The Isuzu Reach is ready for your fleet - units will be arriving at more than 285 participating Isuzu dealerships nationwide.

Assembled at Utilimaster's assembly facility in Wakarusa, Ind., the official start of production began Oct. 25 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Utilimaster plant. Officials from Utilimaster and Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) were on hand to thank everyone involved in the production of this commercial van, exchange gifts of appreciation, and allow journalists to take a quick test drive.

Reach for the Future

The Reach design allows drivers to more easily enter and exit the cab from the driver's side, as well as quickly enter the cargo area without leaving the vehicle. This is a key factor in today's modern age, perfect for delivery fleets, food distributors, electricians, etc..

According to John Sztykiel, CEO and director of Spartan Motors (Utilimaster's parent company), "There is a shift in how society operates. Due to the growth of the Internet, more things are being delivered at home."

The concept behind Reach's nameplate, according to Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager for ICTA, "brings to mind not what is, but what can be. Look forward to the vision where you want to go."

Reach for Savings

Powering the Reach is Isuzu's biodiesel compatible 4JJ1-TC 3.0L turbocharged engine delivering 150 hp, mated to an Aisin medium-duty 6-speed transmission. Both the engine and transmission have B10 durability ratings of 310,000 miles (meaning 90 percent will reach that mileage before requiring an overhaul), according to ICTA.

The body is placed on an Isuzu NPR ECO-MAX chassis. The vehicle's lightweight composite materials provide a 700-lb. weight savings compared to traditional steel and aluminum materials and employ impact-resistant composite panels designed to reduce overall maintenance costs.

The Utilimaster plant features a separate upfit plant for more extensive custom upfitting, all done onsite by Utilimaster. Pre-designed trade packages for installation by Isuzu dealers are offered, as well as professional-grade trade packages that can be factory installed at the time of manufacture. The modular solutions provide flexibility for rental applications or changing route conditions. Trade packages can be easily removed and reinstalled with simple quarter-turn fasteners.

Another important benefit is the integrated "logistics tracks" inside the Reach. These quick-attach tracks make it easy to install popular vocational packages.

Ergonomics are also important under the hood - the engine compartment provides easy access to common maintenance items, and its location is a key to the driver's easy ingress and egress.