At the 2024 AFAC Conference and Exhibition, Isuzu Trucks made an impressive appearance with a display that captured attention – a 10×4 FYX truck built for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). This unique vehicle, tailored specifically for emergency services, stood out among the various offerings, marking another significant contribution by Isuzu Trucks to the Australian market.
Grant Walford, National Fleet Sales Manager at Isuzu Trucks, expressed his excitement about the event and the showcased truck. “We look forward to this event every year,” Walford stated. “Being back in Sydney, my hometown, makes it even more special. This year, we’ve got something a little bit unique on display for the RFS – a 10×4 FYX.”
A standout feature for the RFS
The 10×4 FYX truck on display features a versatile hook truck setup, allowing the Rural Fire Service to swap out the truck’s bodies according to their needs. “It’s got a 16,000-litre water tank that can be dropped off and used for waste or a skip bin type setup. Very universal,” Walford explained. He noted that this kind of flexibility could lead to further growth in the RFS fleet.
One of the more unique aspects of the truck is its twin-steer tri-axle configuration, a setup not commonly seen in the marketplace. “We bring these trucks in as an 8×4 and do a local axle conversion to add a lift-up front axle for extra capacity,” Walford explained. “The 10×4 is a bit more unique in this space.”
Customisation and challenges in emergency services
Isuzu Trucks has been working closely with the RFS and other emergency services to understand their specific needs. According to Walford, emergency services often have unique requirements, and while Isuzu is aiming to standardise components, each build remains a complex and drawn-out process. “The truck is normally the cheaper part of the component,” Walford noted, “and the body’s a bit of a drawn-out process. But the final finish is great.”
A major step in improving efficiency has been the development of a strong relationship between Isuzu’s Australian team and their factory in Japan. This collaboration has led to the introduction of factory-painted trucks, which reduces costs and speeds up delivery times. Walford emphasised the importance of this, saying, “Speed to market is a big thing, especially in the emergency services space.”
Local testing and future excitement
While extensive testing for the Australian market is conducted both locally and in Japan, Walford was quick to point out Isuzu’s long-standing dominance in the market. “Isuzu has been the market leader for 35 years, so we know the market well,” he said.
Looking ahead, Walford shared his excitement for the future, mentioning that Isuzu is preparing to launch a new model range in 2025. “We’re going to a whole new platform next year, which is the first time in a long time. It’s exciting for us, and we expect to reveal it at the Brisbane Truck Show.”
The 2024 AFAC Conference not only highlighted Isuzu Trucks’ continued leadership in the Australian market but also showcased their commitment to meeting the unique and evolving needs of emergency services. With new models on the horizon and a strong relationship with key clients like the RFS, Isuzu is poised to continue its market leadership well into the future.
