Northern Electric Distribution transport fleet operate first ever Isuzu commercial truck

With a payload of 3330kgs, the first ever Isuzu 7.5tonne rigid to operate in the Northern Electric Distribution transport fleet can carry almost one tonne more payload than its predecessor.

Delivering cable and stores materials to depots around the North East, the Isuzu N75.190 has replaced an incumbent DAF 7.5tonner that had a maximum payload capacity of just 2400kgs.

According to Steve Harrison, Contracts Manager at Vehicle Lease & Service (VLS), the commercial vehicle procurement company for Northern Electric, “We were always aware that Isuzu had impressive payload potential, but never expected such an increase. The added payload allows us to further improve distribution productivity, which is key to Northern Electric.”

Supplied to VLS by local Isuzu dealer Washington Truck & Van, the Isuzu N75.190 rigid has been specified with the popular EasyShift transmission and is fitted with a curtainsided body, complete with taillift. Operating out of the main Northern Electric Distribution depot in Middlesbrough, the Isuzu has been acquired on a 7 year contract with VLS, and is expected to cover in the region of 30,000 miles per annum.

The decision by Northern Electric Distribution, part of CE Electric UK, to specify Isuzu for the first time came following a week long demonstration programme, where Washington Truck & Van supplied a demo truck for evaluation purposes.

As Steve Harrison says, ”We had an Isuzu for a week to evaluate, which turned out to be an excellent performer. Apart from the obvious payload benefits, the drivers loved it and were impressed by the comfort levels of the cab. Also, the fact that you got a full no-quibble 3 year warranty and breakdown cover as standard was another significant factor in us specifying Isuzu for the first time.”

The popularity of the Isuzu range within the utilities sector is growing, where the truck’s payload and reliable performance are increasingly being recognised. As Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck UK says, “For organisations such a Northern Electric Distribution, who require proven hardworking and reliable trucks, Isuzu certainly ticks all the right boxes. Not forgetting that our market leading payload potential is also the envy of the commercial vehicle industry too.”