General Motors has signed a new agreement with Isuzu Motors that will see the carmakers import Isuzu N-Series trucks from Japan to the US for distribution under the Chevrolet brand.
More specifically, Isuzu will produce diesel versions of the low cab, medium-size truck for GM at its Japanese facility in Fujisawa for export to the US and onward distribution to Chevrolet dealers in the country from next year. Gasoline versions of the truck will be made under contract at Spartan Motors' assembly facility in Charlotte, Michigan. Spartan Motors engineers and manufactures vehicles for commercial and specialty vehicle markets.
In total six new models will be made for the US: Chevrolet 3500, 3500HD, 4500, 4500HD, 5500 and 5500 HD – all based on the Isuzu N-Series. The truck is new vehicle entry for GM but it has not announced any details of the number of vehicles that it forecasts being delivered.
“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.”
A spokesperson for GM told Automotive Logistics that specific programme details for the roll out of the truck will be shared with Chevrolet dealers later this year.
“There will be specific participation requirements for dealers,” said the spokesperson. “Considering that this is primarily a commercial specific truck which requires real expertise in both the sales and service areas, we understand that many Chevrolet dealers may determine that it will not be part of their business model.”
GM said it would be exploring the use of its own commercial vehicle components for inclusion on the trucks and would continue to produce and supply the 6.0L V-8 gas engine and six-speed transmission for Isuzu gasoline-powered low cab forward trucks.
Isuzu and GM have worked together for more than 40 years on a number of global collaborations.
