Light-duty Class 1-3 (up to 14,000-lb. GVWR)

Nissan enters commercial market, while Navistar, Ford go electric

Like many medium- and heavy-duty OEMs, several light-duty truck makers are launching new models and introducing big redesigns, updated engines and revamped platforms, along with a few other touchups worth noting, such as added technologies and safety features.

DODGE

Cummins Inc. announced a multiyear extension of its agreement with the Chrysler Group to supply 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines for Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks. Cummins Filtration also announced the launch of the Fleetguard FS2: Filter-in-Filter fuel system technology.

FORD

Ford has four new engines for the F-150 and is promising a 20 percent overall fuel economy increase. Ford’s new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed transmission was designed to deliver power quickly and seamlessly while maximizing fuel economy in a wide range of tough applications. The all-electric version of the Transit Connect cargo van, which takes six to eight hours to charge, uses a Force Drive electric powertrain manufactured and integrated by Azure Dynamics.

GENERAL MOTORS

The 2011 Silverado HD and its GMC Sierra counterpart have received enough technological advancements in the frame, engine, braking and suspension areas to make it tow, haul, ride and perform better. GM went to a fully boxed frame and a heavier independent front suspension, both of which contribute to the new pickups’ enhanced load-carrying and towing capacities. The same new Duramax/Allison 1000 combo available on the Silverado and Sierra also will be available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans.

HINO TRUCKS

Hino has brought its light-duty diesel-hybrid cabover to the United States for the first time. The diesel-hybrid COE, which has a 16-foot van body, is designed to provide fuel economy advantages and reduced carbon-dioxide output.

ISUZU

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America introduced its 12,000-pound GVWR NPR Eco-Max low-cab-forward truck, offering up to 20 percent improved fuel economy and increased payload capacity compared to previous NPR models. The truck is powered by Isuzu’s next-generation 4JJ1-TC diesel engine.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz USA has added a shuttle van model to Sprinter’s cargo van, passenger van and cab-chassis lineup.

NAVISTAR

Navistar’s eStar all-electric Class 3 delivery and cargo van can be plugged in and fully recharged within 6 to 8 hours. In the event that quick vehicle turnaround times are required, the battery cassette can be swapped out in 20 minutes, allowing the vehicle to return to the road for another 100 miles.

NISSAN

Nissan’s first entry into the commercial vehicle market in North America, the 2011 Nissan NV (Nissan Van), will be available in three models and in standard roof or high roof configurations. Tall, wide doors offer easy access to the cab and cargo areas. The NV also provides exceptional utility, thanks to a long, wide cargo floor, square-top wheelwell housings and nearly vertical sidewalls.

CHEVROLET

www.chevrolet.com

AVALANCHE

Model: SUV/Pickup 2WD/4WD

Payload (lb.): 1,524-1,601

Wheelbase (in.): 130

Length overall (in.): 221.3

Gas/E85 Engine: 5.3L V8

HP @ rpm: 320 @ 5200

GVWR (lb.): 7,000-7,200

COLORADO

Model: Full-Size Pickup Regular/ Extended/Crew Cab 2WD/4WD

Payload (lb.): 1,465-1,484/1,422-1,741/1,230-1,572

Wheelbase (in.): 111.3-126

Length overall (in.): 192.4-207.1

Gas Engine: 2.9L I4

HP @ rpm: 185 @ 5600

Gas Engine: 3.7L I5

HP @ rpm: 242 @ 5600

Gas Engine: 5.3L V8

HP @ rpm: 300 @ 5200

GVWR (lb.): 4,850-5,300

EXPRESS

Model: Regular/Extended Van G1500/H1500/G2500/G3500

Payload (lb.): 1,726- 4,151

Wheelbase (in.): 135-155

Length overall (in.): 224.1-244

Gas Engine: 4.3L V6

HP @ rpm: 195 @ 4600

Gas Engine: 4.8L V8

HP @ rpm: 280 @ 5200

Gas Engine: 5.3L V8

HP @ rpm: 310 @ 5200

Gas Engine: 6.0L V8

HP @ rpm: 323 @ 4400

Diesel Engine: 6.6L V8

HP @ rpm: 250 @ 3200

GVWR (lb.): 7,300-9,600

HHR PANEL VAN

Model: LS/1LT/2LT/SS

Payload (lb.): 900

Wheelbase (in.): 103.5

Length overall (in.): 176.2-176.5

Gas Engine: 2.2L V4

HP @ rpm: 155 @ 6100

E85 Engine: 2.2L V4

HP @ rpm: 161 @ 6000

Gas Engine: 2.4L V4

HP @ rpm: 172 @ 5800

E85 Engine: 2.4L V4

HP @ rpm: 176 @ 5800

Diesel Engine: 2.0L V4

HP @ rpm: 260 @ 5300 (manual)/250 @ 5900 (automatic)

GVWR (lb.): 4,173-4,244

Chevrolet Silverado

SILVERADO