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UPS testing 5 fuel-saving, composite-bodied prototype delivery vehicles

Eric Loveday — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:56:00 EST

UPS composite-bodied prototype delivery vehicle

UPS has announced that it's testing five CV-23 prototype vehicles from Utilimaster/Isuzu. The goal of the trial is to see if the CV-23s can survive the rigors of hauling packages in extreme conditions while reducing fuel consumption by 40 percent when compared to UPS' standard P70 delivery truck. The testing for these vehicles began in April and will conclude at the end of 2011.

The 150-horsepower prototype truck utilizes an Isuzu four-cylinder diesel engine and a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The engine is significantly smaller than the P70's oil-burning mill and the thought is that this downsized engine will sip less fuel. Overall, the CV-23 tips the scales at 1,000 pounds less than the P70 due to its composite body panels.

UPS has selected five locations to determine CV-23's ability to handle diverse conditions. The deployment areas are:

Lincoln, Nebraska: some of the roughest back roads in the country
Albany, New York: tough winter conditions
Tuscon, Arizona: extreme heat of the desert
Flint, Michigan: long urban route near Isuzu headquarters
Roswell, Georgia: vehicle will be used in close proximity to UPS' corporate automotive department

Click here to view UPS' interactive infographic detailing some of the CV-23's unique features.

[Source: UPS]

Continue reading UPS testing 5 fuel-saving, composite-bodied prototype delivery vehicles

UPS testing 5 fuel-saving, composite-bodied prototype delivery vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 May 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SIM-LEI electric prototype manages 207 miles (!) on Japan's JCO8 test cycle

Eric Loveday — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Japan

Sim-Drive has unveiled its Advance Development Model No. 1. Nicknamed "SIM-LEI," (LEI being an acronym for leading efficiency in-wheel motor) the electric prototype has exceeded the target of at least 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range on a single charge. How far can it go? 333 km (207 miles), according to Japan's JC08 test cycle. That's impressive, but remember that JC08 is a wee bit generous. The 2010 Toyota Prius, for example, is rated at 89.4 miles per gallon under JC08.

However far it can go in the real world, the SIM-LEI is equipped with a Toshiba-supplied 24.5 kWh battery, which is nearly identical to the capacity of the Nissan Leaf's pack. The SIM-LEI has a more efficient electrical power consumption - 77 Wh/km, compared to the Leaf's estimated 173 Wh/km. In addition to lower power consumption, the SIM-LEI's longer range is helped by a steel monocoque body that cuts weight, low-rolling resistance tires and the vehicle's drag-decreasing aerodynamics. On the performance front, the SIM-LEI accelerates from 0 to 62 miles per hour in an impressive 4.8 seconds.

In total 34 Japanese corporations, including Isuzu and Mitsubishi, participated in the development of the electric prototype. The SIM-LEI's commercial launch is tentatively scheduled for 2013. Keep those batteries charged, because it's a long way from here to there. Hat tip to Dan!

[Source: Green Car Congress]

SIM-LEI electric prototype manages 207 miles (!) on Japan's JCO8 test cycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Isuzu proposes new HD diesel engine for GM?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, GM, Isuzu

We're not entirely sure what to make of reports regarding Isuzu's tie-up with General Motors for diesel engines that seem to conflict with one another, but here we go anyway. According to Bloomberg, Isuzu is considering whether it should end its joint venture with The General for the production of large-displacement Duramax diesel engines.

PickupTrucks.com adds that GM has its own excellent team of diesel engine specialists that are fully capable of designing the automaker's next heavy duty truck engines. In fact, the 4.5-liter diesel that had been planned for light duty applications was wholly engineered by GM. Okay, got it.

But wait. According to Green Car Advisor (sadly without citing sources), Isuzu has proposed that it develop a new HD diesel engine for GM. Both reports could be true; Isuzu may have decided that it should continue to work with GM, and that could have led to the proposal, but we can't say for sure.

GCA also indicates (again, without citing a source) that GM and Isuzu are also in talks that would have the Japanese company take the lead in developing new pickup trucks for Southeast Asia and South America. GM's current Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups share common underpinnings with trucks that Isuzu developed for overseas sales.

