Personnel Articles , ,

Global experience: Hiroshi Nishizaka has held key roles for Isuzu in international markets over his 32-year career, most recently as chief of Isuzu Truck South Africa.

Global experience: Hiroshi Nishizaka has held key roles for Isuzu in international markets over his 32-year career, most recently as chief of Isuzu Truck South Africa.

ISUZU Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the appointment of Hiroshi Nishizaka as managing director and CEO, replacing Koichi ‘Mike’ Yoda who returned to Japan recently after four years at the helm of the market-leading heavy commercial vehicle brand.

Mr Nishizaka has more than 33 years’ experience with the Japanese auto giant, working throughout the company’s global network in engineering and product planning areas.

He has held a variety of senior positions in key markets including Japan, North America and, most recently, South Africa, where for the past four years he served as Isuzu Truck South Africa chief executive.

“Australia is held in extremely high regard by Isuzu Motors Japan and I’m keen to contribute to the continued global success of the brand throughout the region,” Mr Nishizaka said.

“In my time I have seen and experienced the importance of customer care and the key contribution this makes to our brand and reputation.

“I am excited to continue to work on these key focus points and build on the strong history of business success here in Australia. I will strive to ensure the highest level of effectiveness in sales and operations is achieved and maintained.

“Koichi Yoda achieved a great deal during his time here, and I feel extremely honoured to be picking up where he left off, and look forward to a prosperous future here in Melbourne.”

IAL director and chief operating officer Phil Taylor added: “We’re looking forward to getting to know Nishizaka-san and working together to ensure Isuzu Trucks remain the number-one name in Australian trucking.”

Isuzu is the leading heavy commercial vehicle brand in Australia, currently holding a 25 per cent share of the market with 4619 sales to the end of July – up 15.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Its closest competitor is Hino, which has a 13.4 per cent share with 2455 sales YTD, while Mitsubishi Fuso (2043) and Mercedes-Benz Trucks (1901) are not far behind.

Last year, Isuzu racked up 7442 sales, up 4.1 per cent on 2014.

By Terry Martin

Hiroshi_Nishizaka_lower

Manheim
Manheim
Manheim
Gumtree
PitcherPartners
AdTorque Edge
MotorOne
Gumtree
DealerCell
Schmick