The winner of Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) 2023 Truck of the Year competition has been announced, with a Northern Territory based rig taking out this year’s honours.
VTG Waste & Recycling in the Northern Territory has taken the title, winning the $6000 grand prize for an FYJ 300-350 8×4 model which is used for recycling and commercial waste disposal in Darwin.
Managing director of VTG Waste & Recycling, James Prakash, entered the truck into the competition.
“Isuzu trucks are reliable, functional and well-suited to the tough environment of the Top End,” he said.
“We understand that giving our employees the right tool for the job is key to making service delivery happen efficiently and our custom green Isuzu fleet is a huge part of that.”
Along with taking out the major prize, VTG Waste & Recycling also took out the prize for ‘King of the FY Series’.
Several series prizes and a people’s choice accolade also formed part of the awards, with each winner receiving $1000.
On the heavier end of the spectrum, taking out the ‘King of the FX Series’ award was Sam Docker from Treesafe Environmental Services with their FXZ 240-350.
The arboriculture business operates the truck throughout south-east Queensland. “When it comes to Isuzu you know you have the best option of truck on the road, and that gets put back into your business,” said Docker.
Named ‘King of the N Series’ was Tassie based DJ Bourke Excavations with their NQR 87-190 Tipper, owned by Dylan Bourke.
With enough payload to carry a backhoe and a towing capacity to haul a skid steer loader, the truck has proved to be a great fit for the excavation company.
Taking the gong for ‘King of the F Series’ was Daniel Taglieri from Lolico Painting & Maintenance with his FRR 110-260.
It’s fitted with a custom-built tray and the team uses the rig to conduct their trade around Calder Park in Victoria.
“We designed the tray ourselves to carry tools and equipment,” said Taglieri.
“We store plasterboard top and bottom, it has a custom canopy and storage space, and has been fitted with a custom ramp at the rear for all our demolition needs.”
“We store plasterboard top and bottom, it has a custom canopy and storage space, and has been fitted with a custom ramp at the rear for all our demolition needs.”
Truck of the Year entrants also have a further chance to win via the People’s Choice poll which is conducted on Isuzu Australia’s socials over the holiday period.
The People’s Choice winner will receive a $1000 Visa cash card.
Isuzu has now been running its Truck of the Year Competition for over 30 years.
IAL national marketing and advertising manager, Sam Gangemi, said a large number of entries spanning a wide range of industry applications made the choice of winners difficult, but well-deserved.
“Selecting the winners for the competition is a great way to round out the year but it is also hard work with so many fantastic entries to consider,” he said.
“We’ve seen it all this year, from mining trucks to waste recyclers, crane trucks, trade heroes and service units.
“I would like to take the opportunity to warmly congratulate our prize winners and thank the many Isuzu truck owners who took the time to enter.”