[Source: Bloomberg, PickupTrucks.com, Green Car Advisor]

REPORT: Isuzu proposes new HD diesel engine for GM? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota cancels European diesel project with Isuzu

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:21:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Isuzu, Toyota

After General Motors severed its ownership ties with Isuzu two years ago, the struggling Japanese automaker hooked up with Toyota. While Isuzu has never really made much of an impact in the car market, they have been successful in commercial vehicles, particularly with diesel engines. Toyota decided to tap that expertise to help develop a new small displacement diesel engine for the European market. Unfortunately, huge losses for Toyota this year have caused it to slash spending on many programs. One of the victims of the cutbacks has been that diesel program. Instead of a new 1.6-liter diesel, Toyota will focus on the technology it already has, specifically hybrids.

While hybrid sales are still small in Europe, other manufacturers are moving in that direction so Toyota will try to defend its turf. At some point, if sales pick up enough, it may even start hybrid production at its European facilities. Thanks to Jarrett for the tip!

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota cancels European diesel project with Isuzu originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel-powered Isuzu D-Max caught testing in US

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Isuzu, USA, Spy Shots

As much as we'd like to tell you that General Motors is considering adding a small diesel engine to its GMT 355 platform, we're not going to. While we do have visual evidence that an Isuzu D-Max, which is built atop the same underpinnings as the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado pickup trucks, has been testing on American roads with a 3.0L four cylinder turbodiesel engine, it's likely just an engineering mule that a powertrain supplier like Bosch or AVL is testing. Too bad. Aside from a mildly crushed front fender, this is one good-looking machine, and the large displacement four-banger would surely be more efficient than either the base 2.9L four, 3.7L inline-five or newly optional 5.3L V8. Sure, that new eight-cylinder engine may offer plenty of grunt, but it leaves plenty to be desired when it comes time to fill the beastie back up with gas. Oh well, at least we can enjoy the photos.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Diesel-powered Isuzu D-Max caught testing in US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota and Isuzu stall European diesel engine venture

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Isuzu, Toyota, Europe/EU, UK

Diesel engines are super popular over in Europe and every auto manufacturer that truly wants to play ball there needs to offer world-class oil-burners. Despite this undeniable fact, Toyota has requested a temporary suspension on its joint venture with Isuzu to create small diesels for the EU market. The first expected engine was to displace 1.6-liters and was to be made from aluminum to cut down weight. These small engines were supposed to make their first appearance in 2012, so perhaps there is still time to restart the venture if the global economy picks up a bit of steam.

Isuzu might not be too upset that Toyota wants to temporarily suspend the project, as it has already chosen to freeze all projects that were not already officially underway. One of Isuzu's largest customers is General Motors, which uses large diesel engines jointly developed with Isuzu in all of its Duramax-equipped vehicles. Rumors that Isuzu would be taking GM's medium-duty truck operations are also completely dead.

[Source: AFP via Google]

Toyota and Isuzu stall European diesel engine venture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FedEx puts 2 million miles on hybrid trucks, adds 75 more

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Isuzu, Europe/EU, North America, USA

Click on the image to view in high-res

According to FedEx, its hybrid delivery vehicles have saved approximately 83,000 gallons of fuel and eliminated 950 tons of greenhouse gas emissions while racking up an impressive 2 million miles overall. Because of this success, the global delivery giant will be adding 75 new hybrid vehicles to its fleet, making for a total of 172 hybrid vehicles. The hybrid trucks used by FedEx are said to improve fuel economy by 42 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30 percent and cut particulate pollution by 96 percent.

FedEx uses hybrid technology from Eaton, Isuzu, Iveco and Azure Dynamics with Ford engines and chassis. That's a lot of different systems for one company. Mitch Jackson, director of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability at FedEx, calls for "truck manufacturing industry to create its version of the Prius: clean, affordable and widely available for truck fleets."

FedEx also plans to test Class 6 vehicles using hybrid hydraulic technology from Parker Hannifin Corporation and replace some of their air fleet with more efficient Boeing 757 planes. All of these changes will result in less fuel consumption, helping FedEx's bottom line and, more importantly, reduce harmful emissions.

