Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Chevrolet Re-Enters Low-Cab Forward Market

In the 2016-CY, Chevrolet will offer six low-cab forward models in the Class 3-5 GVW segments. The models will be procured from Isuzu and badged as Chevrolets.

Mike Antich
Mike AntichFormer Editor and Associate Publisher
Read Mike's Posts
June 15, 2015
Chevrolet Re-Enters Low-Cab Forward Market

Photo cabover family courtesy of GM.

3 min to read


Photo cabover family courtesy of GM.

Chevrolet will offer low-cab forward medium-duty trucks in the U.S. in calendar-year 2016, the automaker announced at its dealer meeting in Las Vegas on June 15, returning the brand to a growing segment of the commercial vehicle market and expanding choices for fleet and commercial truck customers.

The six new models — Chevrolet 3500, 3500HD, 4500, 4500HD, 5500, and 5500HD — are based on the Isuzu N-Series, which General Motors will procure from Isuzu and distribute through Chevrolet dealers.

Ad Loading...

The six new models will be branded as Chevrolet Low Cab Forward. According to John Schwegman, director of commercial products for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations, the Low Cab Forward models will fill a product hole in the GM lineup in the Class 3-5 truck segments.

The new trucks will be offered in regular-cab and crew-cab body styles. A General Motors’ sourced 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, or Isuzu-sourced 3.0L and 5.2L turbodiesel engines, will be available, depending on the model. The gasoline-powered models will be assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits in the U.S. at the Spartan Motors assembly plant in Charlotte, Mich.

Photo of Chevrolet 4500 cabover courtesy of GM.

Along with the Isuzu-badged versions, the Chevrolet models will be the only low-cab forward trucks in the North American market to offer a gasoline-powered powertrain. Additional features include:

  • Excellent visibility and maneuverability — especially in urban environments.

  • Easy driver entry and exit.

  • Chassis lengths ranging from 109 inches to 212 inches.

  • Compatibility with a variety of body types, including refrigerated box, stake/flat bed, and service bodies.

  • Easy-access engine compartment with 45-degree tilting cab.

Additional features and specifications will be available closer to the start of production.

Ad Loading...

“Bringing low-cab forward trucks back to our portfolio strengthens Chevrolet’s commitment to providing commercial customers with more choices and provides customers with a versatile lineup of trucks, vans, and crossovers,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales. “This addition helps our dealers satisfy their commercial customers’ needs all in one place.”

In addition to the new Low-Cab Forward trucks, Chevrolet’s fleet and commercial choices include the full-size Silverado lineup, the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD full-size chassis cab models, and the mid-size Colorado, which offers a box-delete and seat-delete option, as well as the City Express small van and Express range of full-size vans.

Photo of Chevrolet 4500 cabover courtesy of GM.

According to Peper, key vocational markets being targeted by Chevrolet for the new Low Cab Forward models include refrigerated food delivery, distribution applications, construction industry, landscaping, government, and urban applications.

The vehicle collaboration agreement in the U.S. between General Motors and Isuzu Motors is the latest in a more than 40 year strategic partnership between the two companies that has included other commercial vehicle collaborations throughout the world.

According to both companies, to strengthen the product lineup, GM and Isuzu will explore the use of GM com-mercial vehicle components for Isuzu low-cab forward trucks, and GM will continue to produce and supply the 6.0L V-8 gasoline engine and 6-speed transmission for Isuzu gasoline-powered low-cab forward trucks.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Operations

Skyline of London with a blue sky and an inset logo for Kooner.
OperationsMay 4, 2026

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions Expands Internationally with Launch in the UK

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions’ new Central England operations hub establishes a foundation for 24/7 fleet maintenance, mobile repair, and technician development across the UK.

Read More →
Host Lauren Fletcher gestures toward “Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet” graphic highlighting driver input, TPMS benefits, and the end of International CV Series production.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherMay 4, 2026

Drivers Speak Up, TPMS Pays Off, and a Workhorse Retires | Weekly Cheat Sheet

Drivers are shaping fleet decisions, TPMS is delivering real savings, and a key workhorse is retiring. Plus quick hits on data, uptime, and new trucks.

Read More →
Graphic illustration of runners' feet on glowing pavement to the right, a big rig truck on the left, and headline for a virtual 5k to benefit truck drivers.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Launches 2nd Annual Virtual 5K to Support Health and Wellness for Professional Drivers

St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund’s 2nd Annual Virtual 5K raises funds and awareness for over-the-road truck drivers facing illness or injury, and there’s still time to participate in this year’s event.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Open glowing book on a wooden table with candles, quill, and maps, with golden light and magical particles rising from its pages in a fantasy-style illustration.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherMay 1, 2026

The Future of Storytelling Still Belongs To Humans

New tools always change the process. They do not replace the instinct. From portrait painters adapting to photography to creators navigating AI, the people who matter most are still the ones who know how to see.

Read More →
“Legends of Fleet” featuring a dark textured background with gold accents, large metallic gold title text centered, and a framed portrait of Carl Nelson with subtitle identifying him as a retired fleet manager, along with Work Truck and Legend logos at the top.
OperationsApril 30, 2026

Carl Nelson's Journey, Sliding into Success | Fleet Legends

With more than four decades of experience across fleets such as AT&T and AmeriGas, Carl built a reputation for doing the work, leading through change, and helping to move the industry forward without ever making it about himself.

Read More →
Breakdowns, data & insights are the topics of the April 2026 Truck Chat Monthly Recap sponsored by Chevron REGI
OperationsApril 28, 2026

Breakdowns, Data Action, and Driver Insight Take Center Stage | Truck Chat Monthly April Recap

In this month’s news recap, we’re digging into why trucks are still failing in the field, how fleets are finally turning data into action, why driver feedback is becoming a critical operational tool, how fleet leaders are finding their voice, and where simple tech like TPMS is delivering real results.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A graphic image showing charts and graphs depicting cargo theft in the first quarter of 2026.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Cargo Theft Incident Volume Falls in First Quarter of 2026

Verisk CargoNet reported that supply chain crime events across the United States and Canada declined by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2026. However, confirmed cargo theft reports rose slightly, by 41 incidents.

Read More →
Graphic promoting Work Truck Exchange with bold text highlighting pre-scheduled meetings, limited spots remaining, and event details for Phoenix, Arizona.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherApril 27, 2026

Limited Spots Remain for Fleet Managers to Attend Work Truck Exchange

Limited spots remain for Work Truck Exchange in Phoenix. Fleet managers can connect through pre-scheduled meetings designed to deliver real solutions fast.

Read More →
Lauren Fletcher presenting Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet graphic highlighting breakdowns, data action, and driver feedback trends in fleet operations.
Operationsby Lauren FletcherApril 27, 2026

Why Trucks Keep Failing, Plus Data Action and Driver Feedback

Fleets tackle breakdowns, act on data, and rethink driver feedback. Plus TPMS gains and key industry shifts in this week’s Truck Chat Cheat Sheet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Shades of Fleet Veterans in Fleet graphic with American flags and Work Truck branding highlighting military veterans’ impact on fleet leadership and operations
Operationsby Lauren FletcherApril 24, 2026

Call for Voices: Inviting Veterans in Fleet to Share Their Stories

Veterans in fleet, it's your turn! share how military experience shapes leadership, discipline, and real-world decision-making across today’s operations.

Read More →