The assembly line is rolling for the new Reach walk-in van, a joint project by Isuzu Commercial Truck of American (ICTA) and Utilimaster. It is being produced at Utilimaster’s Wakarusa, IN, plant, and the first trucks are expected to reach Isuzu dealerships early next month.
“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 vp & gm of ICTA.
Announced last spring , the van mates an Isuzu NPR chassis and 3-liter diesel engine with a new Utilimaster composite body. The turbocharged diesel produces 150 HP and is compatible with biodiesel. The transmission is a 6-spd. automatic from Aisin.
With a 151-in. wheelbase, the Reach is offered with either a 12-ft or 14-ft composite body optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and significantly lighter than steel or aluminum bodies, according to ICTA. Cargo capacity will range from 540 to 630 cu ft, and it can be ordered with either rear swinging doors or a composite roll-up door.
John Marshall, sr. vp of sales & marketing for Utilimaster, added, “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.”
