed about when exactly Australians can expect to see an electric N Series on the sales lot, IAL director and chief operating officer Andrew Harbison suggested it could be as soon as next year.

“Yes, we would want to have a product in market now, but we don’t believe that it will be too far down the path. I’d love to see it in 2025,” he said.

Mr Harbison told GoAuto that pricing is still being established, but he did confirm there will be a "significant cost increase” in line with the additional technology onboard.

IAL told media in attendance that it will have a strong supply of the incoming models, aiming to continue its 36 years of market dominance in the light-duty segment as it transitions between model generations next year.