A team from Isuzu Australia has taken third place at the Isuzu World Technical Competition, known as the I-1 Grand Prix in Fujisawa, Japan.
The Isuzu Australia team, coached by IAL service technical manager for WA, SA and NT, Charlie Gracewood, consisted of Matthew Radke from Black Trucks in Toowoomba, and Michael Primmer of Winter and Taylor in Geelong, finished in third just behind USA in second place, and Japan, which won the comp outright.
Matthew Radke and Michael Primmer were chosen as Australia’s representatives through the Isuzu national technical skills competition, which saw them pitted against the best Isuzu truck technicians from the country, competing in complex, high-pressure tests and excelling in all components of the competition—cementing themselves a spot on the Australia team.
In preparation for the I-1 GP, the team underwent an intensive three-week training program, which included theoretical exams, complex practical tests and time challenges. According to Isuzu the intensity of the training increases year on year, mirroring the increasing level of difficulty at the I-1 Grand Prix competition.
The competition tests technicians from the international Isuzu network on all things service-related—vehicle inspections, systems management, practical assembly, diagnosis, repair tests, mechanical measuring and problem-solving. The competition is split into two categories: global markets that sell vehicles above the Euro IV emissions levels (including Australia), and markets below that grade.
The I-1 GP reiterates Isuzu’s promise of quality and reliability by creating a competitive environment where dealerships strive to provide quicker quality servicing, diagnostics and repair—which ultimately means less downtime for customers while ensuring more than just symptomatic relief.
Isuzu Australia national training manager David Smith commended the team for their effort.
“I believe that the Australia team’s result at the I-1 Grand Prix is truly indicative of the calibre of the service technicians throughout the entire Isuzu dealer network,” he said.
“IAL has always been very proud of its talented pool of Isuzu technicians, and placing on the podium amid such a strong group is validation of that fact.”
“We always go expecting to win, but it’s a very tough competition, so we’re very pleased with the result.
“The competition has definitely grown in stature and so a lot of preparation and a lot of training goes into it.
“For the Isuzu truck customer, this can only benefit them when it comes to repairs and receiving quality service every time.”
