Parts infrastructure to support Isuzu’s national network

Isuzu’s parts ecosystem is anchored by a 15,000-square-metre National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne’s western suburbs, which houses over 3.5 million individual parts.

Recent national network expansion, including new dealership sites in Pakenham (Victoria), Bundaberg, and Rockhampton (Queensland), has driven parts demand to new heights, a challenge anticipated by Isuzu Australia and National Parts Sales Manager Joel Gledhill.

“The planning and construction of the new sites provided plenty of notice to ensure stock levels are sufficient and are available when needed,” Gledhill explained.

“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 to the highest factory standards, Best Value Parts (BVP) for older models, and Isuzu Approved Parts from leading Original Equipment Manufacturers including Allison Transmission, Meritor, Eaton, and Hendrickson.

The new sites joining the network are all large facilities, bolstering Isuzu’s capability to cater to Australian transport requirements and adding to an impressive footprint of over 70 dealerships and Authorised Service and Parts Outlets (ASPOs) nationwide.

Isuzu dealers carry between 60 to 70 days of stock availability. Image: Isuzu

For Isuzu truck owners and fleet managers, this means replacement parts can be ordered and fitted to trucks in a highly efficient manner.

“Isuzu dealers carry between 60 to 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.”

Isuzu’s strategic network approach extends beyond inventory management; 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,” Gledhill explained.

“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 that peace of mind are Isuzu’s generous warranties, covering its entire parts range and including a three-year warranty on genuine parts and labour when fitted at an authorised Isuzu dealership or ASPO.

Service agreements have further driven parts demand for Isuzu, with a 30 per cent uptick in scheduled cost packages and those pre-paid with initial truck purchases in 2024 over previous years.

Service agreements offer businesses predictable expenses and facilitate a streamlined maintenance process for businesses of all sizes, with all the benefits of Isuzu’s genuine parts and warranties.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of owner-operators through to large-scale fleets who are capitalising on service agreements to streamline their operation, which has further driven our parts stock levels within the dealer network,” Gledhill said.

Looking ahead to the 2025 new model line-up, Isuzu is meticulously preparing for increased parts demand.

“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.

“The new models are not just fresh on the outside; underneath, there is a raft of changes which we have taken into consideration.”

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Access restrictions in place for bridge on Carnarvon Highway

Due to roadworks, vehicle combinations with a ground contact width and/or loaded width greater than 3m are not permitted to travel through this bridge.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has advised that works are occurring on the Baffle Creek Bridge, located between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway.

The approved alternate route. Image: TMR

TMR says restrictions have been put in place to provide TMR’s contractor RoadTek an increased safe working environment to continue maintenance on Baffle Creek Bridge.

“Eligible vehicles can access the alternate route via Leichhardt Highway, provided a copy of the approved variation letter is used in conjunction with your current permit,” said TMR.

“If you do not have a current permit you are required to apply via the NHVR GO for the alternative route.

“Vehicles exceeding the mass envelopes contained within the variation letter must apply for a permit through the NHVR Portal for further assessment.”

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Shocking dashcam footage emerges of B-double narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic

Police were recently called after a B-double was seen driving dangerously in the Adelaide Hills, veering in and out of his lane and over double white lines.

The footage was shared yesterday on the Dashcams Adelaide Facebook page.

South Australia Police (SAPOL) confirmed that they had pulled over the B-double on North East Road, Chain of Ponds just after 3.30pm on March 25, following a report from a concerned motorist.

“The 34-year-old Victorian driver, who was off-route, tested positive to cannabis and methamphetamine and was issued with an immediate 24-hour direction not to drive,” a police spokesperson said.

SAPOL said the driver was also issued with a three-month loss of licence while the sample was sent for forensic testing, and received an expiation notice for minor work diary breaches.

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Tassie business joins Penske dealer network

Penske Australia has welcomed Tas Trucks to its truck dealer network, representing the Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Dennis Eagle and Detroit brands.

Located in Launceston, Hobart, and Devonport, Tas Trucks will offer comprehensive sales, parts and service support for Penske’s brands.

Penske says that over the last four decades, the team at Tas Trucks has forged a hard-earned reputation of being a highly trusted partner for Tasmanian customers.

“Tas Trucks’ dealer principal, Ed Jones, has an extensive history working with global brands,” said George Konstantinou, head of dealer capability at Penske Australia.

