Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, distributor of America’s best-selling low cab forward trucks, commemorated its 30th anniversary in the U.S. market.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Isuzu announced it will continue the 24/60 Covered Maintenance Program for new Isuzu diesel trucks purchased by June 2014. The program provides factory-recommended maintenance for 24 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Significant reason
“The quality and durability of Isuzu commercial trucks is, of course, a significant reason for our enduring success in the United States,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “But Isuzu trucks would not have been America’s best-selling low cab forward trucks for the last 28 years in a row if it weren’t for the efforts of our dealers and the loyalty of our customers.
“Extending the Isuzu 24/60 Covered Maintenance Program is one way we’re saying thanks during this 30th anniversary celebration.”
The Isuzu 24/60 Covered Maintenance Program includes an initial Dry Service at 4,000 miles, an A Service beginning at 10,000 miles and continuing every 10,000 miles, and an inclusive A/B Service at 50,000 miles.
The extension of the Covered Maintenance Program is just the first important announcement Isuzu will make during the 30th anniversary celebration. Isuzu senior management will meet directly with dealers during a series of whistle-stop meetings later this month, and additionally will conduct a celebratory dealer meeting in Albuquerque, N.M., in October.
KS22
The KS22, the first Isuzu truck in America, arrived at the Port of Jacksonville, Fla, on November 10, 1984. It had no tilt cab and was powered by an 87-hp engine.
Though primitive by today’s standards, the truck struck a chord with American truck buyers who were looking for durability, dependability, flexibility and low cost of ownership in a medium duty truck, said company officials. In 1986, barely a year after the stateside launch, Isuzu trucks became the best-selling low cab forward truck in the U.S., “a position held ever since – an unprecedented 28 consecutive years.”
Today, Isuzu trucks have 80 percent of the U.S. low cab forward truck market, they reported. Isuzu’s current array of N-Series trucks is the only line-up of low cab forward trucks in the industry to offer a choice of two diesel engines, plus a gasoline engine that is both CNG and LPG capable.
In addition, they are the first trucks in their class to be 50-state, clean-idle certified and to meet EPA 2010 and CARB HD-OBD standards, the most stringent emissions requirements in the world.
“Our trucks offer state-of-the-art technology and are the industry leaders in efficiency, dependability, durability and low cost of operation,” Skinner said. “With great product, great dealers and great customers, we expect their next 30 years in the United States to be even more successful than the first 30 years.”
