Utilimaster Begins Production of Isuzu Reach Commercial Van

ANAHEIM, CA - Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., and Utilimaster Corp. have begun production of the all-new Reach commercial walk-in van at Utilimaster’s assembly facility in Wakarusa, Indiana.

The Reach features a body designed by Utilimaster that sits atop an Isuzu NPR chassis. The vehicle is powered by Isuzu’s 3.0L diesel engine, which the companies said achieves 35-percent better fuel economy than a traditional commercial van. The engine is bio-diesel fuel compatible and is turbocharged, making it capable of generating 150 hp. It’s mated to an Aisin medium-duty six-speed automatic transmission. The engine and transmission have B10 durability ratings of 310,000 miles, which means 90-percent of engines will reach that mileage before requiring an overhaul.

The Reach is offered with a 151-inch wheelbase with either a 12- or 14-foot body. The cargo area can offer 540 or 630 cubic feet of storage, depending on the body selected. The Reach also offers either rear swing doors or an integrated, composite roll-up door. 

Utilimaster guided the development of the Reach’s aerodynamic shape, along with its use of composite materials, which together improve fuel efficiency and reduce interior noise. The Reach van also employs impact-resistant composite panels that are designed to reduce overall maintenance costs. For example, in the event of a collision, the vehicle’s lower body cladding can be replaced with simple tools, reducing downtime, according to Utilimaster.

The companies said the vehicle offers a range of modular vocational packages that provide a choice of factory- or field-installed options.