International talks up technology

Feb. 29, 2008
As Steve Guillaume, gm of medium truck group for International Truck and Engine Corp., sees it, market leadership is built on cost, service and technology. “We take great pride that

As Steve Guillaume, gm of medium truck group for International Truck and Engine Corp., sees it, market leadership is built on cost, service and technology. “We take great pride that, by a wide margin, more customers have purchased an International Class 6 or 7 truck this year than any other brand,” he said. “Our market share leadership is a testament to what we offer our customers—low cost of ownership, leading medium-duty engines, technology innovation and the most comprehensive dealer support.”

Guillaume, speaking at a news conference during the National Truck Equipment Assns. (NTEA) Work Truck Show this week in Atlanta, stated that “for the 18th straight year International sold more Class 6 and 7 trucks than any other brand [based on final 2007 sales figures from R.L. Polk]. We are the number-one manufacturer of medium-duty trucks, have been for 18 years and plan to continue to be.”

He went on to state the important role technological innovation has played in driving International’s sales, noting that this marked the second year the OEM has sponsored the Hybrid & Alternative Fuels Summit held at the NTEA show.

“Hybrids are the wave of the future,” he said, “and we are in full-scale line production of our utility hybrid truck. We expect to sell 1,000 DuraStar hybrid models this year, including not only utility but also P&D trucks and beverage truck and tractor models. We are moving beyond the initial ‘bucket truck’ application. As hybrid volumes rise, the cost will drop. By 2010, we expect the acquisition cost of a hybrid will be halved [from the $40,000 to $45,000 mark where it is at present].””

Guillaume pointed out that four International hybrid models qualify under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for IRS tax credits of $6,000 or $12,000 per truck:

  • 2006 International Utility Boom Vehicle (GVW of 14,001 lbs – 26,000 lbs):Model 4300SBA 4x2 with DT466 engine and Eaton 44kW Hybrid Electric System (Credit Amount = $6,000)
  • 2006 International Utility Boom Vehicle (GVW of 26,000 lbs and over):Model 4300SBA 4x2 with DT466 engine and Eaton 44kW Hybrid Electric System (Credit Amount = $12,000)
  • 2007 International DuraStar (GVW of 14,001 lbs – 26,000 lbs):
    Model 4300 SBA 4x2 with Eaton Hybrid Electric System (Credit Amount = $6,000)
  • 2007 International DuraStar (GVW of 26,000 lbs and over):
    Model 4300 SBA 4x2 with Eaton Hybrid Electric System (Credit Amount = $12,000)

Continuing to address technology’s positive impact, Guillaume stated that the MaxxForce diesels that power International medium-duty DuraStar trucks both meet 2007 EPA standards and deliver up to a 9 to 13% fuel economy improvement, depending on engine model. “With the combination of DuraStar and MaxxForce, we set out to create a product that was not just reliable but also fuel efficient,” he affirmed.

In addition, Guillaume reiterated that International was the first truck manufacturer to announce it will be offering a non-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) emissions solution for 2010. He said the OEM intends to address the 2010 rules for its “core applications through advanced fuel system, air management, combustion and controls.” He also stated that no incremental NOx aftertreatment beyond the current technology will be required on “any core International on-highway application in 2010.”

However, Guillaume told FleetOwner that along with the technological improvements he had outlined, International will employ a “credit-bridging strategy” to enable the OEM to avoid using SCR on its EPA 2010 engines.

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