The competition for Isuzu truck technicians, also known as the I-1 GP,  was represented by Jonathan (Jono) Elias from Black Truck & Ag in Queensland and Louis Holt from Bendigo Isuzu. They scored third overall in a total field of 37 nations at the competition held in Yokohama in late October.

(L-R) coach Alex Redsell; and competitors Louis Holt and Jon Elias

Under the guidance of Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) technical training developer and Team Australia coach, Alex Redsell, Elias and Holt were triumphant in the face of sustained competition, placing ahead of a very strong field of global Isuzu distributors. 

The podium placings at the 2025 I-1 GP Teams competition were first place to Thailand, second to Japan and third to Australia. ​ 

Isuzu this month will start selection for the 2026 Team Australia for next year’s I-1 GP when IAL holds its annual national technical skills competition at its training centre in western Melbourne. 

First held in 2005, the I-1 GP event sees the best of Isuzu technicians from international distributors compete in both a theoretical and practical technical exercise under scrutiny by a panel of judges from Isuzu Motors Limited.

Awards ceremony Yokohama – the podium placings 2025 I-1 GP Teams, first place to Thailand, second to Japan and third to Australia.

Mr Redsell said: “This a team result with both Jono and Louis bringing their A game to the competition and a third place is an awesome result.”

“No doubt the heat is on when the spotlight is shone on the guys, but they worked through the tests and met the challenge. 

“The theoretical exercise is the first hurdle with exam-like conditions, however the pressure cooker of the practical test is where the teamwork really shows, as they work to solve a range of complex technical issues on the truck, which this year was an NLR.”

Mr Redsell said that on behalf of the whole aftersales team in Australia “I’d like to thank our competitors and their home dealerships for their commitment and investment in the preparation for the competition this year.”

“It’s no small undertaking and represents the professionalism of all our Isuzu dealers across the country,” he said.

For competitor Louis Holt, it was the second time he represented his country in the event.

I-1 GP – Jon Elias

“This competition is the best of the best in the world of Isuzu technicians, and this was my second opportunity representing Australia after competing a couple of years ago,” he said.

“This year we bettered that result and bringing home some silverware is a tremendous thrill. 

“I have been humbled with all the support I have received from previous teachers, trainers and coaches who collectively contributed to achieve the result in Japan.

“We put in the training in the lead up to the event; working alongside Jono to achieve this result against a tough field and in the stress of the size and scale of the event was huge reward for the effort.”

Toowoomba’s Jono Elias or Black Truck & Ag said the experience of the competition and visiting the Isuzu factory was an opportunity that lifts his confidence.

I-1 GP – Louis Holt

“The I-1 GP was a whole new level of experience — it really pushes your skills and knowledge,” he said. 

“Working with Loui and Alex, who I had never met before, was an amazing experience. The dynamic was great, and both are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. ​ 

“Everyone brought their best, and it made the whole event even more rewarding. 

“The competition was organised so professionally, and visiting the Isuzu factory in person was eye-opening. The scale and efficiency are just unbelievable.” 

In attendance at the event in Yokohama was IAL managing director and CEO Takeo Shindo and head of aftersales Brett Stewart. 

“The competition and result was a fantastic outcome for Team Australia and the dealer network,” said Mr Stewart. 

“IAL puts a great deal of value in training, and the very best technicians from our market leading dealer network get to come to this competition which over the years has grown in numbers and stature. 

“A lot is said about the need for more skilled service technicians, and I would encourage people to look at the Isuzu dealer network as a place to forge a long-standing career as the rewards can include you representing your country on a global stage. 

“For our customers, this achievement reflects the skills evident across the Isuzu dealer network – no one knows Isuzu trucks better than our dealers and their top-performing technician teams and it’s great to see this recognised in a global context.”

By Neil Dowling