√Isuzu Trucks targeting ute buyers with a new model and an electric option

Ute buyers are in Isuzu’s crosshairs, as the company’s local arm prepares to launch its new-generation car-licence truck – with an electric model to follow.

Isuzu Trucks has used the Tokyo motor show to debut its new-generation light commercial vehicle – with the promise of an electric version coming to Australia within the next two years.

The new ‘N Series’ truck – which can be driven on a standard car licence – is the first generational change in the line-up since 2007, and brings a number of features normally associated with passenger cars and dual-cab utes.

Isuzu Trucks Australia admitted in a presentation to media the company was actively going after ute customers – targeting approximately 100 to 150 buyers each month who would typically buy a Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, or similar.

The company says many drivers – and company fleet managers – are unaware their vehicles are often overloaded with tools and trailers beyond safe and legal limits, and they should instead be upgrading to more capable and heavy-duty trucks.

Expected to help bolster interest is a new lower and narrower truck body – named the NKR – which will allow owners to park their vehicles in underground car parks and home garages, while also having a width of just 1695mm.

Drive understands Isuzu had no intention of offering the body in Australia, but an electric concept at the Brisbane truck show earlier this year fitted with the smaller cabin stirred up considerable public interest, prompting its introduction to the market.

Safety is one of the most important upgrades coming with new-generation N Series – badged as the Elf in Japan – featuring technology including lane-keep assist, radar cruise control, intelligent speed assistance with speed-sign recognition, driver monitoring system, adaptive driving beam, and emergency driving stop system – the last of which will bring the truck to a complete stop if it detects the driver has fallen asleep or is incapacitated in some way.

Those are on top of the features of the current model, which include advanced emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, distance warning system, traffic movement warning, ABS, traction control, hill-start assist, customisable speed limiter, and dual airbags.

Along with a new but familiar exterior look – thanks to daytime-running LED lights and blacked-out headlights – inside the truck gets a new, smaller steering-wheel with infotainment and cruise-control buttons, an electronic parking brake, and all-new heating and air-conditioning controllers.

The 4.2-inch colour multi-information display located between the two main gauges on the current model is increasing to seven inches, though there’s no word yet on whether the 10.1-inch infotainment screen will carry over.

Perhaps most importantly for the N Series is a new automatic nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which the company says delivers a smoother ride and improved fuel-consumption – replacing the slow and much-criticised automated manual six-speed transmission in the outgoing N Series.

The familiar 3.0-litre ‘4J71’ turbo-diesel four-cylinder – which is derived from the same engine family that powers the Isuzu Ute D-Max and MU-X – will also power the new N Series range with 110kW/375Nm.

However, a new higher-power version with up to 129kW and 430Nm will be made available, while a larger 140kW/513Nm engine can also be borrowed from the medium-sized F Series truck for certain N Series models.

But it’s the truck’s new chassis – designed to accommodate a diesel engine, petrol engine (for some overseas markets), an electric motor, or a hydrogen fuel-cell set-up – which the company expects will help steal sales across from traditional ute owners.

The modular platform will allow more customisation for buyers, depending on their needs.

Isuzu says customer trials of the electric N Series will begin in 2024, before the model goes on sale to the public – though there’s no word yet on a hydrogen fuel-cell model at this stage.

The 370Nm electric motor is powered by 20kWh battery packs that replace the diesel tanks mounted to the chassis ahead of the rear wheels, with car-licence drivers able to choose 40kWh or 60kWh options.

While driving range has yet to be confirmed, a five-battery 100kWh option (for truck-licence holders) is expected to offer approximately 200 kilometres.

At the Japan Mobility Show this month, Isuzu showed off an automated battery-swapping machine which works in a matter of minutes – however the company hasn’t confirmed whether this technology will be rolled out to dealerships in the future.

In an industry-wide study of 1000 key stakeholders in the Australian truck and transportation industry – due to be released in 2024 – Isuzu Trucks Australia revealed 91 per cent said they would be moving to a ‘Zero Emission Strategy’ within the next 10 years.

The 2024 Isuzu N Series is expected to launch in Australia in the next 12 months, with initial customer trials of the electric version to begin next year.

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