Australia has once again proven its technical prowess on the global stage, with Isuzu technicians Jonathan (Jono) Elias from Black Truck & Ag in Queensland and Louis Holt from Bendigo Isuzu placing third in the 2025 Isuzu World Technical Competition — the I-1 GP — held in Yokohama, Japan.
Under the guidance of Team Australia coach and Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Technical Training Developer Alex Redsell, the duo outperformed competitors from 37 nations to secure a podium finish, demonstrating the depth of technical capability across Australia’s Isuzu dealer network.
“This is a team result with both Jono and Louis bringing their A game to the competition and a third place is an awesome result,” said Redsell. “The theoretical exercise is the first hurdle with exam-like conditions, however the pressure cooker of the practical test is where the teamwork really shows as they work to solve a range of complex technical issues on the truck.”
The I-1 GP — first held in 2005 — combines theoretical exams and hands-on challenges that test technicians’ diagnostic precision and problem-solving under strict time constraints, with judging by experts from Isuzu Motors Japan.
For Holt, competing for a second time was especially rewarding. “This competition is the best of the best in the world of Isuzu technicians, and this was my second opportunity representing Australia. This year we bettered that result and bringing home some silverware is a tremendous thrill,” he said.
Elias agreed, describing the experience as transformative. “The I-1 GP was a whole new level of experience — it really pushes your skills and knowledge. Working with Loui and Alex, who I had never met before, was an amazing experience. Everyone brought their best, and it made the whole event even more rewarding.”
IAL Managing Director and CEO Takeo Shindo and Head of Aftersales Brett Stewart attended the competition, with Stewart emphasising the broader value of the program. “IAL puts a great deal of value in training, and the very best technicians from our market-leading dealer network get to come to this competition which over the years has grown in numbers and stature,” he said. “For our customers, this achievement reflects the skills evident across the Isuzu Dealer Network – no one knows Isuzu trucks better than our dealers and their top-performing technician teams.”
The podium finish also highlights Isuzu’s ongoing investment in technical excellence and professional development across its Australian network, reinforcing the link between skilled technicians and customer confidence in vehicle reliability and aftersales support.
Team Australia’s success follows a rigorous preparation process involving months of study and simulated testing, reflecting both the personal dedication of the competitors and the organisational commitment to continuous improvement within Isuzu’s national training framework.
Selection for the 2026 Team Australia squad will take place later this month at Isuzu Australia’s National Technical Skills Competition in Melbourne, which serves as the local proving ground for identifying the next generation of world-class technicians.
Top three results at the 2025 I-1 GP Teams Competition:
- Thailand
- Japan
- Australia
Australia’s achievement at the I-1 GP not only underscores Isuzu’s reputation for technical leadership but also showcases the strength of the country’s dealership talent pool—an encouraging signal for the future of skilled trades in the transport industry.
