Companies, like people, seem to have a life of their own.
Each new product, each new decision adds to the evolution of a company, creating a legacy of quality or leading to its eventual downfall. Isuzu is one of those companies that have survived, learned its lessons, responded to market demands.
While Isuzu is now known for its high-quality Ascender and tough pickup trucks, it’s not surprising that 20 years ago, the company was already on the road to success. In 1988, Isuzu positioned itself as the number one truck maker (medium-duty trucks and heavy-duty trucks) in the world, surpassing Daimler-Benz. With such an incredible output of trucks, it was only a matter of time before the company began to focus on the light-duty truck market.
By 1992, American Isuzu Motors Inc. had something to celebrate. The company retailed its one-millionth unit in the U.S., catering to the growing needs of the sport utility vehicle market in North America.
With the introduction of the famed Isuzu Trooper, the company became the first import truck manufacturer to offer three segments of SUVs: the mini, the compact, and the full-size.
In 2001, American Isuzu Motors Inc. introduced the Axiom - a revolutionary blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The Axiom was popular but Isuzu realized that the SUV market was changing and they needed to change with it.
In 2003, Isuzu introduced the Ascender 7-Passenger with more passenger space than Axiom. In addition, the Ascender 7-Passenger was the first Isuzu SUV to boast a V8 engine. While the Ascender 7-Passenger was revered by many as one of the best high-performance SUVs on the market, it wasn’t for everyone. City dwellers wanted SUVs that were just as high-quality, but smaller, more fuel-efficient, and more affordable.
In 2006, Isuzu expanded their offerings to include two new pickups - the i-280 4×2 Extended Cab and the i-350 4×4 Crew Cab. Produced in Shreveport, Louisiana, the pickup trucks are an instant hit, providing customers with class-leading towing and payload capacities. 2006 was a good year for Isuzu. In addition to the new pickup line, Intellichoice recognized Isuzu’s entire lineup as the best in their class for low costs.
In 2007, Isuzu improved on its pickup truck line, upgrading both the i-290 and the i-370 with larger engines and increased torque and horsepower.
Isuzu added two new models to its line: the i-370 4×2 Extended Cab and the i-370 4×2 Crew Cab, giving pickup customers multiple options.
Tags: Heavy DUty Trucks, isuzu, Light Duty Truck, medium duty trucks, pickup truck, SUVs, truck manufacturer
International Truck and Engine, an Illinois-based leading producer of medium duty trucks and heavy duty trucks for various markets has recently worked in conjunction with Conquest Motorhomes, a division of Gulf Stream Coach and one of the leading manufacturers in the RV industry. The collaboration of the two companies will make International Truck and Engine the sole supplier of cab and other chassis parts for the Class C diesel motorhomes manufactured by Conquest Motorhomes.
This partnership is a tremendous growth opportunity. The Class C motorhome market represents a substantial portion of a growing industry – approximately 33 percent of the total motorized RV market. Once again, International is challenging convention as this is a great opportunity to leverage the scale of our core business and generate growth outside of the truck sector.
When a leader in the commercial truck industry collaborates with a leader in the RV industry to build a great product, RV customers are going to be the big winners. Moreover, our industry is coming into its sweet spot for growth as population and demographic trends favor long-term RV market growth.
Gulf Stream Coach has chosen International Truck and Engine because of the Class 6 International chassis, which features the company’s superior engineering and quality service. In addition, Class 6 International chassis is also equipped with some innovative electronic features including the International Diamond Logic Electrical System and AWARE Vehicle Intelligence.According to International Truck and Engine, customers choose Gulf Stream Coach’s Super Nova and Gladiator (Enduramax) models with their International chassis because of its numerous advantages such as superior gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity; best-in-class towing capability of up to 13,000 pounds; roomiest cab in the category, including an ergonomic interior design; proven, durable diesel engine offering, which is the 300-horsepower International VT 365; exterior mirrors that are 42 percent larger than traditional mirrors for enhanced rear visibility; and smooth ride, handling and maneuverability for drivers and passengers, just like Jeep suspension bushing provides smooth and comfortable ride for Jeep vehicles.
Tags: Heavy DUty Trucks, International Truck, medium duty trucks, truck
Looking to combat increasing gas prices and environmental concerns, an area utilities manufacturer has introduced plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to turn the nation’s utility trucks a little more “green.”
Dueco Inc., a Waukesha-based final-stage utilities manufacturer of Terex-Telelect and Hi-Ranger products that specialize in aerial devices and digger derricks, created the nation’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) bucket truck for medium duty trucks to heavy-duty trucks.
Dueco is working in conjunction with Odyne Corp., Hauppauge, N.Y., which specializes in plug-in hybrid technology. With the new technology, utility trucks will be able to offset the disadvantages of using the diesel engine through a rechargeable battery system.
The boom was powered by the diesel engine that would run throughout the work day, consuming fuel and releasing carbon emissions in the process. With these innovations, the utility trucks will save about six to 10 gallons of fuel over an eight-hour work day, releasing fewer carbon emissions, while still having the traditional traits of the previous trucks, like power outlets and air conditioning.
Along with reduced fuel and carbon emissions, Dalum said since the engine will no longer idle while operating, noise levels will also be reduced, allowing workers to better communicate with each other and causing less disturbance to those nearby.
The battery can be charged during off-peak hours, using low-cost energy, in a three-phase, 240-volt outlet. It takes about eight hours to charge, and can be charged via the engine if need be. The battery system addresses other issues as well, like the country’s dependency on petroleum.
While most of the benefits come from the trucks operating on site, there are advantages the system provides while driving as well. There is launch assistance that helps accelerate the vehicle and increases horsepower in conjunction with the diesel engine, and also a regenerate brake system, which helps the vehicle brake, recaptures energy and recharges the battery. Preliminary results in urban driving conditions gauge fuel savings between 15 and 20 percent when driving.
Tags: bucket truck, Heavy DUty Trucks, medium duty trucks, utility trucks
Peterbilt has received a nod of approval from its customers, winning a J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction award in the conventional medium-duty truck segment.
It marks the second year in a row Peterbilt has been ranked highest in the category, the company announced.
“This prestigious honour represents the tireless efforts of the entire Peterbilt organization and our dealer network who strive to exceed customers’ expectations by providing superior services and support, as well as vehicles of the highest quality and overall performance,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice-president. “We are so pleased that our customers recognize this effort and have overall rated Peterbilt the highest in our industry.”
Quality and performance were the two categories where Peterbilt scored the most points. It also scored well in cost of ownership. The awards are based on interviews with about 1,500 maintenance managers, fleet owners and owner/operators who operate two-year-old conventional cab medium-duty trucks.
Tags: medium duty trucks, Peterbilt trucks
