Technicians from the Isuzu dealer network, representing countries all around the world, recently completed at the 2025 Isuzu World Technical Competition, also known as the I-1 GP, in Japan.
The team of Jonathan (Jono) Elias from Black Truck & Ag in Queensland and Louis Holt from Bendigo Isuzu finished up in a very respectable third place – out of a total field of 37 nations competing in Yokohama in late October.
Under the guidance of Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Technical Training Developer and Team Australia Coach, Alex Redsell, Jonathan and Louis scored a podium finish, taking the bronze in a very strong field of global Isuzu distributors.
They finished behind overall winners Thailand in first place, and Japan who finished in second place.
First held in 2005, the I-1 GP event sees top Isuzu technicians from distributors across the globe compete in both a theoretical and practical technical exercise with proceedings closely scrutinised by a panel of judges from Isuzu Motors Limited.
“This a team result with both Jono and Louis bringing their A game to the competition and a third place is an awesome result,” said proud coach Alex.
“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 first challenge for competitors is a theoretical exercise, with exam-like conditions, however Alex said 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 – this year an Isuzu NLR.
“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,” Alex added.
“It’s no small undertaking and represents the professionalism of all our Isuzu dealers across the country.”
Thrilled with the result, Louis Holt, from Bendigo Isuzu, said the opportunity to represent his country once again was a proud moment. “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.
“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 to 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.”
For Toowoomba’s Jono Elias, the experience to compete at the I-1 GP and visit the Isuzu factory was an opportunity that has helped to boost his confidence.
“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.”
Attending 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 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.”
Selection for the 2026 Team Australia competitors for the I-1 GP will be carried out in late November when Isuzu Australia hold its annual National Technical Skills competition at its Training Centre in Melbourne’s west.