CERRITOS, CA – Isuzu Motors America, Inc., will make significant improvements to its line of pickups and SUVs for the 2007-model year, while keeping prices unchanged from 2006. The i-280 and i-350 pickups are replaced by the more powerful i-290 and i-370, with 2.9L and 3.7L engines, while the Ascender SUV gets a new tire pressure monitoring system and a variety of appearance upgrades. For 2007, the i-280 Extended Cab 4x2 becomes the i-290, and the i-350 Crew Cab 4x4 is renamed the i-370. Trim levels remain unchanged: The i-290 is available in base S trim, with preferred equipment, LS and luxury packages optional, and the i-370 is available in LS or optional Limited trim. Both vehicles get larger, more powerful engines. Changes for the 2007-model year include:

• 2.9L inline four-cylinder engine replaces 2.8L, increasing horsepower to 185 hp (vs. 175) and torque to 190 ft.-lbs. (vs. 185).

• 3.7L inline five-cylinder engine replaces 3.5L, increasing horsepower to 242 hp (from 220) and torque to 242 ft.-lbs. (vs. 225).

• Base i-290 S available with automatic transmission as well as manual transmission.

• Tire pressure monitoring system added as standard equipment on all models.

• 3.73 rear axle ratio added on manual transmission models (replaces 3.42 rear axle ratio).

• Towing capacity of manual transmission models increases from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs.

The i-290 Extended Cab 4x2 S begins at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $16,989, while the i-370 Crew Cab 4x4 LS starts at an M.S.R.P. of $27,358. Production of the 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 Pickups begins this month in Shreveport, La. In other news, IntelliChoice recently named Isuzu’s 2006 Ascender 5-passenger a “Top Winner” in its class for both lowest fuel cost and lowest operating cost, and a “Smart Choice” in eight other categories. Isuzu’s flagship SUV returns for 2007 with a 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine under its hood. Changes include the following:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models.

• Six-spoke machined-finish alloy wheels replace painted wheels as standard equipment.

• OnStar communication system discontinued as an available option.

• 7-passenger model discontinued.

Trim levels are unchanged. Both 2WD and 4WD models are available in base S trim and offer optional preferred equipment, LS, leather and luxury packages. Prices are unchanged as well. The Ascender 2WD begins at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $25,959, and the Ascender 4WD has a base M.S.R.P. of $27,959. Production of the 2007 Ascender begins this month in Moraine, Ohio. All 2007 Isuzu pickup and Ascender owners are offered Isuzu’s seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and matching 24-hour roadside assistance coverage. Isuzu Roadside Assistance provides lockout protection, flat tire repair, battery recharging, fuel delivery, and towing (excluding accident-related incidents) at no charge to the customer. These coverages are in addition to Isuzu’s three-year/50,000-mile basic and six-year/100,000-mile perforation from corrosion warranties.