Production of Isuzu's new Reach walk-in cargo van has begun at Utilimaster's assembly facility in Wakarusa, Ind. Utilimaster guided the development of the Reach's aerodynamic shape and use of composite materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce interior noise.

The Reach features a body designed by Utilimaster sitting atop an Isuzu NPR chassis with Isuzu's 3.0-liter diesel engine. Isuzu claims Reach will deliver 35% better fuel economy than a traditional commercial van while offering the functionality of a custom-built work truck along with the styling and ergonomics of a cargo van.

"We're thrilled that production of the Reach has begun and that fleet and vocational buyers will soon be able to enjoy the dramatically low cost of ownership this vehicle delivers," said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. "The Reach truly lives up to its name -- it reaches a new standard in low cost of ownership that no other commercial van can match."

Powering the Reach is Isuzu's state-of-the-art, bio-diesel fuel compatible 4JJ1-TC 3.0-liter turbocharged 150-horsepower engine. It is mated to an Aisin medium-duty six-speed automatic transmission. Both have class-leading B10 durability ratings of 310,000 miles.

The Reach is offered with a 151-inch wheelbase with either a 12- or 14-foot body. With an interior up to 27 inches higher than a conventional van, the cargo area can offer 540 or 630 cubic feet of storage.

Unlike typical cargo vans, the Reach design allows the driver to quickly enter the cargo area without leaving the vehicle. Its array of modular vocational packages affords buyers a choice of factory- or field-installed options that are designed to take full advantage of the van's expansive aisle width and headroom. In addition, the Reach is the only van to offer either rear swing doors or an integrated, composite roll-up door.

John Marshall, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Utilimaster, added, "We believe the Reach will truly revolutionize the commercial van market. We have 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."

Beyond delivery fleets, Isuzu say the van will appeal to a very broad segment of the commercial truck market, including:

- Contractors
- Cleaning services
- Plumbers
- Moving and storage companies
- Home health care providers
- Locksmiths
- Lease/rental agencies
- Appliance repair and delivery firms
- Dry cleaners and laundries
- Heating and air conditioning technicians
- Electricians
- Florists
- Rent-to-own outlets
- Food distributors

Units will begin arriving at Isuzu's network of over 285 dealers nationwide in early November.

More info: www.isuzucv.com.