October 26, 2011 – Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. and Utilimaster Corp. say that production has begun on their Reach commercial walk-in van. With a body designed by Utilimaster atop an Isuzu NPR chassis and powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-L diesel engine, the Reach promises 35% better fuel economy than a traditional commercial van while offering the functionality of a custom-built work truck (“along with the styling and ergonomics of a cargo van”). “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,” said John Marshall, senior VP sales & marketing for Utilimaster. Despite looking like it is intended solely for delivery fleets, the partners say they are also targeting contractors such as electricians. The Reach employs composite materials in its construction which, say the partners, provide a 700-lb weight savings, improve fuel efficiency and reduces interior noise. The van is offered with a 151-in. wheelbase with either a 12-ft or 14-ft body. With an interior up to 27-in. higher than a conventional van, the cargo area can offer 540 cf or 630 CF of storage.

REACH