Gallery: FedEx Hybrid Truck

Continue reading FedEx puts 2 million miles on hybrid trucks, adds 75 more

FedEx puts 2 million miles on hybrid trucks, adds 75 more originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corporate Express will test Isuzu hybrid truck for delivery

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Isuzu, USA

Corporate Express has announced that it will be one of the first U.S. companies to test an Isuzu hybrid delivery truck for its operations. The model will be a current Isuzu truck in which Enova Systems will retrofit their HybridPower drive system. The truck is expected to be completed in April 2008 and will be used in Los Angeles, CA.

The HybridPower system is described as a turnkey system that combines an enhanced electric motor and electronic controls to help power the vehicle, but there's no mention of the batteries. Enova has worked on lithium systems. Isuzu has currently other hybrid programs, including a large-scale commercial program in its homeland, Japan.

[Source: Corporate Express and Isuzu]

Corporate Express will test Isuzu hybrid truck for delivery originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isuzu and Toyota expand their relationship

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:11:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Isuzu, Toyota

Last week, we told you that Isuzu and Toyota had announced that they were collaborating on a new small diesel engine. This week, they say that they are expanding that collaboration to also include new clean diesel exhaust technology. This agreement is between Hino Motors, Toyota's truck division, and Isuzu.

Although there have been some rumors that Toyota would like to get an Isuzu-designed diesel engine in their new full-size truck so that it can continue to compete in every market where its main rivals do, and these announcements sound like they could be baby steps towards that type of agreement, those rumors are just speculation. In the meantime, we can be satisfied that Hino Motors will be making their diesel exhaust as clean as they can.

Related:

Toyota and Isuzu to collaborate on small diesel engines

[Source: Detriot News]

Isuzu and Toyota expand their relationship originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota and Isuzu to collaborate on small diesel engines

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Isuzu, Toyota

Isuzu may not be particularly successful as a purveyor of cars - particularly in the US market - but they have done much better in the medium duty truck market and as a designer and producer of diesel engines. Their joint venture with General Motors to produce diesels under the Duramax brand for GM's heavy duty trucks has gotten excellent reviews.

Toyota and Isuzu agreed last fall to investigate building small diesel engines and they have now agreed to develop and build engines together. The first product will be 1.6L aluminum block four cylinder for European Toyota models and it's scheduled to go into production in 2012.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota and Isuzu to collaborate on small diesel engines

Toyota and Isuzu to collaborate on small diesel engines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM builds their 1 Millionth DuraMax diesel V-8

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Isuzu

Since it's introduction for the 2001 model year the GM Duramax 6.6L diesel V-8 has been one of the most highly regarded truck diesels on the market. The engines were jointly developed with Isuzu Motors and built in a joint-venture plant in Dayton, Ohio. The DMAX plant has just produced the one millionth Duramax V-8. The 6.6L is four valve per cylinder V-8 with common rail injection and the 2007 version also has a particulate filter so that it can meet new emission standards. The engine is used in the heavy duty versions of the Siverado/Sierra pick up trucks, the Express/Savanna vans and also the larger medium duty Chevy Kodiak/GMC Topkick trucks.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM builds their 1 Millionth DuraMax diesel V-8

GM builds their 1 Millionth DuraMax diesel V-8 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 May 2007 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota to sell diesel hybrid in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Isuzu, Toyota

After hooking up with Isuzu a couple of weeks ago, Toyota is now going to start taking advantage of Isuzu's diesel expertise. For the first time Toyota is going to combine their Synergy hybrid drive system with diesel engines. A diesel hybrid system has the potential to provide the best of both worlds. Hybrid systems really only provide a lot of benefit in stop and go driving where the regular deceleration can be used for regenerative braking to charge the battery. The battery is then used to re-start the engine after a stop and also to drive the vehicle when there is low demand and adequate charge. In highway cruising the limited battery capacity is of little value. A diesel engine works best in exactly those conditions, so a diesel hybrid should be the best combination of an internal combustion engine hybrid. The plan is for Toyota to offer a subcompact diesel hybrid as soon as 2010.

