North America’s Only Gasoline-Powered Low Cab Forward Truck Reaches Production Milestone in Charlotte, Michigan
ANAHEIM, Calif.—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low cab forward trucks, announced today that the 20,000th gasoline-powered Isuzu N-Series truck has been produced at the Spartan Motors, Inc., facility in Charlotte, Michigan.
The Isuzu N-Series gas truck is the only gasoline-powered low-cab-forward truck available in North America.
Assembly of Isuzu N-Series gas trucks began at Spartan in April 2011.
“It hardly seems possible that it has already been four years since Spartan Motors began production of our gasoline-powered trucks,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, “and that today, 20,000 have now been built. It’s clear that there is a demand for a gas-engine entry in the low cab forward market, and we’re proud that we’re the only brand to meet that need.”
Isuzu N-Series gas trucks are powered by a Vortec 6.0-liter small-block V8 engine that produces 297 horsepower at 4,300 rpm and generates 372 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The power plant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and lock-up torque converter for enhanced fuel economy and performance.
An optional version of the engine is capable of being converted to run on compressed natural gas(CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, or propane). Isuzu is the only brand to offer CNG/LPG-capable low-cab-forward trucks in North America.
A full range of gasoline-powered models is available:
- NPR (12,000-lb. GVWR)
- Single Cab in wheel bases of 109, 132.5, 150 and 176 inches
- Crew Cab in wheelbases of 150 and 176 inches
- NPR-HD (14,500-lb. GVWR)
- Single Cab in wheelbases on 109, 132.5, 150 and 176 inches
- Crew Cab in wheelbases of 150 and 176 inches
“Last year, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Isuzu trucks in the North American market,” Skinner added, “and today we celebrate 20,000 gas trucks since Spartan began assembly four years ago. By offering the broadest range of low cab forward trucks in the market, we’re looking forward to achieving many more milestones in the future.”
About Isuzu
Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., is the distributor of Isuzu commercial vehicles in the United States. Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low cab forward trucksin America every year since 1986. For more information, call (866) 441-9638 or visit www.isuzucv.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and service and delivery markets. The Company’s brand names-SpartanTM, Crimson FireTM, Crimson Fire AerialsTM, and Utilimaster®-are known for quality, value, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,600 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $481 million in 2010 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.
COontacts
Shaun Skinner
Executive Vice President, General Manager
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
Phone: 714-935-9418
E-mail: shaun.skinner@icta-us.com
Brian Tabel
Executive Director, Marketing
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
Phone: 714-935-9425
E-mail brian.tabel@icta-us.com
