Isuzu to Exit U.S. Light Vehicle Market
The automaker said it is leaving because General Motors may discontinue the Ascender SUV and its small-pickup platform.
Isuzu has announced that it will be leaving the light-vehicle market in the United States. In a recent conference call with the board of the U.S. Isuzu Dealer Advisory Council, Isuzu said it will stop selling new vehicles here on Jan. 31, 2009.
Isuzu Motors America said in a press release that it is leaving because General Motors may discontinue the Ascender SUV and its small-pickup platform. Isuzu has 201 dealers and sells only two models -- the five-seat Ascender, based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer; and the i-series pickup, derived from GM's small-pickup platform.
Isuzu sales have slid from 103,937 in 1999 to 7,098 in 2007. Isuzu signed 13 new dealers in the past year. Those dealers mainly were in the used-car business or had franchises that did not have trucks.
More Small Fleet
Developing Budget-Friendly Driver Safety Programs
From driver training and safety meetings to one-on-one coaching and incentive programs, several small fleets share how they have developed a safety culture with their drivers using low- to no-cost resources.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →