Driving Reliability Across Australia: How Isuzu Australia Demonstrates Product and After-Sales Strength Through a 15,000 km Roadshow

We spoke with Tim Richardson, IAL's sales product trainer and lead driver for the roadshow, about the aims of this roadshow and his impressions of the reliability of Isuzu products after actually driving them.

――今回のロードショーについて伺う前に、まずはオーストラリアでのいすゞについて教えてください。2026年現在、いすゞは37年間連続でオーストラリアのトラック販売台数1位をキープしていますよね。 

Tim: The reason we're able to maintain our top position is the breadth of our overall product lineup, as well as the high level of product knowledge and support from our sales network.

Our dealer network spans all of Australia, providing prompt support wherever you are, so our customers can rest assured that if something goes wrong with their vehicle, they can get it back on the road as quickly as possible.

This trust in after-sales service is one of Isuzu's strengths, just as it is in Japan. In recent years, the Australian market has seen increasing demand for maintaining vehicle operational status and optimizing operating costs. Isuzu's ability to not only sell products but also support their operation afterward has contributed to customer support.

――ありがとうございます。それでは、ロードショーの概要を教えてください。 

Tim: The purpose of this roadshow is to demonstrate the reliability of the MY25 model and to communicate with dealership staff and customers across the country and hear their real voices.

We will bring carefully selected models from our product lineup to various locations across Australia, directly introducing the benefits and value that the MY25 models offer to customers visiting our dealerships.

Another important aspect is that we ourselves drive on the same roads as the people who use Isuzu trucks every day. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of how our customers use their vehicles and what challenges they face.

The plan is to start on Monday, April 20, 2026, and then travel 15,000 km across the entire Australian road network over the next seven months. Starting in Forestfield, Western Australia, the journey will take us from Adelaide into the Outback. We'll head north to Darwin, then to Cairns, and finally south along the east coast to Tasmania.

――想像するだけで過酷そうに思いますが、実際このルートはどういった特徴があるのでしょうか。

Tim: That's right. For example, in May we drove a route that traversed central Australia from north to south, from Adelaide to Darwin, and in that section I covered a total distance of over 3,000 km, including highways and outback roads.

This is a vital logistics route that supports daily life and industry in central and northern Australia, and it is the most challenging section of this tour.

The Australian outback is a remote and harsh environment that places a heavy burden on vehicles and equipment. This harshness is especially amplified during the intense heat of the Australian summer.

――地平線まで広がる景色が広大ですね。

Tim: The distinctive red soil that characterizes the landscape of this region is created by a high concentration of iron oxide.

Normally, this area would be quite dry, but thanks to a significant amount of rain in the six months leading up to the tour, we were able to enjoy a very lush and vibrant landscape. We were lucky!

――今回使用している車両について教えてください。 

Tim: Leading this roadshow are two new F-series models, the FYJ and the FXD.

Tim: The FYJ is a popular model in Australia, valued for its robust drivetrain, durability, and versatility in handling a wide range of applications.

The other support vehicle is the FXD, which, like the FYJ, is highly regarded for its powerful drivetrain and durable chassis.

――迫力がありますね。

Tim: These vehicles, developed for full-scale freight transport, perform exceptionally well even in long-distance transport environments.

In fact, during this roadshow, we were able to experience firsthand the improved cab comfort, driving performance, safety technology, and capabilities as a large vehicle of the MY25 platform.

Furthermore, from the N-series of light trucks, the NKR, which is active in urban areas, and the NMS, a four-wheel drive model designed for off-road driving, are also participating in the roadshow.

These vehicles demonstrate the breadth and capabilities of Isuzu's lineup, ranging from compact light trucks to vehicles that handle heavy-duty transport.

――実際にMY25シリーズで大陸を走ってみていかがでしたか。

Tim: Running such long distances really made me realize how reliable this product is.

You can get in and start driving right away, without having to worry about what might happen 100km or 200km away.

Along the way, I saw road construction workers several times, and the trucks I saw there were mainly Isuzu.

Our customers are located in this kind of environment.

Our customers aren't just driving around urban areas delivering last-mile deliveries.

These places are home to a variety of jobs, including road construction and traffic management, as well as delivering goods to ranches. Mining is another example, as are the numerous roadhouses that provide food and fuel to truck drivers.

There are truly a wide variety of activities taking place here.

Our trucks are built to go anywhere.

――こうした長距離の旅では、車両によっては問題が出てくることもある一方で、こういう環境だからこそ、シートなどの人間工学的な機能を実際に体感できますよね。

Tim: That's right, it's about how well you can control the track in various terrains, different environments, and different road conditions.
This time, I got a good understanding of things like how comfortable the seats are, how the suspension is, and how the steering is, and I experienced firsthand that the entire vehicle package delivers a comfortable and reliable ride.

――6か月間にわたるナショナルロードショーツアーの中で、トラックのメンテナンスはどのように行っていますか。

Tim: Some trucks, the N-series, are easy to drive. You just sit in the back and enjoy the journey.

However, the larger FY and FX models are incredibly robust and reliable trucks. They'll last for four or even six years.

It's a sturdy and reliable truck, and the accessories it comes with are trustworthy, so there's nothing to worry about. The engine, transmission, and other components are also readily available as they are used by various manufacturers in Australia, so maintenance isn't difficult.

I believe the strength of Isuzu products lies in their longevity. They maintain their durability throughout their lifespan.

That, too, is part of the whole story of reliability. It doesn't matter if it's 6 months, 6 years, or 16 years.

Isuzu helps our customers keep their trucks running on the road.

――お客様に信頼性を提供するうえで、アフターサービスの重要性をどのように考えていますか。

Tim: Ultimately, I think after-sales service is everything.

If something goes wrong, how quickly can it be repaired? Is there someone who will answer the phone and help me?

Trucks parked at a repair shop don't generate money. In fact, they cost money.
Therefore, it is important to get the truck back on the road as quickly as possible.
 

I previously ran a transportation company and also worked as a fleet manager at another transportation company. Therefore, I know firsthand how important reliability is.

――稼働を守ることは、日本でもオーストラリアでも同じく、いすゞの使命ですね。

Tim: One of my colleagues happened to overhear someone at the airport talking on the phone to one of their employees, saying something like this.

"Take that truck to Isuzu and have them take a look at it. They'll probably fix it right there. Also, tell the sales representative to prepare the next truck. We'll need more vehicles in the future, and Isuzu is reliable, so let's continue using Isuzu."

I just happened to overhear a phone conversation, but I think it says it all.

――今後もナンバーワンであり続けるために、お客様やステークホルダーから信頼を得続けるには何が必要でしょうか。 環境が変化する中で、次に考慮すべきことは何だと思いますか。

Tim: We need to continue to be an accessible presence at all times.

It's about letting our customers know that they have someone they can talk to anytime.

Furthermore, we need to make sure that our dealers understand that they can share customer feedback with us, and that we will listen to it.

This is one of the principles that I personally value.

ロードショーは続く 

As of the publication date of this article (October 2026), the National Roadshow is still ongoing, continuing with visits to dealerships, customers, and transportation companies across the country.

You can find the latest information on the roadshow and recap videos on IAL's social media accounts and the dedicated National Roadshow website.