Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of low-cab-forward trucks, and Utilimaster, Inc., a manufacturer of specialty chassis and vehicles, introduced a new commercial van.
The walk-in van—with a body designed by Utilimaster Corp. atop a rugged heavy-duty Isuzu NPR chassis and powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-liter diesel engine—will combine the functionality and design flexibility of a custom-built work truck with the styling and ergonomics of a cargo van, all while expected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy savings, meeting the latest EPA emissions standards, offering true commercial truck capability and delivering low cost of ownership, according to the companies.
Prototypes are scheduled to begin rolling off the line in the third quarter of this year, with full production scheduled for the second half of 2011.
“This new walk-in van will be the first vehicle to fully meet the needs of today’s fleet and vocational markets,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “It will offer significantly more interior height and width than other commercial vans, and it will have multiple design options to maximize utility and driver productivity. Add to that a body design and powertrain that have been engineered for performance, durability and low cost of ownership, and the result is a vehicle that will truly revolutionize the commercial van market.”
Exterior Design and Construction
The profile of the new van demonstrates the importance Isuzu and Utilimaster designers placed on aerodynamics. The streamlined shape improves fuel efficiency while it reduces interior noise, the companies said.
The components and materials used in the construction of the body have been evaluated and selected for durability; impact resistance; safety; functionality; corrosion resistance; light weight; ability to be manufactured, painted, repaired and replaced; recyclability; thermal and sound insulation qualities; and appearance.
The body panels will also be designed for quick removal and replacement so that owners can quickly and easily make minor body repairs. Two wheelbases—134 and 151 in.—and three cargo area lengths—10, 12 and 14 ft.—will be offered. All models will feature a 34-in.-wide by 74-in.-high cab door opening for easy driver ingress and egress. The cab will offer a choice of either swing or sliding doors.
In back, multiple rear door designs will allow the cargo area to be customized to the operator’s needs. Options will include 270-degree twin-swing doors, twin side-sliding doors, and roll-up doors, the companies said.
Functional Interior
The cab’s inside is optimized for ergonomics and productivity with a modular cargo area of “unprecedented spaciousness” that will offer buyers a choice of integrated vocational packages specifically designed for their applications.
According to Isuzu, even a driver over six feet in height can walk in and out of the cab in an upright position, and can stand up inside the cab area. The placement and design of instruments and controls have been simplified for ease of use and made modular for easy installation of customer-specific equipment.
Engineering Specs
The foundation of the van’s body-on-frame design will be a heavy-duty Isuzu NPR commercial truck chassis with a GVWR of 12,000 lbs. The frame, front and rear axles and brakes are all proven Isuzu N-Series components.
Powering the van will be Isuzu’s 4JJ1-TC engine, a turbocharged and intercooled 3.0-liter dual overhead cam direct-injection four-cylinder diesel that will generate approximately 150 HP and 282 ft.-lbs. of torque. The 4JJ1-TC engine has a 10,000-mile change interval and carries a 310,000-mile B10 life rating. This means that 90% of the engines should reach 310,000 miles without requiring overhaul, Isuzu said.
The 4JJ1-TC engine also employs a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to meet the latest and toughest emissions requirements. The SCR system injects Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the hot exhaust stream to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by over 85%. Mated to the powerplant will be an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive and lock-up torque converter plus PTO function, the company said.
