Navistar, Dion International, Westrux, Eaton, and Crane Carrier to participated at the University of California San Diego, Triton Day Experience.

Dion International Trucks had a chance to show off the new promotional booth at the University of California at San Diego Triton Day Clean Tech Car Show. The new truck sales department is going to displayed a Dura Star Hybrid, an E Star all electric (courtesy of Westrux International),

The event is part of an effort to promote the future of sustainable infrastructure development in academia for consumers and industry at one of Americas greenest campuses. The event had about 15,000 prospective students, parents, community leaders, administrators and fleet managers from colleges and universities around the country.

This was a great opportunity for us to make a bold statement about the future of commercial transportation and open dialog with current and next generation leaders about ground transportation at one of the world’s best schools

Special Thanks to the Transportation Department at UCSD for allowing us the privilege to take part in this interactive community showcase, and also to all of the hard working staff at Navistar, Dion International Trucks, Westrux, Eaton, Crane Carrier, and C & D Towing who worked to make our contribution to this event possible. We couldn’t have done it without your help.

Staying true to understanding individual customer’s needs and developing advanced apparatus concepts, Ferrara’s lineup of custom fire apparatus includes the Inferno, Igniter, Ember, and Intruder 2 Custom Fire Chassis, Heavy Duty Aerial Ladders and Platforms, Pumpers, Tankers, Rescues, Incident Command and Heavy Rescue Trailers, Inundator Industrial Fire Apparatus and Wildland Interface Vehicles.

Headquartered just outside of Baton Rouge in Holden, Louisiana, Ferrara Fire Apparatus is America’s premier provider of heavy duty fire apparatus. We continue to provide every customer with the best products, service and support in the industry.

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The new International WorkStar trucks replaced the International PayStar® vehicles in his customer’s fleet, says Bill Tollefson, fleet sales manager at Dion International Trucks in San Diego. Previously, the PayStar was the only truck from International that fit the company’s all-terrain needs. “The all-wheel-drive version of the WorkStar was specifically created to accommodate those who could benefit from the multiplex wiring capabilities of Diamond Logic in a heavier-duty package,” he notes.

“We brought many of the heavy-duty features from our PayStar models into the WorkStar,” explains Melissa Gauger, marketing manager, Navistar. “The goal was to provide a wider variety of models for the customer to choose from.”

Mr. Tollefson says the new versions of the WorkStar truck bring more capability to fleets that regularly negotiate off-road challenges. “I have customers whose trucks service towers across hills and deserts throughout an incredibly diverse geographic region. They have to deal with snow, mud, and sand. With the all-wheel-drive [WorkStar trucks], they can eliminate a lot of towing problems.

“Pulling a truck out of such a place could easily cost $1,000,” Mr. Tollefson continues. “Just one towing bill could equal the difference in cost between the all-wheel-drive vehicle and a standard rear-wheel-drive model. For many applications, the extra driving axle is a smart investment.”

And with the International WorkStar 6×6 trucks now available, customers can fully utilize Diamond Logic, the proprietary multiplex technology from Navistar, to greatly increase efficiencies while out on the job site. The electrical system provides control and communication between major functional areas of the vehicle. It can be pre-programmed with features such as safety interlocks to protect equipment and parking brake alarms. For example, vehicles with a PTO (power take-off) can add an attribute that won’t let the PTO operate unless the parking brake is set, the transmission is in neutral, or the engine is moving at a specific rate.

In addition to the 6×6 and 4×4, 8×6 Tridem axle versions of the International WorkStar are also available. The latter is ideal for vocations that require more tractive effort than a conventional tandem axle, such as crane trucks, concrete mixers, dump trucks, waste, and oil field trucks.

The Tridem also features Bendix 6 channel ABS air brakes and Hendrickson PRIMAXX rear air suspension, a heavy-duty suspension designed for the rigorous demands of vocational and heavy-haul applications. “The Tridem spreads the weight across more axles,” says Gauger. “Anyone who needs to haul maximum payload can benefit from this configuration.”

All the new all-wheel-drive WorkStar models are available with MaxxForce® 11 and 13 engines.

“When we design new products, we listen to the needs of our customers,” says Gauger. “That’s how new features and models are born.”

