International Celebrates 10 Years of Proven Power Stroke Diesel Performance
INDIANAPOLIS--Aug. 9, 2004--| Hundreds of Diesel Ford(R) Truck Owners Gather in Indianapolis to Commemorate the Milestone |
International Truck and Engine Corporation, designer and manufacturer of the Power Stroke(R) Diesel engine for Ford Motor Company, today commemorates the 10th anniversary of the market-leading engine brand offered in Ford(R) F-Series(R) Super Duty(R) trucks, Excursion(R) SUVs and Econoline(R) vans.
The Power Stroke diesel is the best-selling engine in its class, serving both commercial and personal use markets. Over the past ten years the Indianapolis Engine Plant has set the pace for diesel truck engine growth, manufacturing more than 2.5 million Power Stroke diesel engines. International and hundreds of diesel Ford truck owners celebrated the 10th anniversary with a week-long "Power Fest" national rally at the Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Ind., and a commemoration held this past Friday at the Indianapolis Engine Plant where the engine is built.
"This 'decade of power' is an achievement that signifies the impressive technological advances International has made in diesel engine design throughout the years," said Jack Allen, president, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "Marking this milestone gives us a chance to recognize the millions of truck owners who have contributed to the remarkable success of this engine and to look ahead to the opportunities for diesel power in America."
POWER STROKE(R) DIESEL TECHNOLOGIES
The 10th anniversary of the Power Stroke(R) Diesel by International marks 10 full model years of the powerful brand in Ford(R) F-Series(R) Super Duty(R) trucks, from 1995 to 2004. However, the history of the diesel engine relationship is much longer, reaching back to 1982 when International and Ford first teamed to offer a 6.9-liter diesel engine for commercial trucks, and culminating with the introduction this summer of the all-new 2005 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup offering a 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel option with 325-horsepower and 570-lbs.-ft. of torque.
Along the way, innovations from International have marked the progress of diesel technologies to bring increased power, performance, fuel efficiency and improved emissions to both commercial and personal-use diesel vehicle applications. The most significant technologies were introduced just two years ago on the redesigned, quieter and more powerful Power Stroke diesel V-8 engine, immediately recognized by the industry as one of Ward's "10 Best." The engine features a wealth of technological advancements, including an evolved electro-hydraulic common rail fuel system, using hydraulic pressure of the engine oil to drive fuel injectors. The new injectors are compact, leaving room to accommodate four valves per cylinder, and use higher injection pressure to increase performance and fuel economy while lowering emissions. The engine was also the first International(R) V-8 to use the company's EVRT(R) electronically controlled turbocharger for improved throttle response and cooled exhaust gas recirculation for lower NOx emissions.
"The achievements of the past 10 years indicate the accelerated advancements in diesel engine technology that have led the way for the growth of diesel power in the pickup truck segment, as well as continue to serve traditional commercial vocations," said Allen.
DRIVING THE DIESEL LIFESTYLE
In addition to the physical attributes of the engine, the Power Stroke(R) Diesel offers an unparalleled ownership experience, which sets the engine further apart from its competition. Through the years, the Power Stroke diesel has become more than just a brand, but a community of people and a lifestyle characterized by hard-working Americans and focused on the engine credo: "Power. Performance. Fun to Drive(R)." This is evident in the number of regional Power Stroke diesel clubs growing across the country, with more than 14 regional clubs established to date. Many of these enthusiasts also share their passion for the Power Stroke(R) Diesel in International's online rewards program, the CREW(SM) club at http://www.PowerStrokeDieselSTUFF.com, which connects them with thousands of owners nationwide and offers opportunities to redeem points for numerous rewards that fit the diesel ownership lifestyle, including camping, RV and tailgating gear.
NATIONAL CELEBRATION
Building on the enthusiast lifestyle, hundreds of Power Stroke diesel owners, including members of almost every enthusiast club nationwide, made the Drive of the Decade this week to Indianapolis, the home of the Power Stroke diesel, for a national truck rally celebrating the10th anniversary. The highlight of the "Power Fest" rally is a 10th anniversary tailgating party today preceding the namesake Power Stroke(R) Diesel 200 NASCAR(R) Craftsman(R) Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. At the tailgating party, owners will be able to show off their trucks, meet other enthusiasts from across the nation, run their trucks on a dynamometer, enter a Show 'n' Shine contest and enter raffles for a variety of prizes. This event is part of a week-long official anniversary celebration from International Truck and Engine Corporation. Other events include tours of the Kentucky Truck Plant where Ford builds its F-Series Super Duty truck and the Indianapolis Engine Plant, home of the Power Stroke Diesel.
"More and more drivers are turning to the Power Stroke(R) diesel for work and play. Club members use their trucks to drive to work, take their families on vacation, and tow family toys such as boats and RVs," said Allen. "The Power Fest rally offers opportunities for these families to meet and learn more about their trucks and engines. We're trying to give a fun experience back to the loyal truck owners who have invested in the Power Stroke diesel engine."
PROVING PERFORMANCE THROUGH RACING
On the road, the number 10 stands for a decade of power and performance. On the track, the number 10 on Terry Cook's Ford(R) Power Stroke(R) Diesel by International race truck symbolizes speed and excitement. Today and throughout the NASCAR(R) racing season, the Ford(R) Power Stroke(R) Diesel by International race program brings the power and performance of diesel engines to NASCAR(R) fans nationwide, driving the interest in diesel power. In conjunction with Ford Racing, International is leveraging truck racing to build the diesel community and spread the word of the power, performance, and fuel economy advantages of diesel, so that millions more drivers can enjoy the benefits of diesel ownership and the rewards of the Power Stroke diesel lifestyle.
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation . International Truck and Engine is a leading producer of mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, bus chassis and a provider of parts and services sold under the International(R) brand. The company also is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Additionally, through a joint venture with Ford Motor Company, the company will build medium commercial trucks and currently sells truck and diesel engine service parts. A subsidiary, IC Corporation, produces integrated school buses. International Truck and Engine has the broadest distribution network in the industry. Financing for customers and dealers is provided through a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar. Additional information can be found on the company's Web site at www.InternationalDelivers.com.
