INDIANAPOLIS. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America unveiled its 2014-15 model-year N-Series diesel truck models this week at the NTEA Work Truck Show. The company also announced that it would extend its 24 months/60,000 mi. covered maintenance program to all the diesel models sold through June 30, 2014. The changes were announced during Isuzu’s continuing celebration of the 30th anniversary of Isuzu trucks in the U.S. market.
Frontal area of the 2014 NPR Eco-Max, which features a 12,000-lb. GVWR, has been increased to 7.4 square meters (7.86 sq. meters with air deflector). As a result, non-air-deflector equipped models can now handle bodies with inside heights of up to 85 in. (an increase of 6 in.) without application approval from Isuzu, the company said. Models equipped with the air deflector can accommodate bodies with inside heights of up to 91 in. with Isuzu application approval.
Also new for 2014 is a dual fuel tank option on the 151-in. wheelbase model. The additional tank is side-mounted and can carry up to 33 gals. of fuel.
For driver amenities, all new NPR Eco-Max and all 2014 and 2015 Isuzu N-Series diesel models receive a new AM/FM stereo radio with CD player. The new system includes simplified controls and a standard auxiliary jack input and USB port to accommodate the latest audio technology.
All new 2015 NPR-HD, NQR and NRR models now come with 19.5-in. Bridgestone M895 low rolling resistance tires for improved fuel efficiency. The M895 tires incorporate stone ejector design that helps protect against stone drilling for enhanced casing durability, closed shoulder design for increased wear life, dual sidewall protector that resists cuts and scrapes, and reinforced steel casing for long life and retreadability.
For the 2015 model year, the 4J 3L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine will adopt the Denso air conditioning compressor already found on the Isuzu 4H 5.2L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine.
“The upgrades to our 2015 NPR-HD, NQR and NRR trucks will add to their reputation for efficiency, ruggedness, driver comfort and environmental friendliness,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager. “Together with the NPR Eco-Max, these trucks constitute the best lineup of Isuzu diesel models ever offered through 30 years in the U.S. market.”
Isuzu is celebrating its 30th anniversary of selling trucks in the U.S. market. As part of the anniversary celebration, Isuzu announced that 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 mi., whichever comes first.
“The quality and durability of Isuzu commercial trucks is, of course, a significant reason for our enduring success in the United States,” said Skinner. “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 program includes an initial ‘dry service’ at 4,000 mi., an ‘A Service’ beginning at 10,000 mi. and continuing every 10,000 mi., and an inclusive ‘A/B Service’ at 50,000 mi.