ANAHEIM, Calif. – Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, distributor of low-cab-forward trucks, announced that production of gasoline-powered Isuzu N-Series trucks will begin on April 18, 2011, at the Spartan Motors, facility in Charlotte, Mich. The company made the announcement at the National Truck Equipment Association’s 2011 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

Gasoline-powered NPR (12,000-lb. GVWR) and NPR-HD (14,500-lb. GVWR) trucks will be available in single cab models with wheelbases of 109, 132.5, 150 and 176 inches, and in crew cab configurations with 150- and 176-inch wheelbases. Units are expected to arrive at Isuzu dealerships beginning in early May 2011.

The vehicles will complement the popular diesel-powered Isuzu N-Series trucks already available.

N-Gas models will be powered by a General Motors Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 297 horsepower at 4,300 rpm and generates 372 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

In addition, a version of the engine compatible with compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be available.

Both versions of the gasoline power plant will be mated to a GM Powertrain 6-speed automatic transmission with double overdrive. Previous N-Series gasoline models offered only a 4-speed automatic.

“We are very excited to reintroduce our line of gasoline-powered N-Series trucks to the marketplace, with a new 6-speed transmission that improves fuel economy and performance” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “With these new models – and the introduction of the all-new Reach commercial van – we are proud that our dealers will once again offer the broadest range of low-cab-forward solutions in the industry.”

ICTA also announced the development of a next-generation commercial van, combining a body designed by the Utilimaster Corp., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, with Isuzu’s NPR diesel chassis. Full production of the new commercial van is expected to begin in the second half of 2011.