For more information on the International WorkStar 6×6, 4×4, and 8×6 Tridem models, go to: International WorkStar All marks are trademarks of their respective owners. Back to top

INDIANAPOLIS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — At a press event at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show, Navistar today unveiled the International® TerraStar” 4×4 commercial truck.

Launched last year with a 4×2 powertrain standard, the International TerraStar took the industry by storm in 2010, giving work truck buyers an exciting new product with a wide range of commercial duty features. Now, with a 4×4 option, the TerraStar is poised to win over an even broader range of customers with more severe demands.

“With the addition of a 4×4 model, simply put, the International TerraStar is unmatched in the industry,” said Jim Hebe, Navistar’s senior vice president, North American sales operations. “The design and durability of TerraStar is influenced by our entire line-up of commercial trucks, sharing the same rugged, durable, and hardworking DNA that’s made us an industry leader.”

The TerraStar 4×4 variant will deliver additional commercial duty capability for a wide range of customer needs, including construction, utility, landscape, and other off-highway applications.

Last year’s launch of the International TerraStar created enormous buzz in the industry and the addition of the TerraStar 4×4 will help maintain Navistar’s leadership in the medium-duty market moving forward. With the same commercial-duty bloodlines as the rest of the International truck line-up, the TerraStar delivers performance and durability that customers have come to expect from International.

Since its introduction in March 2010 and production launch in October 2010, the International TerraStar has generated significant interest from work truck buyers. To date, the company has received more than 2,000 orders. At the heart of the new International TerraStar is its 300 horsepower, 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 V-8 engine, delivering 660 lb.-ft. torque. This engine features a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block which offers high strength without added weight. The TerraStar features MaxxForce Advanced EGR emissions technology,

the only no-hassle emissions technology in its class. With MaxxForce Advanced EGR, customers won’t have the worry or inconvenience of finding or filling liquid urea. And, with no added aftertreatment equipment, the TerraStar provides a clean and clear chassis for easy body and equipment mounting, not to mention less added weight.

Durable, Customer-Focused, Commercial-Grade

While built on a strong and durable commercial-duty platform, the TerraStar is also easy to operate. The TerraStar features best-in-class visibility-38 percent more than the market leader. And, with an industry-best 107-inch BBC (bumper to back-of-cab) length, it offers outstanding maneuverability in even the tightest work environments.

The TerraStar features a true commercial-duty truck cab with 30 percent more cab interior space than the market leader, allowing plenty of room for three adults to fit comfortably in the front seat. The TerraStar is also available with optional extended cab or crew cab configurations. An appearance package is also available with chrome grille and headlight bezel, as well as painted modesty panel and fender extension. The TerraStar also delivers unmatched serviceability with a commercial style tilt-away hood that offers unobstructed access to the engine compartment, making routine and scheduled maintenance quick and easy.

In addition, the International TerraStar features the International Diamond Logic® electrical system, one of the most advanced electrical multiplexing architectures available in commercial trucks. Diamond Logic maximizes ease of body integration and helps deliver a number of smart, customizable features for added convenience and safety&emdash;such as automated pre-trip inspections, headlights on with wipers, interlocks, programmable switches and more depending on the application.

International TerraStar with Allison OptimizedTM 1000 Series Transmission Package

The MaxxForce 7 is matched with a commercial-duty Allison Optirnizedim 1000 Series transmission to optimize its power output. The Allison Optimized transmission package delivers a winning combination of power, performance, reliability and fuel economy, with an industry leading 5-year unlimited mile warranty. The International TerraSta.r’s exclusive Allison Optimized 1000 Series close ratio, fully automatic transmission features:

• Shift Energy Management (SEM), which provides better engine/transmission integration to achieve optimum shift quality, greater powertrain durability and improved vehicle performance.

the only no-hassle emissions technology in its class. With MaxxForce Advanced EGR, customers won’t have the worry or inconvenience of finding or filling liquid urea. And, with no added aftertreatment equipment, the TerraStar provides a clean and clear chassis for easy body and equipment mounting, not to mention

Durable, Customer-Focused, Commercial-Grade

While built on a strong and durable commercial-duty platform, the TerraStar is also easy to operate. The TerraStar features best-in-class visibility-38 percent more than the market leader. And, with an industry-best 107-inch BBC (bumper to back-of-cab) length, it offers outstanding maneuverability in even the tightest work environments.

