No news not good news at Isuzu
Kathy Jackson, Automotive News, August 20, 2007 - 12:01 am EST

No new products are in sight for Isuzu dealers.

For the foreseeable future, U.S. dealers will continue to sell only two models - a General Motors-based SUV and pickup. But the fate of that SUV is in doubt.

Ascender: The five-seat Ascender is based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. But GM sources have said the TrailBlazer and a sister vehicle, the GMC Envoy, may be phased out by the 2010 or 2011 model year as GM moves toward crossover vehicles.

i-290/i-370: These two Isuzu pickups are versions of the GMC Canyon. No changes are slated in the near future.

Despite words to the contrary by Isuzu management in the U.S., the company's future in the United States remains questionable. Isuzu's U.S. lineup consists of two rebadged General Motors light vehicles, one of which GM is expected to discontinue.

In the meantime, Isuzu is developing a 3.0-liter diesel for its light trucks in the United States. No introduction date has been announced.