Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) recent national network expansions have reportedly driven demand for the company’s parts to new heights.
These expansions – which include new dealership sites in Pakenham, Victoria and both Bundaberg and Rockhampton, Queensland – are anchored by a 15,000 square-metre National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne’s western suburbs, which houses over 3.5 million individual parts.
This site will adequately support the incoming parts demand from IAL’s network expansion, and many dealers as a result, according to National Parts Sales Manager, Joel Gledhill.
“The planning and construction provided plenty of notice to ensure stock levels are sufficient and are available when needed,” he said.
“With these new outlets and larger workshops coming online, dealers are increasing their stock levels to ensure they meet customer requirements.”
Isuzu’s parts offering encompasses three critical lines – Genuine Parts developed and manufactured by Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan, Best Value Parts (BVP) for older models, and Isuzu Approved Parts from leading original equipment manufacturers.
The new sites joining IAL’s network are all large facilities, which will greatly contribute to the existing network of 70 dealerships and Authorised Service and Parts Outlets (ASPOs) nationwide.
For Isuzu truck owners and fleet managers, the expansion of this dealership footprint means replacement parts can be ordered and fitted to trucks in a highly efficient manner.
“Isuzu dealers carry between 60 and 70 days of stock availability depending on their location in Australia,” Gledhill said.
“Feeding the Isuzu network, our national parts distribution centre carries six months’ worth of stock to ensure a steady supply of parts.”
The company’s network approach extends beyond this inventory management, as Isuzu owners will receive expert support from their local dealership and any dealership or ASPO across the country.
“Rather than letting the network grow randomly, Isuzu has a deliberate approach to where dealers and ASPOs are located, with the aim of allowing the customer to be within a few hours of a dealership along the journey of major highways,” said Gledhill.
“For example, a part can be fitted in Melbourne, and if that truck travels to Adelaide, Sydney or even Cairns, Isuzu has a network of dealerships that can assist if needed.
“Our dealers have access to market leading tools of the trade to best understand what will get the customer back on the road, providing comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.”
Adding to this peace of mind are Isuzu’s warranties which cover its entire parts range, and include a three-year warranty on genuine parts and labour when fitted at an authorised Isuzu dealership or ASPO.
These service agreements have driven parts demand for Isuzu even further, with a 30 per cent uptick in scheduled cost packages and those pre-paid with initial truck purchases in 2024 compared to previous years.
Isuzu is particularly preparing for this increased parts demand ahead of its new 2025 model line-up.
“There has been a lot of planning around the introduction of parts for the new models that will be rolled out in the coming months,” said Gledhill.
“The new models are not just fresh on the outside; underneath, there is a raft of changes which we have taken into consideration.
“It’s a game-changer but we’re not leaving any stone unturned in our quest to keep Isuzu vehicles on the road and maximising customer uptime.”
In other news, IAL recently unpacked the tech features in its new product range.