Isuzu Celebrates 40 Years of Isuzu Trucks in U.S. Market
Source: Isuzu press release:
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. has begun celebrating the 40h anniversary of Isuzu trucks in the U.S. market.
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America—then called Isuzu Truck of America, Inc.—was founded on March 16, 1984. The first Isuzu truck, the KS22, arrived in the U.S. in November 1984. The 87-horsepower truck was quickly embraced by American truck buyers. In 1986, barely a year after its stateside launch, Isuzu became the best-selling low-cab-forward truck in the United States, a position held for 37 consecutive years. Isuzu commands nearly 80% of the U.S. low cab forward truck sales.
“Isuzu trucks could not have enjoyed this level of success without the support of a loyal customer following and a strong dealer network,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “I am proud to say that, of our nearly 300 dealers nationwide, four have been selling Isuzu trucks for the entire four-decade Isuzu history here, and we share this celebration with them.” The four longest-standing Isuzu dealerships are:
Green Isuzu Truck, Greensboro, North Carolina
Midway Isuzu Truck Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Pierre Isuzu Trucks of Everett, Everett, Washington
Chapman Isuzu, Tempe, Arizona
“In addition to our dealers, we owe our success to a product lineup that has always been in tune with our customers’ needs,” Skinner continued. The company’s current lineup includes:
Class 3, 4 and 5 N-Series models powered by a 6.6-liter gasoline V8
Class 4 and 5 N-Series trucks featuring Isuzu’s famous 4HK1-TC turbodiesel
Class 6 and 7 F-Series models with a Cummins B6.7 diesel under the cab
“But we have never rested on our laurels,” Skinner said, “and we are not about to start now.” During the first half of 2024, Isuzu will introduce its first all-electric production model to the U.S. and Canadian markets. The 2025-model-year Class 5 NRR EV will feature a full 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating, an Isuzu-developed battery electric platform, and an all-new cab design.
“There used to be a saying, ‘Life begins at 40.’ And although Isuzu trucks have had an amazingly successful first 40 years in the U.S. market, this really is just the beginning,” Skinner concluded. “The new NRR EV electric truck, our completely redesigned cab, our new suite of advanced driver assistance features and more prove that—while we are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone anniversary—we are really focused on the future. I have said many times that I believe Isuzu is better positioned for success now than at any time in our history.”