This is going to be an interesting 12 months if ever there was…. Gold going gangbusters – up 23% since last August, the high iron ore price still holding, interest rates undergoing adjustments, and question marks about the economy - what next?
One further item likely to raise its head this financial year is the likelihood of more on-the-ground signs of the planned $75 billion resources industry spend-up. This could be good news for the transport industry.
So if nothing else, the year is likely to be an eventful one.
And on that score, the arrangement between Cummins and Isuzu referred to in this edition could be interesting as to what it yields.
Both are powerhouses in the diesel engine industry so a joint project is really something to look forward to because the collaboration has been established with one primary aim – engine development - and who would not welcome that – as it could well translate into greater engine power, better fuel economy or reduced emissions.
Many in the media are making predictions of the joint forces being a gateway for Isuzu to enter the heavy truck sector of the market. We will have to wait and see.
One thing you can be certain of is that the trend in truck manufacturing is greater choice for the customer.
In recent years Isuzu has broadened its range enormously especially with the ready to go bodies and choices in engines. I can see this as just the beginning and that truck buyers are going to be offered an even greater range of options.
From our point of view, it is going to be ever more challenging in keeping abreast of the options, but from the buyer’s point of view this development is fantastic because near-perfect configurations for needs are likely to become the rule.
As I said at the start… interesting times indeed.
In the meantime: When it comes to trucking, if there is anything we can do to help you in your business, do feel welcome to contact us.
Bob Pearce
Managing Director
