New global partnership announced by major truck rivals

News of an international agreement between Isuzu Motors Limited, Hino Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation has been welcomed by Isuzu’s Australian arm.

The announcement to establish a global partnership in commercial vehicles is predicated on the intention of the three parties to combine Toyota’s CASE technologies with the commercial vehicle foundations cultivated by Isuzu and Hino.

The venture will see joint development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), autonomous driving technologies, including but not limited to electronic platforms for light duty commercial vehicles.

Isuzu Australia Limited Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison applauded the latest strategic technology alliance by Isuzu’s parent company in Japan.

“With the building of a connected technology platform another key objective of the collaboration, we see a clear path for Isuzu in this critical response to the challenges facing the commercial vehicle industry and our customers,” he said.

The announcement noted that while there was healthy market competition between Isuzu and Hino, each company also shared a passion for better logistics solutions and improved living and societal conditions for all.

“Through collaboration, the companies are aiming to reduce the final product cost, providing broader access to these new technologies to more customers,” said Harbison.

“We’ve long advocated for strong competition in order to deliver the best outcomes for the road transport industry, and this announcement points to exciting developments and technology solutions for our customers in the future,” he continued.

“In the meantime, and as emphasised by Isuzu Motors President and Representative Director Masanori Katayama and Hino Motors President and CEO Yoshio Shimo, the two companies will remain fierce competitors in truck sales.

“We look forward to years of healthy Australian truck market rivalry with our competitors Hino, and indeed all local industry OEMs, it only means a better industry.”

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