Isuzu CYZ460 6x4

Isuzu CYZ460 6x4

So, what do you reckon the single best-selling model of New Zealand’s best-selling truck make – Isuzu – is?
The 530-horsepower GIGA maybe – seeing as it’s the flagship for the Japanese brand? Or, probably much more likely, one of its ever-popular light-duty N Series range?
Nope. Surprisingly (even Isuzu Trucks NZ general manager Colin Muir raised an eyebrow when he checked the figures) the best of the best turns out to be a bit of a sleeper – the CYZ460 version of the GIGA range took out that honour in 2017 (from the 2016 incumbent, the little 4x4 NPS). 
The 460 is a one-model, one-spec truck, available only with an Eaton Roadranger 18-speed manual gearbox, steel suspension, heavy-duty front axle and a driveline retarder. And it’s aimed squarely at the tipper market.
Isuzu has been NZ’s best-selling heavy-duty truck make for 18 years, taking over that mantle from Fuso/Mitsubishi. Last year, it remained a clear No.1, selling 1262 trucks (with a 4.5-tonne-plus GVM)….but did have its market share cut from 29.96% in 2016 to 24.23%. 
That was the result of a determined push by Fuso, which – under a new distributor – cranked-up its sales and recovered to second place (with 955 sales) and an 18.33% market share (up from third in 2016, with 10.18%).