Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc., has begun celebrating the 40th 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 United States in Nov. 1984. That 87-horsepower truck was quickly embraced by American truck buyers who were looking for a medium-duty truck with durability, efficiency, capability, and low cost of ownership.
In 1986, barely a year after its stateside launch, Isuzu says it became the best-selling low-cab-forward truck in the United States, a position held every year since — 37 consecutive years. Isuzu commands nearly 80% of the U.S. low cab forward truck sales, the company says.
[RELATED: Isuzu achieved record sales in 2023]
“Isuzu trucks could not have enjoyed this level of success without the support of a loyal customer following and a strong dealer network,” says 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, N.C.
- Midway Isuzu Truck Center, Phoenix
- Pierre Isuzu Trucks of Everett, Everett, Wash.
- Chapman Isuzu, Tempe, Ariz.
“In addition to our dealers, we owe our success to a product lineup that has always been in tune with our customers’ needs,” Skinner adds. 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
“We have never rested on our laurels, and we are not about to start now,” says Skinner.
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-lb., 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 says. “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. So, here’s to the next 40 years of providing innovation, quality, reliability, and low cost of operation to the American market.”
