International ramps up vocational focus

June 1, 2007
Phil Christman, newly installed vp & gm of International Truck & Engine Corp.'s severe service division, believes the customization needs of the vocational market will increase in the near future

Phil Christman, newly installed vp & gm of International Truck & Engine Corp.'s severe service division, believes the customization needs of the vocational market will increase in the near future, even as tighter emissions regulations make such customization more challenging.

“The ability to customize is a very big deal in this market,” Christman told Fleet Owner during Waste Expo last month. “Look at our revised WorkStar truck model.”

A bigger hood and grill on the WorkStar enable it to accommodate emissions-compliant engines without dropping the radiator between the frame rails, allowing customers to maintain front engine PTO capabilities without affecting the radiator, he explained.

“Another big issue is making our vehicles as ‘road ready’ as possible when they leave the factory so body installation time can be minimized, yet integration between body and chassis improved,” he added.

He said International's multiplexed electrical wiring, combined with its Diamond Logic electronic control system, allows for faster “plug and play” between the chassis and the body.

“Our next big challenge is to keep doing all of this as we meet the 2010 emission standards,” Christman said. “We need to make that transition as seamless as possible, minimizing the impact on how customers use their vehicles and on their operating costs.”
www.internationaldelivers.com.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean reports and comments on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry -- light and medium duty fleets up through over-the-road truckload, less-than-truckload, and private fleet operations Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!