INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Isuzu has announced it is bringing back its N-Series gasoline-powered delivery truck, with production set to begin Apr. 18 at Spartan Motors’ Michigan production facility.

Gas-powered NPR (12,000-lb. GVWR) and NPR-HD (14,500-lb. GVWR) trucks will be offered in single cab and crew cab configurations. They should begin arriving at Isuzu dealers in early May, the company announced at the Work Truck Show.

The trucks will be powered by a GM Vortec six-litre V8 engine that produces up to 297 hp and generates 372 lb.-ft. torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine will be mated with a GM Powertrain six-speed automatic transmission.

“We are very excited to reintroduce our line of gasoline-powered N-Series trucks to the marketplace, with a new six-speed transmission that improves fuel economy and performance,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice-president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America.

Also at the Work Truck Show, Isuzu revealed a new commercial van produced in partnership with Utilimaster Corporation, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors. Full production of the Reach commercial van is slated to begin in the second half of 2011.

The Reach rides on an Isuzu NPR Eco-Max chassis and is powered by the Isuzu three-litre diesel engine.

“The Reach is the ideal walk-in van for today’s market because its Isuzu powertrain offers incredible fuel efficiency and proven durability, and its frame, suspension, steering and braking systems are true commercial grade, not just beefed passenger van components,” said Isuzu’s Skinner. “Today’s fleet and vocational buyers are looking for low cost of ownership, and the Reach lives up to its name – it reaches a new standard in low cost of ownership that no other commercial van can match.”

Applications for the Reach include: package and delivery fleets; contractors; cleaning services; heating and air-conditioning technicians; plumbers; electricians; florists; moving and storage companies; cleaning services; and appliance repair and delivery firms.