[Source: JapanToday]

Toyota to sell diesel hybrid in 2010 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isuzu sticks with GM for DuraMax diesel engine joint-venture

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, GM, Isuzu, Toyota

One of the technical highlights of the last generation GMT-800 full-size trucks from GM was the Duramax turbo-diesel V-8. This strong, efficient, refined engine was miles ahead of the Navistar engine in the Ford trucks and the Cummins engine that Dodge uses. The Duramax diesels are built by a General Motors-Isuzu joint-venture in Ohio called DMAX ltd. However, in the last year and a half, GM has been extricating themselves from most of their Japanese partnerships including Isuzu. Earlier this week, Isuzu announced that they were hooking up with Toyota and would work with Toyota on developing diesel engines for use in Toyota vehicles.

This caused the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun to report that Isuzu was asking GM to sell their stake in the DMAX and another venture in Poland to Toyota. Today, both Isuzu and Toyota denied the report and in fact said that the issue had not even been discussed. The Japanese paper's report did say that the plant would continue to supply engines to GM after a Toyota deal, which would be critical to GM's truck programs. GM CEO Rick Wagoner is in Tokyo today so it remains to be seen what will happen.

[Source: Automotive News - subscription required]

Isuzu sticks with GM for DuraMax diesel engine joint-venture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota to take a stake in Isuzu for engine and emissions collaboration

Derrick Y. Noh — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Isuzu, Toyota

Today, Toyota and Isuzu announced a collaboration which will be made possible by the former purchasing a 5.9 percent stake (100 million shares) in the latter. The two companies said in a public statement that the deal will allow them to work together in the research and development in three areas of green car technology. According to Automotive News (subscription required), Isuzu will take the lead in the development of small diesel engines and diesel emissions control while Toyota spearheads alternative-fuel drivetrains and environmental technologies for gas engines.

It seems as though most of the industry can't help but see an impending omen in the announcement. Just seven months ago, GM sold off the entirety of its stake (7.9 percent) in Isuzu in an effort to focus on falling profits in North America. And now, as Toyota makes one of GM's old alliances its own, the Japanese giant also gears up in an attempt to overtake GM as the world's number one automaker.

There's currently no word on the price of the deal, but it should hover somewhere around $354 million. "You have my word on it."

[Source: Associated Press via International Herald Tribune]

Toyota to take a stake in Isuzu for engine and emissions collaboration originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California winery uses nothing but alternative-energy vehicles

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green Culture, Isuzu

The Kathryn Kennedy Winery in Saratoga, California is a good example of how a green mindset can affect an entire business. I've never tasted the company's wine, but the sustainability information on their website makes me interested to see how the eco-conscious farmers there operate. The farm uses integrated pest management and on-farm composting, and the green attitude extends to the office, where the workers use recycled office supplies. All of the farm's vehicles are green, too, from the electric golf cart they use for small jobs and general transport to the B100-powered tractor out in the field. They say the tractor has not had any mechanical alterations and runs great. Even the family cars and the winery flatbed Isuzu NQR run on biodiesel. On the winery's website, the reasons behind the green vehicles are spelled out: "Our company has taken the position that America's intrenched [sic] dependence on petroleum is not only bad for the environment but also bad for our national security."

[Source: Kathryn Kennedy Winery via SF Biofuels]

California winery uses nothing but alternative-energy vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isuzu's new diesel engine website

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Isuzu

Diesel vehicle are receiving a lot of renewed interest in the U.S., and Isuzu's new diesel engine website is one more example of that. The site was launched to keep customers abreast of the new 2007 diesel emissions standards and, obviously, to promote Isuzu's diesel lineup. The site explains the features of Isuzu's 6H (7.8L) and the 4H (5.2L) engines and compares them to others. The company also enhanced its commercial vehicle website. The new diesel standards mean nitrogen oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM) emissions must be 90 percent lower than the currently in effect 2004 standards. While some automakers have been forced to cancel their 2007 diesel vehicles in the U.S., Isuzu says it can meet the emissions standards because the low-emission technology has been in use in Isuzu trucks in Japan for the last two years.

[Source: Isuzu]

Isuzu's new diesel engine website originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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