The TerraStar features a true commercial-duty truck cab with 30 percent more cab interior space than the market leader, allowing plenty of room for three adults to fit comfortably in the front seat. The TerraStar is also available with optional extended cab or crew cab configurations. An appearance package is also available with chrome grille and headlight bezel, as well as painted modesty panel and fender extension. The TerraStar also delivers unmatched serviceability with a commercial style tilt-away hood that offers unobstructed access to the engine compartment, making routine and scheduled maintenance quick and easy.

In addition, the International TerraStar features the International Diamond Logic® electrical system, one of the most advanced electrical multiplexing architectures available in commercial trucks. Diamond Logic maximizes ease of body integration and helps deliver a number of smart, customizable features for added convenience and safety&emdash;such as automated pre-trip inspections, headlights on with wipers, interlocks, programmable switches and more depending on the application.

International TerraStar with Allison OptimizedTM 1000 Series Transmission Package

The MaxxForce 7 is matched with a commercial-duty Allison Optirnizedim 1000 Series transmission to optimize its power output. The Allison Optimized transmission package delivers a winning combination of power, performance, reliability and fuel economy, with an industry leading 5-year unlimited mile warranty. The International TerraStar’s exclusive Allison Optimized 1000 Series close ratio, fully automatic transmission features:

• Shift Energy Management (SEM), which provides better engine/transmission integration to achieve optimum shift quality, greater powertrain durability and improved vehicle performance.
• Load-Based Shift Scheduling (LBSS), which automatically selects between “economy” and “performance” shift schedules based on the vehicle’s actual payload and the grade on which it is operating.
• Prognostics eliminate unnecessary oil and filter changes and make routine maintenance easier
• Automatic “neutral” simplifies operation and improves efficiency by automatically shifting to neutral for improved performance.
• Specific “input/output” packages available.
• 5-year unlimited mile warranty including 100 percent parts and labor along with towing to nearest authorized Allison distributor or dealer.

Medium-Duty Leadership

For the past 20 years*, as new players have entered the market attempting to duplicate International’s success, International medium-duty trucks have been the
market leader, establishing an unmatched reputation for durability and performance. Today, International’s medium-duty line-up is represented by the new Class 4/5 International TerraStar and the Class 6/7 International® DuraStar®.

“Our medium-duty trucks have been the benchmark in the industry for the past two decades,” Hebe added. “The DuraStar has earned a reputation as far and away the most durable, dependable and customer-friendly medium-duty truck in the industry. With the addition of the TerraStar to our medium-duty line-up, International medium-duty trucks offer the medium-duty customer the most complete line-up of rugged, reliable trucks available.”

*(Based on R.L. Polk data 1990-present Class 6,7 minus strip chassis) All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.

The equipment supervisor for Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc. (www.rumpke.com), Crear oversees the company’s 600-plus machines. His “yellow iron” responsibilities include articulated trucks, as well as bulldozers, excavators, and rubber tire loaders. The following is an edited version of our conversation.

Question: What is the mission of AEMP?

Answer: We bring equipment manufacturers, end-users, and dealers together to the same table to reach common goals. For example, a lot of construction, utility, and other types of companies have mixed fleets. They deal with multiple OEMs. And, at the end of the day, if you wanted to track things like hours run, fuel burned, idle hours, and other data, the format and language were different for each OEM. We wanted to try and get all of the dealers from the various OEMs to use the same technology and terminology. And that’s what we’ve done with our new telematics program. Now, end-users are able to get the same information, the same way, with one system.

That’s one of the things we like to think we’re here for: To share the needs of end-users with the manufacturers, and to help them work with us.

Q: A major focus is professional development, correct?

A: Absolutely. As technologies are getting more advanced, we’re getting shorter and shorter on technicians. One of the things the Association does is provide scholarships to encourage younger kids coming out of school to pursue equipment management as a career. If we’re going to address this shortage, we need to hit it from bottom up.

And, at the same time, we have to continually train existing technicians so they don’t get left behind. We started AEMP University to provide education for professionals who want to become CEMs (Certified Equipment Managers). We also came up with an entry-level program where younger or junior shop personnel can learn how to become managers. A lot of the training is available online, so technicians can do it on their own time.

