International CF Series Praised as Competitive New Entry to Cab Forward Market in Industry Preview Events
WARRENVILLE, Ill.--Nov. 1, 20048, 2004--| North American Designed and Built Trucks Generate Demand, Orders Before Rollout |
Car-like ride. Agile maneuvering. Responsive. These are just a few of the descriptions that International Truck and Engine Corporation customers and dealers volunteer about the new CF Series trucks that begin production in early 2005.
This direct feedback, gathered from ride-and-drive preview events, demonstrates the International(R) CF Series is garnering excitement and attention as an all-around competitive new entry to the low cab-forward market.
"We are excited with the response from our customers and dealers," said Tom Cellitti, vice president and general manager of the company's Medium Truck Vehicle Center. "Our customers see real value in the CF Series from its ride and handling to features like high payload capacity and preventive maintenance schedules that offer substantial cost of ownership savings. In fact, the International CF Series is already generating orders and demand is accelerating."
Providing maneuverability in an economical package, the International CF Series features the new International(R) VT 275 V6 diesel engine and a high-strength, low-alloy steel frame with 34-inch-wide frame rails, taper-leaf suspension and standard front-and-rear shock absorbers. It is available in two models: the International(R) CF 500 model that targets the Class 4 market with a 16,000-pound GVW rating, and the International(R) CF 600 model for the Class 5 market with a 19,500-pound GVW rating. International will also soon announce an integrated truck body program that enables fast delivery of a turn-key truck body solution.
The International CF Series chassis complements a wide range of body types and equipment for use in such vocations as pickup and delivery, utility, recovery, landscaping and construction. International CF Series models also offer an optional transmission with power take-off (PTO) capability to operate specialized body equipment.
"This is one of the best cab-over trucks I've driven; it's a responsive truck with great visibility and outstanding maneuverability," said Jeff Moore, fleet supervisor, Pepsi Cola, after test driving the truck at a Dallas, Texas, ride-and-drive event.
From a support standpoint, customers have access to the largest dealer network in the truck industry. International has nearly 900 service locations in the U.S. and Canada with an extensive domestic parts network offering affordable and available replacement parts. International dealers are truck experts trained to understand the different needs of customers and recommend specs such as body configurations that are specific to each customer's vocation - whether a customer owns a gardening business or delivers refrigerated goods.
International dealers are now placing orders for the CF Series, which rounds out International's offering of medium and heavy trucks. "The cab-forward market is a new market for us, and we see great growth potential," said Scott McCandless, president, McCandless International Trucks of Colorado. "After comprehensive training on selling the CF Series and taking these trucks through the paces, our organization is convinced International has developed a winning truck for our customers."
A Cab-Forward with Conventional Truck Strengths
International has designed its new CF Series with conventional truck features that build on the company's strengths as the leading medium-duty truck manufacturer in North America. The International CF Series offers exceptional chassis and frame strength, including a 48-month unlimited mileage frame warranty, a three-coat paint process to ensure superior cab finish, and high payload capacity for heavier, tougher hauling needs. The International CF Series is also unique among cab-forward products in that it is available in hundreds of color choices.
Maneuverability and Engine Performance
The International CF Series is designed for maneuverability, providing a 53-degree wheel cut to easily handle sharp turns and tight city streets. It also offers one of the few front and rear-wheel hydraulic disc-brake systems for greater stopping power and performance throughout braking operation.
In terms of engine performance, the International VT 275 diesel features a regulated two-stage turbocharger for fast acceleration that will get the load moving in city traffic and delivers 200 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. A standard, five-speed overdrive automatic transmission delivers responsiveness, and the proven International electro-hydraulic Generation Two (G2) fuel injection system delivers higher injection pressures with precise control - optimizing performance, fuel economy and emissions control.
Serviceability
Serviceability was a key design consideration with the International CF Series. By extending and synchronizing service intervals, it generates more than $1,000 in preventive cost savings (based on 100,000-miles of service versus leading competitors). All fluid checks are easily reached without tilting the cab, ensuring daily pre-trip inspections that maximize uptime.
Other Special Features and Services
Other value added features include best-in-class fuel tank capacity through its optional 70-gallon dual tank configuration and breakaway cab-mounted, powder-coated mirrors that reduce door and mirror repair costs. The International CF Series is backed by a 24-month/unlimited mileage warranty, towing reimbursement for 36 months/150,000 miles (240,000 Km) and a 36 months/150,000 miles (240,000 Km) engine warranty. The International Finance Group (IFG) also provides a range of customized purchase and lease programs and payment plans.
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation . The company produces International(R) brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses and is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. With the broadest distribution network in North America, the company also provides financing for customers and dealers. Additionally, through a joint venture with Ford Motor Company, the company builds medium commercial trucks and sells truck and diesel engine service parts. Additional information is available at www.InternationalDelivers.com.