2003 New York Auto Show:Isuzu Reveals Direct Injection Gasoline Engine and New SUV

CERRITOS, Calif., April 17 -- Today, American Isuzu Motors Inc. announced a new technology and a new model for the U.S. market. Among the elements revealed at the company's press conference at the 2003 New York International Auto Show:

   *  The first direct-injection gasoline engine available in a U.S.-market
      SUV, which will be standard on the 2004 Isuzu Axiom and optional on
      the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo.

   *  A five-passenger version of the Ascender sport utility vehicle, which
      will go on sale in January 2004.

These elements are actually part of a series of new introductions that began last fall with the launch of the Ascender 7-passenger; increased Roadside Assistance to match a new 7-year/75,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; dramatically reduced MSRPs on Axiom, Rodeo and Rodeo Sport; and an all-new, more retail focused advertising campaign.

The direct-injection gasoline engine will be standard on the 2004 Axiom and optional on the 2004 Rodeo. Available in September 2003, the Isuzu direct- injection gasoline engine uses less fuel in the city and on the highway, generates more horsepower and more torque, and produces fewer emissions -- and does it all on regular, unleaded gasoline -- compared to its conventional fuel injection predecessor.

The only other vehicles available for sale in the United States to offer direct-injection gasoline engines are the $116,495 BMW 760Li and the Rolls-Royce Phantom, expected to be priced well above $300,000. With that in mind Isuzu stands as not only the sole company to offer a direct-injection gasoline engine in a U.S.-market truck, but in a vehicle of any kind available in America priced under $100,000.

The Ascender 5-passenger will be added to the Isuzu lineup for 2004. The new SUV will share many attributes with the 7-passenger Ascender, including dynamic styling, a 4.2-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque and a choice of two-wheel drive with available traction control or an advanced On-Demand four-wheel drive system.

As its name implies, the newest Ascender will offer plenty of room for five passengers.

Ascender 5-passenger will come in a single S trim level with available LS and Luxury equipment packages. Pricing has not yet been set, but is expected to be consistent with Isuzu's position as the SUV value leader.

The company announced the planned introduction of an all-new SUV in 2006. Isuzu intends for the vehicle to offer three rows of seating and will be powered by the same 3.5-liter direct-injection engine that will appear later this year in the Rodeo and Axiom.

American Isuzu Motors Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Isuzu sport utility vehicles and diesel engines. For more information call (800) 662-2464 or access www.IsuzuNewsBureau.com.