Commercial trucks are one of the last places where manual transmissions are still readily available, but more owners/operators are discovering that an automatic transmission has multiple benefits – they are easier to operate, especially in tight quarters. And today’s automatic transmissions are extremely efficient, delivering similar fuel economy to manual transmissions.

That’s particularly true with the N-Series Trucks, as the diesel models come with an Aisin A465 6-speed double overdrive automatic transmission. The gear ratios are designed so there’s plenty of pulling power around town, and with “double overdrive,” both 5th and 6th gears are overdrive gears, which is a real boost to fuel economy. All in all, this transmission is excellent because it allows for all skill levels of operators, and its smooth shifting makes these trucks more enjoyable to drive.

A 6-speed manual overdrive transmission is also available for the N-Series Trucks. It lets more proficient drivers have more control over the vehicle, and some customers prefer a manual transmission.

Here are some of the mechanical features in the N-Series trucks:

• Fuel water separator – there is a dash-mounted warning light to alert the driver when water is present in the fuel, which should help reduce engine shutdowns. In addition, this system now warms the fuel in extreme cold temperatures to help prevent fuel from jelling, which can also cause the engine to shutdown.
• Dual water-cooled EGR – lowers intake temperatures, which reduces NOx emissions.
• Increased radiator size and bell mouth cooling – maintains the correct relationship with the fan and radiator during engine operation for optimum cooling.
• New, larger air conditioning condenser – it has a new location and it’s now mounted vertically. The raised location provides greater protection, which helps reduce operating costs while providing improved cab cooling – that’s two benefits every driver/owner/operator will appreciate.
• Advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system – reduces nitrogen oxide levels and integrates a variable geometry turbocharger.
• New exhaust system – to reduce particulate matter, a ceramic honey– comb channel Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures sulfate particles and soot. Exhaust gases are directed through the channels and a porous material that traps the particulates. To clear the particulates and prevent clogging, a regeneration process occurs to burn off the trapped particulates and clean the filter using high exhaust gas temperatures. All this helps these trucks meet 2007 emissions levels.
• Self-regeneration is an automatic process that occurs as the vehicle is driven throughout the day, and does not require driver involvement. Forced computer-initiated regeneration occurs if the vehicle operation does not produce exhaust gases hot enough for the automatic process to occur at that point. A control light will alert the driver to activate a dashboard switch to initiate the regeneration process. Special system sensing and control software was developed to precisely control engine combustion and DPF regeneration.
• Programmable Engine Control Module (ECM) – the ECM is now programmable to provide such functions as idle up for PTO, speed limiting, engine shutdown and many other functions.

Here’s a quick review of the key features:

N-Series Diesel models:

• LCF design permits body lengths from 10 – 24 feet
• Body payload range from 6,140 lbs. – 13,357 lbs.

N-Series Gas models:

• LCF design permits body lengths from 10 – 20 feet
• Body payload range from 6,829 lbs. – 9,411 lbs.

New cab:

• New, bold design
• Larger, roomier cab
• More side-to-side and front-to-rear space
• More shoulder room
• More head room
• Greater seat travel
• Increased leg room
• More efficient operation
• Greater safety
• Larger entry step
• 85-degree door opening
• Better visibility
• More rigid cab structure
• Added operator comfort

Additional cab storage:

• Four cup holders
• Seat back pockets
• Door map pockets
• Rear seat organizer
• Overhead shelves
• Glovebox

New chassis:

• New modular hole spacing for easy equipment mounting
• New exhaust layout
• Increased engine horsepower and torque for improved performance
• New automatic transmission for greater fuel economy and shifting performance
• Choice of six cab colors – diesel models only

Starting with our 2007i and newer diesel models, the on-board Data Recording Module (DRM) can be used to produce "health reports" when the vehicle is in for service. When the vehicle is in for service, the technician hooks up their diagnostic computer to the vehicle and downloads the information stored in the DRM.

These health reports have many benefits:

• They report on vehicle, component and driver usage
• Help owners better understand their vehicles and residual values
• Provides data to aid technicians be more efficient
• Maximize vehicle uptime!

As any contractor will tell you, a building isn’t worth a thing if it doesn’t have a solid foundation. As Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) continues to grow and develop, one of the natural expansions was launching our own captive finance company – Isuzu Finance of America, Inc. (IFAI), which started operating in the Northeast and Southeast regions in 2007.

Well, it’s time to grow and expand again – and very, very soon, IFAI will be operating nationwide with the ability to service all of our Isuzu dealers. What does that mean to you? For one, no matter where you are in the nation, you’ll have access to a financial resource that speaks your language. Not only are IFAI’s commercial truck financing professionals, they are also intimately aware of the products and programs offered through your dealership. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page, making it easier to get you on the road in a new Isuzu commercial vehicle.

A Little Background

The goal of creating IFAI was to make it easier for you to get financed – period. To that end, IFAI’s team of experienced professionals thoroughly understand the truck financing and leasing business. In addition, IFAI’s management is committed to providing you with Best-in-Class customer service in sales, credit underwriting and operational support.

IFAI’s Mission:

To become the most successful and respected provider of financial services in the United States for Isuzu-built commercial vehicles. IFAI will:

• Take a proactive approach in providing superior customer service.
• Offer innovative finance programs and always strive to be "Best-in-Class."
• Provide supportive and competitive nationwide products and services that assist in expanding Isuzu’s product market share and customer base.
• Become a long-term partner in program development in conjunction with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.
• Increase awareness of sales and finance programs to dealers and customers.

To help follow though on the commitment to best-in-class service, IFAI launched their dedicated website – www.isuzufin.com – in early February.

Whether you're a sole proprietorship with a single truck or a large company with a fleet of trucks, IFAI can tailor a loan or lease to fit your specific business needs. Just so you know, in addition to conventional loans, IFAI offers a variety of leases that give you the option to buy, sell, or return your truck. Term lengths, payment schedules, and mileage allowances can be structured to provide outstanding flexibility.

You can choose from:

• Conventional loans which give you pride of ownership at affordable rates
• FMV (Closed-end) Leases with "walk-away" provisions and no residual value risk
• TRAC (Open-end) Leases that offer ultimate flexibility and unlimited mileage with equity building opportunities and potential tax savings*

*Because tax laws change and vary, we urge you to see your tax advisor on all tax matters to determine how you would be affected. Isuzu Finance of America is not a tax advisor or financial planning consultant and does not offer tax advice or financial planning.

This design is rigid, thanks to the side sills and front under frame close section construction with tension-resistant steel. In addition, the front pillar utilizes unitary construction from cowl to rocker with larger gusset for more rigidity of the cowl. Plus, this cab was designed and refined on the computer using nonlinear analysis to make deformation forecasts, which enhances cab design and helping to protect the driver and passenger in case of an accident. Bottom line: these trucks are engineered to provide a new level of safety in case of an accident.

The cab also has galvanized steel panels for greater rust and corrosion protection, which enhances long-term durability, which reduces operating costs.