One of the results of the 2021 truck sales figures announced recently was the fact that the leading three Japanese truck manufacturer broke their own sales records in Australia with both Isuzu, Hino and Fuso all setting new records.
For Isuzu it was the 33rd year the maker finished in number one in Australia with 10,175 truck deliveries last year surpassing the previous all-time sales record set by the brand in 2018 with 10,027 sales.
Isuzu’s continued market leadership came following a challenging year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related supply chain issues – affecting retail trade across numerous industries.
Isuzu Trucks finished with an improved market share over 2020, with 24.6 per cent. It’s sales volume for 2021 increased 23 per cent compared to 2020. It also led the way in the light-duty segment, with 5,593 units sold and 39 per cent share.
In medium duty, it finished with 3,067 units sold for 41.5 per cent share of the market, increasing sales volume in the segment by 15 per cent while in heavy duty it held third in the segment, with 1,515 units sold and 11.7 per cent share.
“We certainly don’t believe that the challenges we faced in 2021 were unique to IAL; we know that pretty much every sector of industry and the economy bore the brunt of pressures that upended well established practices and processes,” said Isuzu national sales manager Les Spaltman
IAL Director and COO, Andrew Harbison said the economic support provided by the government has been vital in underpinning the confidence for businesses to invest in capital equipment.
“The stimulus has helped road transport businesses to acquire the additional equipment required to meet the massive spike in demand experienced over the past two years,” Harbisson said.
Meanwhile long time rival and perpetual second place getter, Hino recorded its best ever year with 6,278 deliveries and 18.0 per cent share overall.
“It was a strong result, given supply restrictions, primarily resulting from the global shortage of semi-conductors, had an impact on the final outcome,” said Sam Suda, president and CEO of Hino Australia.
“Despite receiving tremendous support from Hino Japan, maintaining continuity of new truck supply during 2021 to meet customer demand has been challenging – a situation that, unfortunately, we expect to continue moving into 2022.
“Customer reaction to the all-new 700 Series has been phenomenal, with orders across our heavy-duty range exceeding pre-launch expectations – we achieved a market share of 4.5 per cent , which was consistent with our 2020 result but restricted by supply issues,” continued Sam Suda.
“In particular, we have taken more customer orders for the FY3036 and FY3048 8×4 load-share front axle models during the past five months than over the past four years.”
In the first complete year of sales since its mid-2020 launch, the 300 Series has been embraced by Hino customers with 3,346 sales, which translated to a 23.3 per cent light-duty segment share, an increase of 0.9% compared to 2020.
“2021 was one of our strongest years ever for hybrid with over 50 orders,” he said.
“With supply challenges heavily impacting the delivery of 500 Series Standard Cab in the second half of 2021, we finished the year with 31.4 per cent market share in the medium-duty segment.
“While this is a decrease compared to recent years, we are confident the strong customer order base positions Hino for a strong year in 2022,” he continued.
While number three Japanese brand Fuso also set an all-time sales record for Australia as it celebrated 50 years of local Canter sales.
Fuso sold 4770 trucks eclipsing its previous record of 4476 set in 2007, not only posting its best-ever sales in Australia, but was also being the fastest growing truck manufacturer in the Australia last year increasing its share in light, medium and heavy duty truck segments.
Fuso Truck and Bus Australia Director, Alexander Müller, said the Fuso team is very excited to have set a new sales record in 2021.
“We are thrilled to see positive sales growth and are grateful to our customers for their business, their trust and the opportunity to give them the trucks they need to get the job done,” Müller said.
“This result will motivate our team and the Daimler Truck dealer partners even more to deliver the right products and services for our hard working Australian customers to make their life a little easier and them a bit more successful,” concluded.
Fuso’s record year is part of a larger success story at Daimler Truck and Bus Australia, with sibling brands Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Trucks also recording positive results.
“To have all three of our brands grow market share in 2021 demonstrates Daimler Truck’s commitment to lead the Australian market with advanced safety, reduced emissions and lower running costs across our Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso brands is hitting the mark with our customers,” said Daimler president and CEO, Daniel Whitehead
