Kiwi technicians on the podium at Isuzu Trucks‘ World Challenge

2 Minutes•By NZ Trucking magazine•December 13, 2018

Marc Ebolo (managing director Holden NZ), Dmitriy Velikanov (Isuzu NZ service support manager), Bruce Clarke (Isuzu NZ product and aftersales manager), Colin Muir (general manager Isuzu Trucks NZ), Aaron Toumoua and James Hotton (I-1GP NZ team representatives).

The Isuzu World Technical Competition, the I-1 Grand Prix, took place in Japan last week, with the New Zealand team achieving an impressive third place finish in the 13th edition of the prestigious international competition.

There were 32 countries represented at the event with almost 100 competitors participating and more than 1200 observers and supporters in attendance.

“New Zealand has a proud history at the I-1GP event, consistently placing in the top five, so to claim another medal result speaks volumes about the skill, speed and expertise of our team, as well as coaching provided by Isuzu service support manager, Dmitriy Velikanov,” said Isuzu Trucks New Zealand general manager Colin Muir.

“The achievements of our technicians should provide our customers here in New Zealand with peace of mind knowing that some of the very best mechanics in the world are working on their Isuzu trucks.”

The New Zealand team comprised Aaron Toumoua and James Hotton, both from Isuzu Master Truck Dealer CablePrice Wellington.

James Hotton and Aaron Toumoua competing.

To qualify for the competition, contestants participated in domestic qualifying rounds in July, undertaking theory and practical sections. The two top scoring finalists were selected to represent the country, and they then underwent a period of intense training to ready them for the event.

“Accomplishments such as this contributes to our reputation and positively influences the perception of our brand in the local market,” said Muir.

“In turn, it strengthens our competitive advantage and, together with the world-class Isuzu product, will help cement our position in the market as we strive to achieve 19 years of consecutive leadership as the country‘s leading provider of new trucks.”

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