L-R: Mr. Koji Nakamura, Chief Executive Officer, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Mr. Hirokazu Okubo, Executive Officer, Sales Division, Isuzu Motors Limited; Mr. Ken Ueda, Chief Engineer for Light Duty and Medium Duty, Isuzu Global CV Engineering Center Co., Ltd; Mr. Atsunori Murata, Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Isuzu Malaysia has introduced several variants of its Elf and Forward trucks in an effort to expand its range of trucks and increase the brand’s appeal to more customers. The new variants are expected to go on sale from the third quarter of 2019 and the company expects this to help retain the brand’s leading position. The Isuzu Elf range has been the top-selling light-duty truck in Malaysia for the past nine years.
The Elf range is known to be one of the most versatile in the market, with 11 variants of various tonnage and drivetrains available to suit various needs. It is also globally acknowledged by truck operators for its highly dependable performance and low running costs. The new Elf variants will make it a total of 19 on offer by Isuzu Malaysia, covering 4-wheeler, 6-wheeler, 4×4 and Crew-Cab versions, making it the widest range of light-duty trucks available in the market.
One of the key features is the availability of the “Smoother” – a 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), particularly targetted at businesses that operate vehicles in frequent stop-start and congested urban environments. With the growth of e-commerce increasing the demand for light-duty trucks, the new Isuzu Elf variants are able to offer the perfect solution to the rising demand for dependable and efficient deliveries. Further, the engines for “Smoother” models comply with the Euro 3 emission standards, ensuring the Elf remains efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Smoother AMT gearbox offers the benefits of an automatic but with the reliability and lower running costs of manual transmission. Although the initial purchase cost of a Smoother-fitted truck may be higher, the benefits are seen over the longer term. For one, fluid coupling does not cause as much wear and tear. The gears are also directly coupled and as such do not suffer energy loss via hydraulic slippage, thus offering a significant advantage in terms of driving cost. Further, it gives the option to hire from a larger pool of truck drivers who do not necessarily need to be good at operating manual transmission.
L-R: Nakamura-san and Murata-san with an ELF Smoother model.
AMT benefits the drivers as well since it can reduce the chance of fatigue over the course of the day thus enabling them to be more focused on the driving. This will reduce the risk of accidents as well as improve the economy and life expectancy of the engine and drivetrain. The “Smoother” models also have a secondary ECONO Mode that the driver can select to automatically change gears at lower engine revolutions, enabling even greater fuel savings.
Isuzu Malaysia will also introduce three new crew cab variants to its 2019 line-up. With a total of four models in this segment, customers in the service industry will have more choices to transport their manpower and goods efficiently and safely.
Unlike some retrofitted after-market crew cabs that may have questionable quality or safety issues, Isuzu’s crew cabs are designed at Isuzu’s R&D centre employing the latest technologies, built and outfitted completely in the Isuzu factory thus ensuring full compliance to the highest ECE safety standards. Buyers will also enjoy the full Isuzu warranty.
Meanwhile, the Isuzu Forward range will get a tougher chassis and higher performance. The Forward is said to be a favourite among long-haulers for its exemplary low-running cost, impressive maneuverability and highly-accommodating cabin.
The 2019 FVR34 model will come with a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 19 tons, up from the current 18-ton capacity. This upgraded payload capacity not only allows owners to maximize each trip and reducing transportation costs, the maneuverability of the Forward range also makes it ideal for intra-city hauling, eliminating the need to break bulk for urban pick-up and deliveries. The front axle capacity too has been significantly increased to 7,500 kg thus contributing to its superior carrying capacity.
To complement to the increased payload, the nimble and flexible 6HK1-TC powerplant has been tuned to develop a very respectable 300 PS of power with 986 Nm of torque for the FVR300 model. This gives it superior performance over all Malaysian road conditions, particularly hilly terrain.
The improved FVR300 model range will also be paired with a new Eaton transmission. Using nine forward speeds including a ‘crawler’ gear for extreme terrain, the new transmission’s ratios better match the engine’s improved performance characteristics to give the FVR more flexible performance while engine revolutions remain more frequently in its optimal zone.
Additionally, Isuzu Malaysia is retaining the popular FVR240 model in the line-up for customers who require the large cargo capacity but less weighty bulk such as food or furniture, or to perform duties as council vehicles.
Furthermore, the FVR34 range now comes standard with full air brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for a higher level of safety and to meet ECE standards. Braking performance is now significantly improved with the ABS assisting in maintaining braking stability particularly on slippery surfaces.
The Isuzu Forward models can also be upgraded with a larger capacity alternator to meet the power demands of high-amperage equipment.
The new 2019 range of Isuzu trucks will be available at all 43 authorised Isuzu truck outlets nationwide from the third quarter of 2019.
For further information, visit isuzu.net.my or call 1-800-88-1133 to have a sales engineer visit you for consultation.
Keyword: Isuzu Malaysia Introduces New Elf And Forward Variants To Expand Its Truck Range And Appeal