International Truck and Engine Corp. yesterday unveiled its International 8500-Series tractor, which the company said is designed for regional-haul customers and sets a new benchmark in “value-driving performance.”
“Everything about the International 8500 touts high performance that will mean more value to our regional-haul customers,” said Steve Keate, truck group president. “Regional haulers will see the difference on their bottom lines, drivers will feel the difference in the smooth, but powerful ride and service technicians can bank on easier serviceability.”
Company officials said the new model offers the industry’s best in vehicle serviceability, life-cycle costs and driver productivity. The truck includes features such as a multiplex electrical system, increased payload capacity, tighter turning radius with a 50-degree wheel cut and the International HT 530 engine – making it the first regional-haul vehicle to exclusively offer an International-brand engine.
Full production of the International 8500, which replaces the International 8100 with International engines, will begin in October, and orders are currently being taken. It will only be offered as a tractor.