Isuzu releases N-Series trucks; plans to target landscape market
22 Feb, 2007 By: Daniel G. Jacobs LM Direct!LAS VEGAS — With light and special effects show worthy of half time at the Super Bowl General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC launched the new N-Series line of trucks in Las Vegas recently. All that was missing was Prince and the National Anthem. Landscape Management was invited to the show, as Isuzu talked about doing more to target specific applications, like landscaping. Here's some of what we learned that Isuzu had in store.
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The new truck series is ready for the 2008 model year and offers more cab room, enhanced safety features and more power. In addition the low cab forward truck meets the more stringent emissions standards that went into effect at the beginning of the year.
The N-Series offers a more spacious cab, with more side-to-side and front-to-back room. This results in more seat travel, as well as increased headroom, shoulder room and legroom – on both standard and crew cab models.
The new models also provide more modern dashboard with a full complement of easy-to-see gauges and warning lamps. It features a 5-din opening for such optional equipment as radios, GPS systems and rear view cameras. The front of the cab features an easy-to-remove panel for easy access to the wiper motor and linkage, electrical cab connections and air intake filters, facilitating maintenance of these items. Storage areas abound in the 2008 N-Series, including in the seat backs, dashboard, glove box, overhead storage shelves and rear storage organizer. There are also large map pockets built into the new, fully trimmed door panels and cup holders in the center console for oversized drinks and in the dash for regular-sized cans and cups.
Gas or diesel
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The new model comes in a gas or a diesel model. And depending on how the trucks are used, which model you buy can make a huge difference in operating cost.
“Landscapers and (those in) other industries still don’t understand that vehicles that are produced in this country or sold in this country, that are produced after the first of January 2007 have to meet these strict standards,” says Todd Bloom, vice president marketing General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC.
What that means for those buying newly manufactured vehicles, the price of the truck will go up between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the vehicle. The old models are still available for now, but Isuzu is looking for incremental sales growth and plans to achieve it through targeted marketing.
“I need to attack different applications,” Bloom says. “Let’s say for instance I do not offer my crew cab in a gas version. Many (landscape contractors) are putting (fewer) miles on vehicles a year. I will open up a whole new market in the landscaping industry when I start selling the crew cab in the gas version. It will be a huge, huge success. The majority of my incremental sales are going to come from landscaping and some construction.”
Gas has its advantages
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“Isuzu customers who operate their vehicles less than 30,000 miles a year are finding that our gasoline-powered LCFs provide them with substantial savings – up to $7,000 on their initial investment when compared to the same truck equipped with diesel power,” said Joe Totaro, executive vice president and general manager, General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC.
On the diesel side Isuzu has been using this technology for the last couple of years – in Japan.
“We have 60,000 (diesel) vehicles in Japan,” Bloom says. “We understand this technology backwards and forwards.”
“It basically is to the point where it’s incredibly clean,” Bloom says. “There is no more particulate matter at all that comes out f the back of a diesel truck. It does add weight; it adds complexity; it adds cost.”
Because of the new diesel standards, the days of tinkering with your diesel are over. Moving or rerouting a pipe to make a little more room is no longer an option.
“Nobody can mess around with the vehicle,” Bloom says. “You just can’t do those things anymore.”
N-Series Long Wheelbase
N-Series customers looking for long-wheelbase Low Cab Forward trucks need look no further than the 2008 NQR and NRR LWB models. NQR 22-foot models are now available with a 200-inch wheelbase – 24 inches longer than the previously longest wheelbase of 176 inches. For those companies requiring an even longer wheelbase, NRR 22- and 24-foot models are available with a 212-inch wheelbase.
NQR and NRR LWB models are powered exclusively by the overhead cam 5.2L 4HK1-TC turbocharged, intercooled, diesel engine. It delivers 205 hp and 441 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a new Aisin A465 heavy-duty six-speed automatic with double overdrive. NQR and NRR LWB models are ideal for companies that transport furniture and appliances, as well as bakers, florists and heating and cooling companies.
N-Series Onyx Edition
For image-conscious buyers who want to convey a strong persona for their business, Isuzu offers the 2008 N-Series Onyx Edition. This is a fully loaded truck with a host of special features, including: an air deflector; stainless steel wheel simulators; air conditioning; AM-FM CD player radio; unique, rich, all-black exterior onyx paint with classic silver highlights; a custom stripe; and silver and gray decals. The Isuzu Onyx Edition is based on a 14,500-GVWR, 132-inch wheelbase, 14-foot body Isuzu NPR HD model and it’s powered by the 5.2L 4HK1-TC turbocharged, intercooled, diesel engine. Power is transferred to the wheels via the new Aisin A465 heavy-duty six-speed automatic with double overdrive.
NPR Gas Crew Cab
Another addition to the N-Series lineup is the NPR Gas Crew Cab. It combines the added interior room of a crew cab with the power and convenience of a gasoline engine. The NPR Gas Crew Cab will appeal to Isuzu customers who typically put less than 30,000 miles on their vehicles annually. Likely applications include landscaping services, furniture transport, construction and much more. The NPR Gas Crew Cab will be available later in the model year and will be powered by the 325-hp Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine that is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L80 four-speed automatic with lockup torque converter and overdrive.
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