Sometimes referred to as the ‘whitegoods’ of the transport industry, the light duty is the single biggest category, consistently outselling heavy trucks and performing a diverse set of roles from oversized ute to miniature pantech.
Undoubtedly the happy hunting grounds of Japanese manufacturers in years gone by, with Isuzu in particular enjoying 21 years of uninterrupted sales dominance in the class, it is now attracting the attention of Korean and Chinese manufacturers, while European heavy duty van cab-chassis are also racking up some handy numbers in the sales war.
As with all categories of commercial vehicles, the introduction of ADR 80/03 emission regulations is changing the face of light duty trucks, with even cleaner engines arriving as manufacturers chase the double whammy of fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Hyundai is the first of the new entries to establish itself in Australia, and are obviously looking to leverage the existing brand name in the search for truck buyers.
Initially just three models are on sale each with plenty of bang for the buck, with a high level of equipment at a competitive price, along with a stand out warranty that should keep most operators happy for the life of the vehicle.
Isuzu are the most recent to upgrade their light duty trucks, which now feature touch screen entertainment systems, including the option of a satellite navigation system, air conditioning and even driver and passenger airbags, while the Premium models also score a suspension seat for the driver.
Isuzu is sticking with its proven DPD technology to ensure emission compliance under ADR 80/03, and have also opted to pursue the strictest of the three options by obtaining Euro 5 certification for the N-Series range.
With plenty of attention on the race to secure alternative fuels to diesel, Isuzu is following the natural gas path, and now offers N-Series with a CNG option which exceeds the required emission laws, but still struggles with the relative scarcity of public refuelling points for natural gas.
Tighter regulations
Not to be out-done, Hino and Fuso are both paying close attention to the needs of the driver, with cabin upgrades aimed at keeping them competitive from the new year onwards.
Hino is now also using the particulate filter technology for the 300 Series, like Isuzu opting for Euro 5 compliance, as the regulations become tighter on the amount of soot being emitted from truck exhausts.
For the operator, there are now larger, European-style power operated mirrors, with power operation and electric heating.
While the cab interiors have only had minor alterations, with standard air conditioning, height and reach adjustable steering and a decent AM/FM/CD stereo.
Hino chose to bring its diesel/electric hybrid technology to Australia in 2007, starting with the superseded Dutro, however in the 300 Series the Hybrid became a full production version and is now entering into widespread service with customers around Australia.
While it is not limited by refuelling infrastructure, unlike the Isuzu CNG range, the hybrid performs at its best in stop and start traffic, which uses the regenerative braking to recharge the batteries as well as making use of the electric motor to assist the diesel engine in getting the truck moving, the key ingredient in cutting diesel fuel usage.
Weight penalty
Fuso is also now offering a diesel/electric hybrid option in the Canter range, with similar benefits and drawbacks as the Hino version.
After testing both hybrid models, it is clear the major drawback for both brands is the weight penalty imposed by the battery packs, which unfortunately must be subtracted from the maximum permitted payload, however for dedicated intra-urban operations requiring the lowest possible emissions in stop-start driving both trucks mount a strong case for themselves.
As with the others, Fuso ensures a comfortable work area, with airconditioning, upmarket stereo, and cloth upholstery, which helps reduce in-cab noise even further.
The Canter also offers standard Hill Start Assist and all-wheel disc brakes, helping to take the strain out of the driving chore.
From a safety perspective, all entrants in this class offer ABS braking, with many versions also offering all-wheel discs, although drum brakes are specified for certain tasks.
The adoption of ECE 29 crash worthiness regulations is another area where light trucks are safer than ever before, with cabs destruction tested to ensure compliance and operator protection.
Adding to the competition in the light duty sector, the first quarter of 2011 is expected to see the Australian launch of the Chinese-built JAC Trucks. The trucks will be imported into Australia by White Motor Corporation, which currently imports Higer buses from China.