Isuzu has already lifted the veil on its 2025 model lineup, which is set to take centre stage at Australia’s largest truck expo in May next year. 

With changing times and business climates, safety has become a pivotal focus for Isuzu’s new product range. The introduction of new mandatory Australian Design Rule (ADR) changes has been a primary driver. These rules include ADR 35/07, which mandates Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on all new heavy vehicles from February 2025, ADR 97/00, requiring Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) from the same date, and ADR 80/04, Australia's counterpart to Euro 6 emission standards, coming into effect from November next year. 

The 2025 lineup spans from the light and medium N Series to the medium-duty F Series and the top-tier FX-FY heavy-duty range of trucks. Isuzu recently hosted an Australian truck media briefing and drive day to showcase these new models. 

Beyond safety, Isuzu’s new generation trucks will come with significant driver comfort and ergonomic improvements, thanks to an all-new cabin structure. These enhancements aim to offer better interior space and appointments, alongside new exterior styling that promises stronger road presence.

Isuzu Australia’s Chief of Product, Matt Sakhaie, highlighted that part of the drive for increased driver comfort and safety improvements is a response to the ongoing global driver shortage, a challenge faced by many countries.

“Driver attraction and retention is a global road transport issue,” Sakhaie said, pointing to the ageing population and the lack of young people entering the profession as key challenges. He emphasised that OEMs like Isuzu can make a significant impact by developing safer, more comfortable work environments for drivers. 

The new N Series, underpinned by updated electrical architecture, includes new safety features such as Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC) and "Miss Acceleration Mitigation" (MAM). This series will also feature Bi-LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and an Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL).

Meanwhile, the MY25 F Series sees an even more substantial safety boost with a baseline suite of 12 active and passive systems, including Auto Lighting System (ALS). This range also integrates the F-ACC cruise control across most models, except for specific manual transmission variants.

At the heavy-duty end, the FX-FY Series is equipped with ESC and F-ACC cruise control, catering to safety needs for highway driving and urban operations. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) also adds to the array of features aimed at supporting drivers and enhancing compliance for fleet operators.

Enhanced ergonomic seating, a wider steering range, and improved dashboard controls and displays strive to align these models more closely with driver needs, offering a safer and more comfortable driving experience. The new 7-inch instrument cluster display brings critical safety and vehicle information directly within the driver’s line of sight, further highlighting Isuzu's commitment to both safety and driver wellbeing.

“These in-cabin features, while sometimes considered peripheral, underline the detailed consideration that has gone into the new designs focused on driver well-being,” Sakhaie added. 

With these comprehensive upgrades, Isuzu aims not only to maintain its market leadership but also to address industry-wide challenges in driver recruitment and retention through groundbreaking advances in truck design and safety.