JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #77 - December 2012 - 15

van

A commercial van which raises the bar
is compared with. Isuzu and Utilimaster achieved such astonishing fuel economy and a lower cost of ownership through dedicated work on the engine and powertrain, a lightweight aerodynamic van body and ecological considerations throughout. Isuzu’s fuel-efficient powertrain is mated to a versatile Utilimaster body designed to be as economical as it is practical. Utilimaster employs impact-resistant, lightweight moulded body panels. The structural components are a hybrid of aluminium and highlyengineered polycarbonate sandwich panels. The end result is a corrosion-resistant body that is almost 300 kg lighter than walk-in vans of equivalent lengths. In addition, extensive wind tunnel testing optimized the Reach body shape. This aerodynamic design cuts through the air with a drag coefficient that is 13.1% lower than current competitive vans.

In the world of commercial vehicles, the introduction of a truly new vehicle is a rare occurrence. That’s why the all-new Reach (nothing to do with the EU regulation) is so important. Again, composites are part of this success.
time-efficient thanks to its low step-in combined with a pass-through design. Drivers can get in and out and back on the road quicker than ever. This van is also very versatile in terms of use for package delivery to food distribution, contracting to cleaning services, and moving and storage to heating and air conditioning.

Reach for unmatched reliability and durability
Not all commercial vehicles provide long-term reliability and a cost of ownership with a true return on investment. Of the more than 400,000 Isuzu-built diesel trucks sold in North America since 1986, more than 81% are still registered and in service today. The Reach’s body has been designed to last as long as its engine. The materials used in the construction of each body panel have been carefully evaluated and selected for durability, impact resistance, functionality, corrosion resistance, thermal and sound insulation qualities and recyclability. Moreover, the Reach panels can be easily repaired and replaced. All of the Reach’s body panels, including its rear doors, are made from durable composite materials that are inherently corrosion resistant. n
More information: www.isuzucv.com www.utilimaster.com

suzu Commercial Vehicles and Utilimaster have created a true commercial-grade vehicle with the aim of delivering reliable performance year after year. The Reach delivers up to 35% better fuel economy than a traditional commercial van (compared to class 3-5 commercial walk-in vans). It has a fuel-efficient design thanks to its lightweight, aerodynamic Utilimaster body and efficient Isuzu diesel powertrain. Its design is also

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Lower cost of ownership
According to its designers, the Reach has the ability to dramatically lower the cost of ownership, no matter the type of walk-in van it

Versatile interior space with maximum cargo capacity, Composite floor with slip-resistant vinyl floor overlay, Track mounting accommodates a variety of vocational upfits

No77 December 2012

/ jec composites magazine 15
http://www.isuzucv.com http://www.utilimaster.com
JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #77 - December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #77 - December 2012
