FUSO has ended Isuzu’s 21-year run as New Zealand’s best-selling truck – achieving a goal set five and a half years ago.

When Fuso New Zealand (FNZ) was appointed the new FUSO distributor in late 2016 it immediately went public with its ambition to return Daimler Truck’s Japanese brand to the No. 1 spot in the NZ new truck market.

The make had been the market leader for six years until Isuzu took over the top spot in 2000. 

FUSO had languished in third place (behind Isuzu and Hino) for three years before the distribution rights for the make were taken from Mitsubishi Motors NZ and given to FNZ – a company set up by longtime FUSO dealer Keith Andrews Trucks.

FNZ MD Kurtis Andrews said then that the distribution deal provided an exciting challenge – and a great opportunity to return FUSO to market-leader status, although he conceded: “There is significant work to be done to re-establish FUSO as the No. 1 truck brand in NZ.”

Now Andrews says: “We are all extremely proud...

“Since Fuso NZ was established, one of our milestones was to reclaim the top market position. We knew we could only get there if customers valued what we have to offer and we promised to deliver better and to look after our own. This result is the outcome of that.”

He credits the loyalty of FUSO customers and “the passion and commitment” of the FNZ team and dealerships across the country for delivering the result.

FNZ says it has “delivered a renewed focus for the manufacturer in this country, across every aspect of customer experience. 

“The FUSO dealer network has been further strengthened, parts stock and supply has significantly increased, and a slew of new models have expanded options for NZ truck and bus operators.”

Over the past five years, FNZ has introduced the big-selling Canter Tipper, the Enduro workhorse range and returned to the market the popular Shogun badge – on an all-new, Euro 6 lineup of medium to heavy-duty trucks, headlined by the latest 510 horsepower models.

FNZ points out that advanced safety features are now standard across its light, medium and heavy-duty offerings, while the FUSO eCanter – “the world’s first series-produced electric light truck” – is now in work here with “emission-conscious customers.”

For an in-depth look at the 2021 NZ truck market results, turn to CrediFlex Recently Registered on Page 102.