“He and his team focus heavily on customer engagement and growing through local community involvement.

“Established in 1982 to support the material handling industry, Tas Trucks has steadily grown its portfolio into the heavy-duty truck space.

“Ed has also grown the team’s capability, bringing on key staff including Troy Wood, who has taken on the role of director, operations manager Barnaby Terry, and sales manager Luke Bennett.”

Providing 24/7, 365 days a year on-site breakdown service, Tas Trucks supports its Tasmanian customers in metropolitan and remote locations statewide.

“The team and I are thrilled to be adding the renowned Western Star, MAN, Dennis Eagle, and Detroit brands to our portfolio,” said Ed Jones.

“We aim to challenge heavy-duty market leaders in Tasmania with a combination of outstanding products and excellent customer service support.”

Tas Trucks will host a customer event on Thursday, May 8, at its Launceston dealership with Shell V-Power Racing Team drivers Will Davison and Brodie Kostecki there to meet with guests.

Western Star 47X and 48X models will be on display, as well as the MAN TGS 540 and TGX 640 powerhouse.

Tas Trucks Customer Event

Thursday May 8

5:30pm – 7:30pm

246-250 Hobart Road, Youngtown TAS

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Northbound lanes open for first time on $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass

Early yesterday morning, northbound motorists were given access to drive on a section of the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass for the first time.

The section from Charlesworth Bay Road and the new Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge is the first of multiple traffic switches to take place between now and when the bypass fully opens to traffic in late 2026.

Initially, Pacific Highway northbound traffic will veer left just south of Bruxner Park Road and travel on a section of new road that will become the northbound highway on ramps.

The second stage will see northbound traffic move onto the new road on the western side of the existing highway in Korora. This switch will be between the new Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge and the northern tie in (Campbell Close) and is expected in June.

Moving northbound traffic onto a section of the new alignment means the construction team can start building the new carriageway on the current highway’s northbound lanes.

As part of this switch, motorists using Bruxner Park Road have a new connection through a second roundabout at the Korora Hill Interchange.

There will be no changes for southbound motorists in the short term.

In about two weeks time, traffic will be moved onto a section of new alignment near Englands Road in the south. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will provide details on this switch closer to the date.

A new wayfinding tool has also been designed specifically for the bypass and is available on the project website. The ‘plan your journey’ tool allows users to put in specific locations and date ranges to understand whether their journey is affected by traffic changes. Where detours are in place, specific navigational aids will be provided to help road users plan their journeys and navigate the project safely.

“This is one of the biggest road infrastructure projects on the east coast and it’s amazing to see how quickly it is taking shape,” said Transport for NSW North Region director, Anna Zycki.

“Coffs Harbour is a wonderful place already, but removing up to 12,000 vehicles a day, including heavy vehicles, from the city centre will make it so much better.

“It will be quieter, safer and much less congested.

“When this bypass opens to traffic at the end of next year the only traffic lights between Sydney and Brisbane will be at Hexham, and it won’t be too long after Coffs opens that they’ll be gone as well.

“That will mean people will be able to travel between Sydney and Brisbane without ever having to stop at a traffic light.

“At the moment there are 12 sets in Coffs Harbour alone. It will make such a difference when they’re gone.

“Getting traffic onto this short section of the new alignment for the first time is a huge achievement.”

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Transport company issues apology following scrap metal incident on M1

The transport company that owns the truck that spilled metal scraps onto the M1 Pacific Motorway early this morning has issued a statement about the incident that has left hundreds of vehicles with damaged tyres.

“We’re taking full responsibility for what’s happened and are very sorry for any damage and disruption that’s been caused,” said Daniel Falconer, General Manager NJ Ashton, in a statement shared online shortly after the incident.

The scrap metal that spilled from the truck. Image: NSW Rural Fire Service

Started over 40 years ago, NJ Ashton is based in Marulan and specialises in bulk haulage, quarry materials and earthworks.

At around 5am this morning, one of its trucks was involved in an incident that closed the M1 Pacific Motorway southbound between Ourimbah and Mount White.

This was due to a truck losing its load of scrap metal, with debris scattered along the road.

Falconer said that the company’s immediate priority is to help with the clean-up.

