Isuzu is actively developing new trucks and engines that will feature further enhancements to protect our environment:

• NOx levels have been reduced 88% from 1973 levels particulate matter has been reduced 97% from 1973 levels and the company is targeting a further 8% reduction of CO2 emissions compared to 2004 levels.
• Isuzu is working to improve the recyclability of its trucks through out each vehicle’s life cycle and the company is finding new ways to use recycled materials in the vehicles. In addition, Isuzu is reducing the use of heavy metals and alternative materials are being used instead of mercury, lead, cadmium and hexavalent chromium.
• Isuzu is developing hybrid engines by using its own technologies as well as technologies from other companies, such as Enova. Testing of hybrids is currently underway in Japan and the U.S.

The Isuzu Fuel Economy Challenge shows how a change in driving habits can translate into big savings in operating costs. Little changes can increase fuel economy up to 40%!

Summary of Isuzu Fuel Economy Challenge findings:

• Slow down – save fuel:
  • In a commercial truck, slowing down by 10 mph reduces fuel usage by approximately 10-12%!
• Accelerate gradually – save fuel:
  Tests showed a 21% improvement in fuel economy when taking it easy from 0 – 35 mph.
• Drive steady – save fuel:
  • Driving at a consistent 45 mph improved fuel economy by 14% compared to someone who was on and off the gas. (All N-Series trucks now have cruise control as standard equipment)
• Turn off the exhaust brake to save fuel.
• If you’re going to be more than a couple seconds, turn off the engine–don’t let it idle.

Longer-Wheelbase N-Series Trucks Deliver Class 6 Capabilities In A More Maneuverable and Competitively Priced Package.

Grow your business with a 2009 NQR or NRR Longer Wheelbase model that combines the maneuverability of a low cab forward truck with the extra cargo area of a 22-ft. or 24-ft. body. That’s up to 20% more area than previous models accommodated. This means fewer trips and more efficient loads.

NQR and NRR trucks deliver this capability in a more competitively priced package than bigger trucks. Compare a 24-ft. N-Series to a Class 6 conventional truck – you’ll like the Isuzu-built difference!

Isuzu-built N-Series trucks are available with 200-inch and 212-inch wheelbases permitting 22- and 24-foot body lengths, respectively, with a 19,500 lb. GVW and a payload allowance of 13,234 lbs. NQR models are now available with a 200-inch wheelbase to accommodate 22-foot body lengths. This configuration is a 17,950 lb. GVW truck with a body/payload of 11,749 lbs.

Longer Wheelbase N-Series trucks are the perfect solution for key vocations that need to haul more volume, rather than weight:

• Furniture/Moving & Storage
• Snack Foods
• HVAC
• White Goods
• Insulation
• Irrigation Supply

Because the Isuzu built chassis is manufactured as an incomplete vehicle, it must undergo a convoluted process of upfitting the rear body and other support equipment prior to being delivered to the end user. During the upfit process the engine may be stopped and started dozens of times before you takes retail delivery. That repetitive stopping and starting of the engine without ever completely warming up may cause the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to become partially clogged. If this occurs, the AMBER colored Regeneration light will illuminate on the instrument panel (see illustration). If the DPF is severely clogged, the RED colored Regeneration light will illuminate.

If the AMBER or RED light is on, perform an “emergency” DPF Regeneration by following either of the processes described below.

Drive the truck above 30 mph for at least 20 minutes until the GREEN Regeneration “ON” lights goes off

OR…

Park the truck, place transmission in Park or Neutral, set the parking brake, turn the idle control knob down to the lowest idle speed and then depress the DPF Switch on the instrument panel. Do not drive the truck or interrupt until the GREEN Regeneration “ON” light goes off.

You’ll know the DPF is Regenerating because the GREEN light will be on. If the RED light is ignored, the engine horsepower will be significantly reduced and the ORANGE Engine Malfunction indicator light will illuminate.

Your dealer can explain the DPF Regeneration requirement for your new truck. Also, you can view the Emissions Systems Operation video CD that is supplied with every new N-Series vehicle.

Whereas EGR increases efficiency and reduces many emissions, it also contributes to the engine producing particulate matter – and the most common particulate filters in the exhaust system can reduce fuel efficiency.

So, Isuzu had a challenge – reduce PM while maintaining or increasing fuel efficiency. Here’s how Isuzu trucks do it:

Our Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures soot and larger sulfate particles in a series of ceramic honeycomb channels.

• Exhaust gases are directed into a cordierite or silicon carbide molded substrate with closed ends.
• Gas passes through the porous material and the particulates are trapped and accumulate on the channel walls.
• Then, an Oxidizing Catalyst controls hydrocarbons.

This particulate filter is designed to last for the life of the truck, and is designed so the average truck owner will only perform off-vehicle filter maintenance one time in the first four years (the actual service interval will vary depending on the vehicle’s duty cycle).