International Truck and Engine Corp. has unveiled two new concept vehicles, dubbed SmarTruck III and International Commercial Utility Vehicle (ICUV) to serve military and commercial applications, respectively. Both trucks are built off of International’s four-wheel-drive medium truck platform.
SmarTruck III, which was designed in collaboration with the U.S. Army’s National Automotive Center, features advanced military communications and detection systems while offering improved fuel economy and increased armor protection.
“The demands of today’s soldiers mandate that we build vehicles that offer greater functionality, protection and mobility,” said Daniel C. Ustian, International president & CEO.
Both trucks are equipped with a new International VT275 diesel engine, which is a 4.5-liter V6, and a hybrid hydraulic launch assist for power at startup. These technologies allow for improved fuel economy, said the OEM.
“By building an affordable commercially based vehicle with improved fuel economy, SmarTruck III answers the budgetary concerns of the U.S. military and the American taxpayers,” said Archie Massicotte, International vp of military business.
The ICUV is a scaled-back model that International is marketing toward various government agencies, construction and utility companies. It can be configured for a wide range of Class 4-5 applications.
