Isuzu Truck (UK) – the distributor of light and heavy commercial vehicles – and Isuzu UK – the importer of the Isuzu D-Max pick-up – have joined forces with four other manufacturers to become partners of ‘Van Excellence’, the award winning accreditation scheme pioneered by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) to encourage high standards of van operation and driving.
As Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck explains, “With lighter weight vehicles there is much confusion and a myriad of rules and regulations regarding towing. The requirement of an Operator’s Licence and the use of tachographs are just two of the many issues that are often misunderstood. Both the Isuzu N35.150 3.5t Grafter and the Isuzu D-Max pick-up have impressive towing capabilities and there is a considerable overlap between the customers of Isuzu Truck and Isuzu UK. The combined expert knowledge and joint dealer expertise that is shared between both companies will provide invaluable input to the ongoing development of the Van Excellence programme. We want the Isuzu brand to be recognised as providers of expert advice regarding towing rules and regulations.”
William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, added: “I am pleased that Isuzu Truck and Isuzu UK are supporting the FTA’s efforts to raise the standards of van operators in the UK. Of the 2,431 Isuzu pick-ups bought in 2011, 80 per cent were fitted with tow bars. While every driver is responsible for their own safety and that of other road users, there is a need for drivers of commercial vehicles carrying or towing heavy loads, for example, to be equipped with the appropriate additional skills. I am confident that the Van Excellence programme will help improve the image of van drivers as its efforts to promote higher driving standards gain traction.”
Tags: Isuzu D-Max, Isuzu Vans