On its return to the CV Show this year, commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Truck UK is launching a brand-new service for the UK market with the introduction of 'I-Vision'.

This newly created division within Isuzu Truck's UK business organisation will, for the first time, be offering UK operators the full range of vehicle telematics included within Isuzu Motors Japan's proven online Mimamori system. The I-Vision presentation area will be included within the main Isuzu truck stand. Also on display will be a selection of vehicles from Isuzu Truck's 2012 product line up with vehicles at 3.5, 7.5 and 11.00 tonnes GVW, in municipal, temperature controlled and dry freight specifications.

Announcing details of this latest development, Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck said: “Designed purely for commercial vehicles, I-Vision will offer vehicle telematics, to include a comprehensive suite of additional information solutions. We have recognised that operators may require a total solution, which could include routing, or job management; with this in mind we are able to offer integrated systems if required, all backed by the global resources of Isuzu Motors Japan. I-Vision introduces Japanese technology for the European CV market and will offer customers complete driving and vehicle intelligence. Not only does I-Vision provide standard vehicle tracking and two-way messaging facilities but also offers additional intelligent features such as driver style characteristics, fuel consumption and vehicle diagnostics/prognostics.”

Mimamori is proven technology, developed by Isuzu Motors in Japan and is being extensively used in the Japanese domestic market where over 40,000 vehicles are currently using it to improve operational efficiencies and reporting.

I-Vision systems can be fitted to mixed marque fleets with new or existing vehicles. As Keith Child said; “In today's tough economic climate, operators need accurate monitoring information at their fingertips in order to manage decisions and improve operating efficiency. With fuel, driver's labour costs and vehicle downtime representing significant operational costs, the new range of technology available from the I-Vision team will enable users to gain a greater knowledge of their fleet operations 24/7.”

Taking a closer look at the Isuzu truck products that will be on display, the product line-up continues to make significant progress in the UK commercial vehicle market and, at this year's CV Show, Isuzu will have three models on display as follows:

In municipal specification will be a 3.5 tonne Isuzu Grafter EEV N35.150(S), 4x2 rigid chassis and day cab, with single wheels on the rear axle, fitted with a cage mesh tipper body and rear taillift. Seen at the show in the livery of recycling and waste management company Cory Environmental, this Grafter will be working under contract for Cornwall County Council.

Representing the successful 7.5 tonne GVW model range will be an Isuzu Forward EEV N75.190(E), 4x2 rigid, chassis and day cab, featuring the manufacturer's popular Easyshift transmission system. Specified with an RVL single compartment, temperature-controlled body and Carrier Transicold refrigeration system, this vehicle will be in the latest brand new livery of Fresh Direct (UK) Ltd, the Bicester-based foodservice supplier.

Completing the three-vehicle model line-up will be an Isuzu 11.00 tonne GVW Forward EEV F110.210(E), 4x2 rigid, chassis and day cab and again fitted with the manufacturer's Easyshift transmission system. This vehicle will be featuring a dry freight GRP box body that can typically give operators an impressive payload of around 6.5 tonnes. This is a significant payload especially when you consider its chassis height and compare its footprint to that of many of the European manufacturer's 7.5 tonners. For example, looking at the market-leading DAF product at 7.5 tonnes, its overall cab height is 2.77m, the Isuzu 11.00 tonner is 2.51m. The width of the DAF and the Isuzu cabs is the same, 2.2m. The chassis height of the DAF is 0.88m and the Isuzu is 0.82m. And finally the chassis/cab payload potential of a DAF is 4200kgs whilst the Isuzu offers 7790, that's 3590kgs more.