MONTREAL, QC. Navistar International Corp. executives provided an update on its near-term product planning during a news conference held to roll out its “re-launched” International 9900i heavy-haul and Paystar 5900 SBA [set back axle] vocational truck models here at the ExpoCam truck show yesterday.
The key change made to both truck models is the availability of the high-horsepower Cummins ISX15 engine, which includes SCR technology to meet EPA 2010 emissions regs. With the ProStar highway tractor already offering the engine, the announcement brings to three the number of Class 8 International models powered by the ISX15.
“Canada can be tough on a vehicle and the power of the ISX15 makes our already rugged vehicles adaptable for any environment,” said Mark Belisle, president of Navistar Canada.
According to Belisle, production of both of the re-launched models began earlier this month, some four months after the first ProStar powered by a Cummins ISX15 rolled off the assembly line.
“The proven ISX15 engine offers robust electronic controls and horsepower ratings that range from 400 to 600 hp with 1,450 – 2050 lb.-ft of torque forexcellent power and performance,” Belisle stated.
“Initial customer feedback regarding the ISX15 in the ProStar has been very positive, with many fleets noting its superior power characteristics, quiet ride and excellent fuel economy,” he continued. He added that more than 1,000 ProStars with ISX15 units have been shipped to date.
Belisle said thecompany is now taking orders on both of the re-launched models. He noted that the 9900i is now available exclusively with the ISX15 engine while the PayStar 5900 SBA can be ordered as well with International’s own MaxxForce 13 engine—which also includes SCR technology. That engine comes in horsepower ratings ranging from 365 to 475 with torque ratings from 1,250to 1,700 lb-ft.
Elissa Koc, Navistar’s manager of external communications, told FleetOwner that the OEM “will begin shipping ProStar trucks powered by the MaxxForce 13 with SCR on April 30th.”
As for putting SCR-equipped engines in medium-duty International engines, Koc said Navistar has “not yet made any formal announcement, but we are moving ahead with our engineering efforts in this area. We expect to provide more details prior to mid-2014 on medium-duty engines with SCR; no engine brand determination has yet been made.”
And incoming Navistar CEO Troy Clarke told FleetOwner that the Cummins ISX15 is also slated to become available in the OEM’s premium LoneStar highway tractor “at a date to be determined.” Clarke said the truck and engine builder now aims “to give customers what they want—there is ample demand in the market for both 13- and 15-liter diesels across our heavy-duty portfolio.
Clarke also pointed out that the OEM is committed to making further efficiency improvements to its truck models—such as through more advanced aerodynamics.
He pointed out that the OEM’s “Project Horizon” vehicle, which it showed off publicly at last month’s Mid- America Trucking Show, is not so much a concept vehicle as a “demonstration project” that showcases what he called “near term” possibilities for the ProStar highway tractor that will reach the market in 24 to 36 months from now.
Clarke noted that, taken together, those improvements will amount to “a mid-cycle redesign of the ProStar.”
Asked to comment on the recently filed class action suit alleging fraud by Navistar against its stockholders, a spokesperson at the event reiterated that the company does not comment on such matters.
