After a seven year absence, next year Chevrolet will return to the medium-duty commercial truck market with cab forward models. The six new 2016 models – Chevrolet 3500, 3500HD, 4500, 4500HD, 5500 and 5500 HD – are based on the Isuzu N-Series, which GM will purchase from Isuzu and distribute through Chevrolet dealers.

“Bringing low cab forward trucks back to our portfolio strengthens Chevrolet’s commitment to providing commercial customers with more choices and provides customers with a versatile lineup of trucks, vans and crossovers,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales. “This addition helps our dealers satisfy their commercial customers’ needs all in one place.

The new trucks will be offered in regular-cab and crew-cab body styles. Depending on the model, General Motors’ sourced 6.0L V-8 gas engine and six-speed automatic transmission, or Isuzu-sourced 3.0L and 5.2L turbo-diesel engines will be available. 80% of the trucks will be powered by diesel engines and be shipped from Japan.  The gas-powered models will be assembled in the United States in Charlotte, Michigan.

The new Chevrolet models will be the only low cab forward trucks in the North American market to offer a gas-powered powertrain.