Utilimaster, Isuzu Design Lightweight, Fuel-efficient Walk-In Van

The Reach, an integrated, lightweight walk-in van on a small-displacement diesel chassis, was unveiled Tuesday by Utilimaster Inc. and Isuzu Commercial Truck of America,

who partnered in its development over the last several years.

The new van will get 35 percent better fuel economy than a traditional walk-in van while offering stand-up, high-volume room with the styling and ergonomics of a cargo van, executives said after pulling the wraps off the vehicle at the National Truck Equipment Association's Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

The van's tare weight is about 8,000 pounds, thanks to body walls consisting of a polypropelene honeycomb core with fiberglass skins, plus lower cladding made of high-impact plastic. The roof is a one-piece plastic molding.

The chassis is from Isuzu's EcoMax and has an efficient 3-liter 4-cylinder diesel, which is half to two-thirds the size of engines usually used in such vans. The Reach will offer exceptional fuel mileage and will meet the latest EPA emissions standards, while still providing commercial truck capability and a lower cost of ownership than traditional walk-in vans, said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of ICTA.

All components are commercial grade, from the powertrain to the frame, suspension, steering and braking systems, he added.

"Utilimaster has worked extensively to design a body that offers significantly more interior height and width than other commercial vans, and it will have multiple design options to maximize utility and driver productivity," said John Marshall, the body maker's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "We believe the Reach will truly revolutionize the commercial van market."

The 12,000-pound-GVW Isuzu chassis's engine was moved forward to minimize protrusion into the cab, leaving more room for the driver to exit and enter. The driver's seat position and numerous component locations were revised to accommodate the walk-in van body. Otherwise, it is the same NPR Eco-Max chassis that has been tested and proven around the world for ruggedness and reliability, executives said.

The Reach's engine is Isuzu's 4JJ1-TC 3-liter turbocharged engine generating 150 horsepower, mated to a Aisin medium-duty 6-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive, lock-up torque converter and power take-off (PTO) mounting. The engine uses selective catalytic reduction which injects diesel exhaust fluid into the hot exhaust stream to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and meet EPA 2010 emissions limits.

The engine has a B10 durability rating of 310,000 miles, meaning that 90 percent will reach that mileage before requiring an overhaul. It can burn straight diesel fuel and biodiesel blends.

The smooth profile of the Reach makes it 11 percent more aerodynamic than comparable vehicles, which improves fuel efficiency while it reduces interior noise. The cab's interior is six times quieter than Utilimaster's standard walk-in van, said John Forbes, the builder's president.

Two wheelbases (134 and 151 inches) and three body lengths (10, 12 and 14 feet) will be offered. The cargo area can offer 450, 540 or 630 cubic feet of storage, depending on wheelbase and body length selected.

Other features include flat, vertical side walls; sliding or swing cab doors; and multiple rear-door options. A choice of integrated vocational modules will allow buyers to turn the cargo area into a space customized to their needs.

All body panels have been designed for quick removal and replacement so that, if repairs are necessary, the vehicle can easily and quickly be restored to its original condition.

Production is scheduled to begin this summer at Utilimaster's plant in Waukarusa, Ind. The Reach will be available through the Isuzu nationwide network of 284 dealers, and might also be sold by Utilimaster.