General Motors Co (NYSE: GM) and Isuzu Motors (TSE 7202) will once again partner to manufacture and market medium-duty trucks in North America, paving the way for Isuzu-built trucks to be available with GM branding and sold through the GM dealer network.
Isuzu will produce low-cab-forward models for GM, based off of the Isuzu N-Series. The vehicles will be distributed by participating Chevrolet dealers in the U.S. market starting in 2016. Chevrolet will offer six new models—the 3500, 3500HD, 4500, 4500HD, 5500 and 5500. The new trucks will be offered in regular-cab and crew-cab body styles. A General Motors sourced 6.0L V-8 gas engine and six-speed automatic transmission, or Isuzu-sourced 3.0L and 5.2L turbo-diesel engines will be available, depending on the model. The gas-powered models will be assembled in the United States in Charlotte, Michigan.
To strengthen the product lineup, GM and Isuzu will explore the use of GM commercial vehicle components for Isuzu low cab forward trucks. GM will continue to produce and supply the 6.0L V-8 gas engine and six-speed transmission for Isuzu gasoline-powered low cab forward trucks.
“Bringing low cab forward trucks back to our portfolio strengthens Chevrolet’s commitment to providing commercial customers with more choices and provides customers with a versatile lineup of trucks, vans and crossovers,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice-president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales. “This addition helps our dealers satisfy their commercial customers’ needs all in one place.
Isuzu and GM have maintained a strategic partnership for more than 40 years, producing collaborative business opportunities throughout the world. This agreement continues that tradition and reinforces a long-term relationship that helps to explore future collaborations in the U.S. commercial vehicle business.