Local team also bolstered with two appointments either side of new year
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) is keen to emphasise its 32nd consecutive year of combined truck sales leadership in Australia.
Though not as prolific as in recent years, given the Covid-19 pandemic, restrictions to regular operations, including significant disruption to international and local supply chains, the achievement is still welcomed by company hierarchy.
Overall numbers include:
- 8,276 units sold, with a 24 per cent share of the Australian truck market
- 2020 was a solid year for light duty truck sales, and Isuzu Trucks continues to lead with 4,353 units sold, for a 39.5 per cent share
- In the medium-duty category, Isuzu Trucks dominated with 2,668 units sold, for a 40.5 per cent share
- In a tough year for heavy-duty truck sales, Isuzu rallied strongly in third with 1,255 units sold, for an 11.8 per cent share
IAL national sales manager Les Spaltman says the 32-year milestone is possible through a combination of astute planning and supporting local businesses with fit-for-purpose transport solutions.
See the final tally for 2020’s truck sales, here
“It’s been a notable year for our brand’s history – 32 years at the top of an extremely competitive truck market is a fantastic feat and we’re very proud of all involved.
“But we acknowledge too, it has been a challenging time for many of our customers, our dealer network and the wider trucking industry.
“Our focus has been supporting the dealer network in safe operations and supporting essential businesses wherever we can, keeping their trucks out on the road.
“Although the path forward has been uncertain at times, one thing has never been clearer…we are what we do.
“We’ll reflect on our position as Australia’s truck market leader but will continue to deliver results for our customers all over the country. We’re feeling optimistic about the year ahead.”
IAL chief operating officer Andrew Harbison notes the commercial vehicle market has proven to be robust through trying circumstances.
“I would like to acknowledge the impact of the government’s economic stimulus, in particular, the instant asset write-off and accelerated depreciation measures, which we know assisted many businesses in the sector and many other industries too.
“Last year certainly brought home the need to work together as an organisation and throughout the broader road transport industry—to find new and collaborative ways of doing business.”
In the meantime IAL continues to bolster its managerial ranks with the appointment of Stephen Chalmers, pictured below, to the new role of parts product manager within the parts department, with the goal of expanding Isuzu’s aftersales parts offering across its expansive dealer footprint.
Chalmers has more than 33 years’ experience working in senior sales and aftersales roles at well-known truck-related brands including BPW, Penske and MaxiParts.
“I have always enjoyed the truck and transport industry, and working closely with people,” Chalmers says.
“This role gives me the ability to pursue both these interests. Working with dealers, analysing business opportunities and most of all, coming up with solutions to increase customer satisfaction—these are all aspects of the job I’m passionate about.”
Earlier, the company also added to the Isuzu Authorised Network with the addition of Ben Lasry, picutred below, as head of network development – a newly created role.
Lasry brings a wealth of knowledge to the management ranks of IAL, with 20 years in senior positions across the automotive industry, including Prixcar and Holden.
His experience includes logistics and supply chain operations, aftersales and commercial strategies, forecasting and demand planning, as well as sales and contract management.
“I have always enjoyed business-to-business interactions, so it is exciting to work with Isuzu’s large authorised network, as we plan for the future enhancing our position as market leader in truck sales,” he says.
“I also look forward to enhancing the current processes Isuzu has in place for our network. My immediate goal is to ensure our network partners are set up with the right resources, necessary support and plans to ensure their business runs smoothly and profitably.”