Isuzu says its NPR Gas low-cabover-engine truck will return this spring by way of an assembly agreement with Spartan Motors.

It will begin production April 18 at its plant in Charlotte, Mich., near Lansing.

As before, when it was assembled by General Motors in Janesville, Wis., it will use a GM 6-liter gasoline V-8 with a Hydra-matic automatic transmission. The engine makes 297 horsepower and 372 pounds-feet, and can be converted to burn propane or compressed natural gas.

The gasoline engine is ideal for low-mileage use in many applications, executives said. It uses more fuel but costs thousands less to buy than a diesel-powered NPR. The truck will be available in GVR ratings of 12,000 and 14,500 pounds. Isuzu has 1,400 orders in hand for the NPR Gas.