Chevy-badged Isuzus?

General Motors Co has announced that it has entered into a new commercial vehicle partnership with Japan's Isuzu Motors Ltd, with GM to sell a number of Isuzu N Series models in the US under the Chevrolet banner.

GM and Isuzu have enjoyed a close corporate relationship that stretches back over 40 years – a relationship now set to ramp up once more, after years of downsizing and efficiency measures carried out by GM since it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US in mid-2009.

However, the US truck market is now booming, and with the new arrangement both GM and Isuzu hope to capitalise on the upward swing.

According to an official GM statement, the Isuzu N Series trucks will be sold as Chevrolets through the US Chevrolet dealer network from the start of 2016. The two companies will "explore the use of GM commercial vehicle components for Isuzu low-cab-forward trucks", says the statement.

All based on the Isuzu N Series range, a total of six Chevrolet models will be offered: the 3500, 3500HD, 4500, 4500HD, 5500 and 5500HD. Customers will be able to choose from Isuzu's 3.0-litre and 5.2-litre turbo-diesels or GM's own 6.0-litre gas-powered V8, with the latter to be assembled in Charlotte, Michigan.

In a media statement the US Vice President of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales, Ed Peper, said the tie-up heralded new age for commercial vehicles in America.

"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 line-up of trucks, vans and crossovers," he said.

"This addition helps our dealers satisfy their commercial customers' needs all in one place."

The move underlines GM's renewed commitment to expanding its business after years of economic hardship. GM's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2009 triggered a major restructure and the shedding of multiple non-essential brands.

GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra and her predecessors have taken significant steps to restore the automotive giant to a pattern of growth, with this latest Isuzu collaboration just one of many.

The firm previously announced it would be investing $US 5.4 billion over the next three years to expand its manufacturing capability, amid other plans to revive its Cadillac brand and ramp up operations in markets such as China and South America.

In related news, Isuzu Australia Limited recently announced a thorough revision of its N Series line-up, with stability control, more power, greater comfort and fresh styling headlining an extensive list of updates. The new models are expected to reach Australian dealerships in July.