Isuzu has been a pioneer in the manufacture of vehicles and engines for industrial and commercial use, since its first truck was introduced in 1918. Today, Isuzu is a world leader in the production of reliable medium-duty trucks and is world-renowned for its expertise in engineering, from diesel engines to pickups to SUVs. Isuzu's history has coincided with the development of diesel engines in Japan. After the German engineer, Rudolf Diesel, developed the world's first diesel engine in 1893, decades passed until the birth of Japan's first practical automotive diesel engine. While Japan's first diesel engine was developed by the Navy in 1907, the model was not for practical use but for research use. However, many private companies continued their efforts to develop diesel engines for various industries, including the automobile industry. Automobile Industries Co., Ltd., an Isuzu predecessor, established a diesel research committee in 1934, as part of the operational policies of the-then President Tomonosuke Kano. Just two years later in 1936, the company manufactured Japan's first air-cooled diesel engine, which marked a breakthrough in the history of diesel engine development. This engine model surpassed competitors when vehicles for both civilian and military use equipped with it soon. Automobile Industries was merged with two other companies into Tokyo Automobile Industries Co., Ltd. in 1937. The Japanese Government designated Tokyo Automobile Industries in 1941 as the only company that was permitted to manufacture diesel-powered vehicles. Thus, the company, which was renamed Isuzu Motors Limited in 1949, has established strong foothold in the industry to lead the diesel engine technology.

Today, Isuzu has global diesel engine production network, sparing no efforts to develop low-impact clean diesel engines in response to a growing market need. Excellent automotive companies in USA and Europe count on Isuzu diesels for its superior performance and excellent fuel economy, which is a clear endorsement of the overall high quality and excellent environmental engineering of Isuzu diesels.

Isuzu Ascender
The Isuzu Ascender ($27, 149) highly creates the running performance, amenity and the utility. Isuzu's flagship SUV returns for 2008, a true body-on-frame vehicle with plenty of room for five passengers, up to 5,800 pounds of towing capacity, and a multiple award-winning 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine under its hood. Standard head-curtain side-impact airbags on all models contribute to enhanced safety and peace of mind for the new model year.

Crew Cab
The Isuzu Crew Cab Pickup continues to be available as an i-370 ($24, 929) in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations. All i-370 Crew Cabs are equipped with upgraded LS trim, but the Limited Package has been discontinued for 2008. Its equipment has been made standard, part of the new Comfort Package, or available as stand-alone options for the new model year. Towing capacity on all Crew Cabs has been increased from 4,000 to 5,500 pounds.

Extended Cab
The Isuzu Extended Cab Pickup continues to be available as an i-290 4x2 (starting at $17, 799) and as an i-370 4x2 ($22,799). With its durable construction, generous 72.8-inch cargo bed, and heavy-duty truck suspension, the i-290 is a heroic addition to any work detail. Smart styling, a comfortable, spacious interior, and room for up to five adults make the i-290 Extended Cab the mid-size pickup with a plan. For those looking for workmanlike ratio of cargo bed capacity to passenger room, the 2WD Extended Cab delivers the goods and still has room for up to five. For mid-size pickup value, the i-370 is indeed the smart mind's truck of choice. The i-290 4x2 Extended Cab is now available in value-laden S trim; the Preferred Equipment Package remains optional. The i-370 4x2 Extended Cab is available in upgraded LS trim. The i-370's Luxury Package has been discontinued, with many of its features made standard or available as stand-alone options.