We are incorporating the world's leading diesel and commercial vehicle technologies in products. Proof of our commitment is the 700 Project, which developed a common module for light- and medium-duty trucks.

Commercial vehicles and diesel engines must meet common global standards of performance and quality. For example, state-of-the-art environmental performance brings real benefits only when taken beyond national borders and is not limited to Japan. For this reason, Isuzu has shifted its development focus from the domestic market to the idea of global design. Environmental regulations in individual countries are no longer a factor as Isuzu develops diesel engines meeting future regulations of all markets worldwide and creates unique global strategy vehicles in the heavy-, medium- and light-duty segments as well as pickup trucks. "Gaining the trust of people everywhere" is the development philosophy. This, in turn, is supported by the base concept of "SEE Technology," or the idea of pursuing technological excellence in the three critical areas of Safety, Economy and Environment. With this as the building block, 700P is leading to vehicles that meet common needs worldwide under the development concept of "SEE Global."

Isuzu calls it 700P-the integrated development of light- and medium-duty trucks, or ELF and FORWARD, using a common module. Traditionally, domestic "4-number" vehicles constituted the standard for light-duty trucks, which limited freedom in vehicle development. With 700P, development is based on a global standard to meet global needs, and increased efficiency from the use of a common module brings user benefits that otherwise would not be possible. Found nowhere else in the world, 700P embraces a computerized digital approach in order to efficiently meet demanding, large-scale development targets in a short time. Both ELF and FORWARD, as global trucks, offer advanced product power. Through such measures as meeting European safety standards at an early stage, our light-and medium-duty trucks provide customers in the domestic market with a number of advantages. Scheduled changes, such as 2005 emission regulations, fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles and the revised licensing system are also proactively handled.

Isuzu's original mechanical automatic transmissions optimized for individual vehicle classes- Smoother-G for heavy-duty vehicles, Smoother-Fx for medium-duty trucks and Smoother-Ex for light-duty trucks. Smoother transmission series offer various benefits, including reduced lifecycle and maintenance costs, improved fuel efficiency and less driving fatigue for a higher level of safety.

The 4-bag air suspension system of four air springs on the rear axle effectively absorbs road shock and significantly reduces shifting and damage of shipments. It also shortens the time needed for loading and unloading, simplifies packing and lowers maintenance costs. In addition, the comfortable ride raises the level of safety by reducing fatigue and improving handling.

Design philosophy is consistent in all Isuzu trucks. The HEXA-POD design of a somewhat enlarged hexahedron is based on the concept of Solid, Clean and Emotional, and strives for functionality with no unnecessary lines, facets or frame elements. To clearly establish the Isuzu identity, a six-hole continental grille is used, evoking an image of five continents and Japan.

Full-scale digital development, a first for Isuzu, is used in 700P. Individual sections share tasks from an early stage of development, increasing the speed of analysis and evaluation of vehicles through linkage with results from actual vehicle tests. Digital development has made it possible to solve difficult issues in a short period of time, such as realizing light weight while improving reliability and durability.