Isuzu Truck Australia has following the launch of its all-new model range at recent Brisbane Truck Show, by celebrating what it describes is the pinnacle of its customer care and support operation with what it calls, its “Team Elite Gala Awards Dinner”.
The company declared that parts, service, and sales representatives from dealerships nationwide were gathered at Brisbane’s Customs House to recognise the achievements of its “Team Elite” to commemorate 36 consecutive years of its leadership of the truck market in this country.
The Isuzu Team Elite program is now in its 22nd year, of what the company describes as “promoting excellence in all facets of customer service” as well as highlighting the technical expertise and professional development across its dealer network.
The 2024 Team Elite Sales Awards for 2024 culminated in the National Champion sales consultant competition, hosted at Isuzu head office at Truganina in Melbourne.
Three top-performing sales consultants from the Isuzu Trucks dealer network were selected to compete in the finals: Richard Pineros of Blacklocks Isuzu Victoria, Ben Dean of Dwyers Truck Centre in NSW, and Joshua Tuddenham of Westar Truck Centre in Victoria.
Isuzu said that competitors were assessed across three critical dimensions: product knowledge, brand expertise, and detailed familiarity with specific truck models, with the evaluation process including a mix of written and practical tests, including simulated sales engagements.
Isuzu’s head of sales, Craig White, presented the top award to Joshua Tuddenham of Westar Truck Centre.
“For Joshua to be named the best of the group is not only a testament to his performance but also the support provided by Westar Truck Centre,” said White.
“These awards are aptly named—Isuzu’s elite are recognised and rewarded for an exceptional 2024.
“This outstanding group embodies Isuzu’s customer-first approach, and the real winners are the businesses that rely on Isuzu trucks to keep Australia moving.
“With the recent launch of our all-new truck range at the Brisbane Truck Show, our award recipients and the broader dealer network can look forward to a dynamic and energised 2025 and beyond.”
Joshua Tuddenham expressed his excitement at being named Isuzu’s Team Elite National sales champion.
“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised among such talented peers,” said Tuddenham.
“This award reflects the passion and dedication our whole team at Westar brings to the table and we’re proud to represent the Isuzu brand.”
“The new trucks are soon to hit all the Isuzu dealerships and for us at Westar Trucks we can’t wait for customers to experience Euro6 updates, the safety changes and the nine-speed transmission on vehicles that can be driven on a car license is a game changer.”
Winners In the parts category of the 2024 Team Elite Awards, were, Ashley Ryan of Patterson Cheney Trucks of Victoria, Chris Richardson of Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood in NSW, Bobby Menechella of Northeast Isuzu Burton in South Australia, Michell Martin of Geelong Isuzu in Victoria, Will Metcalf of Ballarat Isuzu(also in Victoria, Shaun Elliott of Central Isuzu in Queensland and Grant Davey of Wagga Motors in NSW.
In the Service category of the 2024 Team Elite Awards, the major winners were, David Ireland of Major Motors in WA, Jamie Kirkland of Dwyers Truck Centre in NSW, Kade Morley of Blacklocks Isuzu, Scott Sell of Westar and Jonnie Arnel of Ballarat Isuzu all in Victoria, Clint O’Reilly of Wagga Motors in southern NSW, Wayne Murphy of Patterson Cheney Trucks in Melbourne, Luke Bishop of Webster Trucks in Tasmania and Paul Capes of Gippsland Truck Centre in Victoria.
Isuzu claims it continues to invest in its Team Elite program as part of it philosophy of never being one to rest on past success, and to demonstrate its long-term commitment to providing top-notch sales, aftersales support, and service to Australian customers.
The company says its initiative rewards staff who are focused on ongoing training, product mastery, and building strong relationships with businesses across a vast range of trades and industries.
In total, Isuzu says that 49 of its Trucks dealer staff were recognised at this year’s gala awards.
“The standards continue to rise each year, and that inspires the network to strive even higher—a testament to their confidence in the Isuzu brand,” said Isuzu Australia’s head of aftersales, Brett Stewart.
“We’ve introduced new award categories, such as service agreement sales, and we’re seeing records broken year after year; in fact, Joshua Tuddenham also secured that accolade in the Sales Consultant category this year.
“Isuzu works closely with its dealers to continuously improve, incorporating their feedback to benefit all 70-plus locations. Our network strength is a key differentiator from other truck brands and one that we know our customers value.
“With a completely new model line-up arriving at dealerships soon, the enthusiasm across the network is palpable—our customers have a lot to look forward to,” Stewart said.
