Isuzu trucks now B20 compatible

All new Isuzu Commercial Truck of America vehicles manufactured in 2011 and onwards, including its N-Series truck models and the new Isuzu Reach commercial van, are compatible with a fuel blend of up to 20% biodiesel (B20).

'Our customers at Isuzu Commercial Truck of America have been asking for approval to use B20 in our products in the US for many years,' Brian Tabel, retail marketing manager at Lsuzu Commercial Truck says. 'We are really happy to now turn that request into a reality and bring B20 biodiesel capability to the US market.'

Tabel believes that the company's announcement comes following extensive US support for improved biodiesel under the ASTM D7467 and the American Society of Testing and Materials specifications for B6-B20 biodiesel blends.

'In looking for ways to lessen our environmental footprint while also improving fuel economy, we realised that our customers can much more easily afford a high fuel-efficiency, B20-compatible diesel vehicle running on biodiesel blends than some of the very expensive hybrid vehicles out there,' Tabel adds.

Over 60% of automobiles manufactured in the US today are compatible with B20 blends or more. Through its network of 293 dealers in the US, Isuzu expects to sell between 10,000 and 11,000 diesel units in 2011, all of which are capable to use with B20 biodiesel blends.