New Zealand’s top-selling truck brand in 2021 is reporting high levels of stock available to meet customer orders through 2022.

FUSO New Zealand (FNZ) says it has secured 1,250 new units across its light, medium and heavy-duty truck ranges, with vehicles either on the ground or shortly to arrive to our shores. 

The total order exceeds the 1,096 registered units that saw FUSO lead NZ truck and bus sales in 2021 and is indicative of the high level of customer demand anticipated by FNZ, says managing director Kurtis Andrews.

“We have secured stock across our entire range; so across light to heavy duty, we’re in a great position to meet the industry’s needs,” says Andrews.

“Also, due to Shogun’s popularity, in particular the 510hp models, we’ve doubled down on this stock. The attributes across the Shogun range are world-class and we’ve placed a big order and backed ourselves and our dealer network to meet this significantly increased demand.

Andrews said that securing stock in strong numbers “at every opportunity” has been a key priority for the FNZ team over recent months and reflects efforts to stay ahead of global supply chain disruptions.

He added that being a wholly independent NZ-owned distributor has enabled FNZ to react quicker to market changes and opportunities than some other brands.

“We are fully Kiwi owned and operated with a vast amount of local experience across our team,” said Andrews. “Being right here on the ground, with strong communication into our dealer network and direct access to our supplier, means we can be nimble and act quickly to service our customers’ needs. It’s all part of what we mean when we say ‘We Look After Our Own’.

“Our dealer network is critical in identifying customer demand and in developing and servicing those customer relationships. We have worked hard over the past few years to strengthen the FUSO network and continue to work closely with our dealers to ensure an extremely high standard of customer satisfaction. 

“Available stock is obviously central to that and we have full confidence in our network to deliver on the orders we have placed.”

Andrews says he has further confidence in FNZ’s strategy based on the high level of safety and Euro 6 fuel-efficient technology now available throughout the FUSO range, answering operators’ increasing demands in terms of sustainability, health and safety, and in the face of rising diesel costs.

Fuso finished 2021 as the top-selling truck brand in New Zealand, ending a 21-year run by rival Isuzu as the market leader.