Isuzu-General
Motors of Australia have commissioned the first CNG Isuzu N series
trucks outside of Japan, with seven trucks being put into operation
with two municipal councils, one in Sydney and one north of Sydney.
The trucks have been provided with funding assistance from the
Australian Greenhouse Office following evaluations which determined a
Greenhouse reduction benefit of 18% below the diesel equivalent.
Isuzu first launched CNG trucks in Japan in 1991 and have captured
around 70% of the local CNG truck market with 6000 units sold since
that time. The N series, known as the Elf in some countries, first
became available in a CNG variant in 1998.
The NPR 400 features a four cylinder, four stroke OHC naturally
aspirated spark ignition engine producing 88 kW @ 3400 RPM and 323 Nm
torque at 1500 RPM.
The NPR 400 CNG is rated with an 8000 kg GVM and 11,000 kg GCM and a
3365 mm wheelbase.
According to Isuzu-General Motors, Product Planning and Engineering
Support Manager, Simon Humphries, other environmental benefits over
the diesel equivalent vehicle include:
-
Particulate
reductions of almost 100%;
-
Nitrogen
Oxide reductions of between 50 and 70%; and,
-
Total
hydrocarbons reductions of between 60-75%
The
next generation of the Elf/N Series CNG engine is currently under
development by Isuzu and Westport Innovations.
Story compiled using information supplied by Isuzu-General Motors
Australia.
