From Todays Automotive News:

NEW ORLEANS -- Isuzu dealers will get a version of the GMC Canyon pickup beginning in July, the company told dealers here on Monday.

The company also said that U.S. dealers will not get a compact SUV from Thailand that had been expected for the 2007 model year.

The 2006 Isuzu pickup will come in two versions, a 4x2 extended cab with a 2.8-liter I4 engine and a 4x4 four-door cab with a 3.5-liter I5.

Production numbers and pricing will be announced at the New York auto show in March.

Isuzu is not bringing the SUV from Thailand because it will not be profitable, said Terry Maloney, president of Isuzu Motors America Inc.

Maloney also told dealers that Isuzu will develop a new diesel engine in the 3-liter class that will be sold in the United States. No date has been set for the diesel.


News about the SUV sucks. At least we can get a diesel (in something).

Kevin

I do not understand this. These engines are the same which the Canyon has. What is the difference ? I bet that all these "Isuzu" pickups are actually Canyons with Isuzu badge. Did they say anything about Isuzu-manufactured pickups ?

The news are really bad.

Oleg

I thought that the Canyon was offered in the U.S. with a 5cyl GM motor?(a takeoff of the Vortec 6) So, if it is offered with the 3.5l direct injection motor, that would be a nice deal. The diesel would be even better....

I interpret that as a rebadged GMC Canyon. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

No 3.5 direct injection. It says 3.5 I5 as in in-line 5 cylinder.

Even if this is just another re-badged GM, at least it's a pickup. I never could understand how Isuzu could drop it's pickups in a market place full of pickups. Hopefully, this will help Isuzu out some.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

you guys aren't looking at it right. the GM's are just rebadged Zu's! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Not when they are conceived, designed and built by GM.

4x4 Reg. cab...extra cab...4 door...Multi reflector halogen headlights...front fog lamps...16" alloy wheels...double wishbone w/ torsion bar...manual lock wheel hubs...limited slip differential...2.482:1 transfer ratio- chain type drive system...3.0 litre intercooled turbocharged diesel...2.5 litre intercooled turbocharged diesel...2.5 litre turbocharged diesel...2.4 litre 8-valve SOHC petrol...3.5 litre 24 valve V-6 DOHC petrol...4sp auto...5sp man. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

The Canyon was co-developed with Isuzu and it and th D-Max are built on essentially the same platform. Isuzu was also 'in' on the technical development of the engines and, if I recall correctly, the 5spd transmission is an Isuzu unit. I remember reading something about that before either were released...but someone correct me [with facts] if I'm wrong.

No Thailand SUV, no surprise. I've seen that thing in person, and it's not suited to the US market: high ground clearance, decent a/d angles, a sweet turbo diesel engine, body-on-frame, skid plates, LSD, and many other 'functional' niceties those who actually USE their 4WDs can appreciate.

Perhaps if it was unibody, had a piggish V8, frequently broke u-joints, lacked underbody protection, came with a sluggish automatic and no LSD, but had fantastic cup holders and a DVD entertainment system, we'd see it in the US.

Them's the brakes.

But I can't see the news as all bad. One has to wonder: why does Isuzu even bother to keep a presence in the US with rebadged GM products unless there is some strategy?

Of course, it might just be a graceful exist strategy....who knows....or part of a back-room deal with GM: sell our trucks or we won't buy your engines...

BH