“As soon as we were notified about the accident, we sent every qualified mechanic we have to assist authorities and help get drivers back on the road,” he said.

“We still don’t fully understand how this occurred. At this stage it appears to have been an accident.

“Once the cleanup is resolved, we’ll investigate what went wrong.

“The truck driver has been doing the run for about a year and is experienced, and our fleet is regularly serviced and maintained. We have always held ourselves to the highest standards and are in full compliance with all certifications and regulations.

“We take our public responsibility and commitment to the communities in which we operate very seriously.

“The insurance company, Elders, has advised us that all reasonable costs are covered under our policy.”

Anyone who has been affected by the incident is asked to contact NJ Ashton via info@njashton.com.au.

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Work underway on new ablution block on Barkly Hwy

Work is underway on a new toilet block at David Hall Monument rest area between Mount Isa and Camooweal on the Barkly Highway.

In a note to industry this week, the Heavy Vehicles Unit of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said the rest area will remain closed for the duration of the works which are due to finish on Tuesday, May 20.

TMR said a new ablution block is being installed to encourage drivers to stop, rest and reduce fatigue.

“The works will involve asphalt resurfacing of the access to the facility to extend the life of the road pavement and reduce the formation of potholes. This will improve safety and travelling conditions for road users,” TMR said.

“The resurfacing works may include the use of machinery to mill the existing road materials. This process may cause noise and vibrations.

“We apologise for any disruptions and thank the community for their patience and cooperation during these important works.”

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Traffic chaos as section of major highway closed after truck loses load

A section of the M1 Pacific Motorway is currently closed after a truck lost a load of scrap metal at around 5am this morning.

The road is closed southbound between Ourimbah and Mount White due to a large amount of metal debris on the road.

NSW Rural Fire Service says that around 300 vehicles, including emergency vehicles, have reportedly sustained shredded tyres.

“Please avoid the area and delay travel if possible,” the NSW Rural Fire Service continued, adding that the road is expected to remain closed for some time.

Commenting on the incident, the NRMA said, “Millions of pieces of metal have been scatted by a truck along a 25km route southbound on the M1 between Palmdale and the Mooney Mooney Bridge.

“So far we’ve had more than 200 calls from members who have tyre damage after driving down the M1.”

Transport for NSW is advising motorists to use the Pacific Highway instead from Ourimbah and allow plenty of extra travel time. However added, “This is not suitable for B-doubles, which are being parked.”

The closure on the M1 Pacific Motorway southbound. Image: TfNSW
For up to date info on the incident, click here.

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#PicOfTheDay – Bradley O’meley

This great sunrise pic was captured at Binalong, NSW, while heading homebound.

We’ll choose a pic to appear in our Facebook cover slot, and will publish some of the best pics in our upcoming print edition of Big Rigs where you now also have a chance to win a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.

 

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Victorian drivers face steep fines for not slowing down for towies and roadside crews

New laws passed this week mean Victoria drivers must slow down to 40km/h for a wider range of roadside assistance crews from July 1 or face a $960 fine.

The 40km/h slow down rules previously only applied when emergency services and VicRoads incident response vehicles were stopped roadside, but extended rules were announced by the state government on Wednesday.

Workers from accident towing companies, breakdown towing, roadside assistance, Peninsula Link Incident Response, Eastlink Incident Response and Transurban Incident Response will be now be covered by the change.

“Incident response, roadside assistance and breakdown towing vehicles are there for us when we are in need – this change acknowledges the risks they take and our commitment to keeping them safe,” Roads Minister Melissa Horne said.

“It is the responsibility of all drivers to familiarise themselves with this road rule and to always slow to 40km/h past responding vehicles – for the safety of workers and all road users.”

The rule applies when motorists see any vehicle with flashing red, blue, magenta or yellow lights stopped on the side of the road.

RACV welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement that Road Rule 79A will be expanded to protect emergency roadside workers, tow truck drivers, and their customers.

RACV General Manager of Automotive Services Makarla Cole said the amendment addresses a safety issue in the Victorian road rules and aligns Victoria with other Australian states.

“Since 2017, drivers on Victorian roads have had to slow down to 40 kms per hour when passing emergency services vehicles at the side of the road,” Cole said.

“For the past two years, RACV has called on the Victorian Government to include roadside assistance vans, such as RACV patrol vans, and tow trucks in this rule.”

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