While some people might take umbrage at turning 40, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Isuzu trucks in the US market.
Of course, being the distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks may also have something to do with it.
Founded on March 16, 1984, the then-called Isuzu Truck of America, Inc., had its first Isuzu truck, the KS22, arrive in the US in November.
That 87-horsepower truck was quickly embraced by American truck buyers who were looking for a medium-duty truck with durability, efficiency, capability, and a low cost of ownership. In 1986, barely a year after its stateside launch, Isuzu became the best-selling low-cab-forward truck in the US, a position held every year since for 37 consecutive years.
As of 2024, Isuzu commands nearly 80 percent of US low-cab forward truck sales.
“Isuzu trucks could not have enjoyed this level of success without the support of a loyal customer following and a strong dealer network,” exclaimed Shaun Skinner, the 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, North Carolina;
- Midway Isuzu Truck Center, Phoenix, Arizona;
- Pierre Isuzu Trucks of Everett, Everett, Washington;
- Chapman Isuzu, Tempe, Arizona.
“In addition to our dealers, we owe our success to a product lineup that has always been in tune with our customers’ needs,” he continued.
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 7 diesel under the cab.
“But we have never rested on our laurels,” added Skinner, “and we are not about to start now.”
During the first half of 2024, Isuzu has announced that it will introduce its first all-electric production model to the US and Canadian markets. This 2025-model-year Class 5 NRR EV will feature a full 19,500-pound 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 US market, this really is just the beginning,” said Skinner, summarizing. “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.”
Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. is the distributor of Isuzu commercial vehicles in the United States. Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low-cab-forward trucks in America every year since 1986. For more information, call (866) 441-9638 or visit www.isuzucv.com.