Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada continues to see steady growth and is making a real presence in the Canadian market. Western Canada Highway News met with Andrew M. Craig, Director, Canada Operations for Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada, Inc. to find out more about this popular make of trucks.

Q - Can you give a brief history of the company? When did it open its Canadian operations?

A - Isuzu is one of the oldest automotive companies in Japan, tracing its origins back to 1916. In the 1950s the company’s primary focus moved to diesel engine and
truck production, and now Isuzu trucks are sold in over
120 countries around the world. The industrial diesel engine division is one of the largest global suppliers of diesel engines, and these engines can be found in many industrial applications in Canada.

In the United States, Isuzu started selling Low Cab Forwards (LCF) trucks back in 1984, and have been the leading LCF truck in the US since 1986, dominating the marketplace with over 70% penetration of the
LCF segment.

In Canada, Isuzu LCF trucks were originally distributed by GM and were badged as the GMC W-Series, until
Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada was created in 2007. Since then, we have added to the field team and the dealer network significantly, helping fuel the growth of Isuzu trucks in Canada.

Q - Does Isuzu specialize in certain classes of commercial trucks? What models of commercial trucks are your biggest sellers?

A - In Canada, Isuzu offers a range of trucks from the N-Series Class 3 to 5, up to the new Class 6 FTR.

The most popular trucks are:

• The Class 4 NPR-HD N-Series with a 6.0L Gas engine, with a GVWR of 14,500 lbs. and incredible net carrying capacity based on its light weight powertrain. For lower mileage companies, the gas engine offers a very competitively priced option and ease of operation.
• The Class 5 NRR with the well-known 5.2 L 4H engine is our best seller. With a GVWR of 19,500, this truck offers trucking professionals great cargo capacity with the long-term advantage of truck diesel engine that features a B10 rating of 500,000 kilometres. Body lengths up to 24 feet can be accommodated, and a Crew Cab version that seats seven is available.
• The newest addition to the Isuzu line-up is the larger FTR. Currently available with a GVWR of 25,950 lbs., it can accommodate bodies up to 30 feet, and with the efficient packaging of the cab forward design, is great choice for maximizing your body length in a shorter overall package.

Q - Why are Isuzu commercial trucks so popular?

A - The Low Cab Forward market growth in Canada continues to outpace the conventional trucks in the Class 3-5 marketplace. The LCF design features better maneuverability and vision, longer box lengths for the overall size, and in most cases, better fuel economy than the traditional conventional cab truck.

As the growth of e-commerce purchasing by consumers continues to expand, the Isuzu LCF is the “easy to drive” solution for many companies, especially those experiencing driver shortages in the higher classes. With our loyal customer base, durability and expanded dealer network, Isuzu is the #1 LCF truck year to date in Canada through April 2018 based on registration data.

Q - Can you describe Isuzu’s customer services policies (warranties, promos, maintenance, etc.)?

A - Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada offers our clients a special 3/4/5 program for excellent coverage:

• 3 years of limited warranty coverage;
• 4 years / 200,000 km complementary oil changes and health reports; and
• 5 years / 280,000 Diesel Truck Extended Plus Powertrain Warranty.

Additional factory backed extended warranties are available at extra cost. We also offer the Priority Service Maintenance Program, a complete program for vehicle maintenance backed by Isuzu.

Q - If carriers in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba wish to speak to an Isuzu representative, whom should they contact?

A - Please visit our website www.isuzutruck.ca where you can search for a dealer, or request a quote and choose the dealer you wish to respond.

Q - What are Isuzu’s plans for the future in Western Canada?

A - Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada continues to study the marketplace in Western Canada for growth opportunities, both from a customer standpoint and a dealer representation standpoint. The ongoing urbanization and increase in traffic will always favour a Low Cab Forward like the Isuzu N and F series trucks.