Q: Is it more important than ever for equipment managers to develop and hone skills that separate them from the pack?

A: It used to be there were a number of people who could walk in and work on machines for you. It didn’t require any certain skill knowledge. But we’ve reached a point where you need people to be educated on things like hybrid technology, advanced engines.

As the economy continues to improve, you’ll eventually have to update your fleet. And there’s more emphasis on getting greener. The reality is: if you don’t [train your people] now, you’re going to find yourself in a handicapped position versus your competitors. It’s going to be a difference maker.

Q: What are some of the headlines our customers should be looking for in 2011?

A: I’ve talked with other supervisors here in the Midwest, and we’re seeing trends starting to change. Many smaller companies that weren’t able to tread water during the downturn, those jobs are lost. But many mid-sized companies are holding their own. For us, a lot of our success revolved around seeing the slowdown coming and making adjustments. We weren’t afraid to [take business] that wasn’t traditionally our core business.

For 2011, a lot of mid-sized companies have already booked bigger state- and federally-funded construction and highway jobs. It looks like it might be the beginning of an upswing. I think we’ve found the bottom, and now we’re going to work our way back.

Q: “Doing more with less” seems to be a necessity now.

A: I don’t see that going away. You have to be able to do more with less, whether on the maintenance end or in terms of replacing equipment. A couple of years ago, it would have been nothing to go out and replace things. Now, I ask, do I really need to replace that or do I want to? And I scrutinize who is getting new equipment and make sure they are making a profit. That’s how I know if we can actually afford it.

Q: Are there any management tips you can offer?

A: Open communication with your employees is really important. When the downturn started, we made employees aware of our hurdles, and made them a part of the decision-making process. You would be surprised, how much getting them into buying in does for your bottom line and your morale.

For more information on education opportunities with AEMP, visit: www.aemp.org.
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In the Camping World Truck Series, veteran NASCAR driver Mike Skinner hopes to return to his 2009 form (three wins and a third-place point finish) in the #5 truck from Randy Moss Motorsports. International will continue in 2011 as a primary sponsor for that race team, which is co-owned by NFL wide receiver Randy Moss, after kicking off its relationship last season.

Other sponsorships include JR Motorsports, the Nationwide Series team owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. that features Danica Patrick as one of its top drivers, and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Additionally, International recently inked an agreement with Roush Fenway Racing, which will have three cars in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series.

International serves as a valuable partner for some of racing’s premier names by providing the trucks that deliver high-precision racecars to tracks across the country. This year, International LoneStar® and ProStar® trucks will crisscross the nation’s highways throughout the season. And medium-duty products like the International DuraStar® will support in-house race shop operations for the teams, as well as help tow racecars out to the track for testing.

With NASCAR racecars costing hundreds of thousands of dollars each — and many team budgets exceeding millions of dollars — International brand vehicles are responsible for some seriously expensive cargo.

According to David Droll, Experiential Marketing Director, Navistar, Inc., these legendary race teams rely on International trucks to get the job done each and every day, much like any other business.

“I had the opportunity to chat with Jack Roush (the iconic NASCAR race team owner), and he said, ‘The biggest risk I have as an owner is that the car doesn’t make it to the track,’” Droll recalls. “For race teams, their livelihood in that sport is dependent on us.”

And if something does go wrong while out on the road, race teams can rely on the depth and breadth of the largest truck dealer network in North America.

As the season kicks into high gear, International customers will have plenty of racing action to cheer about. A big question will be whether Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, a new International partner in 2010, can repeat last year’s unbelievable season: Jamie Murray and the #1 car won both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series; Dario Franchitti won the Izod Indy Racing Series; and Scott Pruitt came in first in point total for the Rolex Grand Am Series.

“That organization had an incredible year. It was an honor to be associated with them,” says Droll.

“Whether we’re heading across the country, or bringing a car out to the race track for validation, we provide trucks that help these racing superstars every step of the way,” he continues. “These are critically important aspects of our partnerships.”

The NASCAR Camping World Cup Truck Series, Nationwide Series, and Sprint Cup Series kick-off in Daytona, Florida February 18-20, 2011. For a full schedule, go to: www.nascar.com.

All marks are trademarks of their respective owners. Back to top