MONTREAL (Oct. 26, 1999) — The Isuzu-built W Series of low-cab-forward medium-duty trucks is coming to Canada, thanks to a recently announced agreement between General Motors of Canada and Isuzu. Marketed in the United States since 1984, the class-3 through -5 W Series is sold by GM, Chevrolet, and Isuzu dealers down there in a competitive environment that sees the same truck carry any of the three firmsÕ nameplates.

The announcement was made at Expocam 99, a trade show held here last week.

In Canada, there will be 21 sales locations established at selected existing GMC truck dealerships, with all locations to be announced and stocked by the end of 1999. The GMC W Series will comprise three subsidiary models: the W3500 (12,000 pounds GVW); the W4500 (14,500 pounds); and the W5500 (17,950 pounds). Company sources say an ultimate share of 12% to 15% of the Canadian class-3 to class-5 market is seen as a feasible target.

The W Series vehicles are all powered by an Isuzu-brand diesel engine, with a maximum rating of 175 horsepower.

“While Isuzu trucks have previously had a limited presence in Canada, this agreement serves as a milestone for our company and our partner,” says Marc Comeau, general director of sales at GM Canada. “The new trucks are scheduled to arrive at participating GM Medium-Duty dealers in November.

“Now businesses and individual truck buyers will have the added security of knowing that a comprehensive network of after-sales service and parts resources will be in place for them,” he adds.

U.S.-based General Motors has held a minority ownership in Isuzu of Japan for a number of years, and increased this proportion to 49% in 1998.