International returns with four pronged attack

[kscarbel2]

Trade Trucks AU  /  March 24, 2017

Storied brand unveils slick bonneted Prostar day cab and tipper, extended cab, and sleeper

International’s tilt at returning to Australian prominence will centre on four Prostar versions marketed through Iveco and related dealerships.

Flagged by Navistar at the last Brisbane Truck Show, the project, which is just short of two years in the making, made its official debut this week with unveilings to dealers and the industry media.

"Having the International product added to our very extensive product range already, having the conventional 15-litre, is a real cap across out entire product range," Iveco Australia and New Zealand MD Michael Jonson says.

While the final dealership network set-up is still being finalised, Australia and New Zealand executive GM Ray Osgood of parent firm CNH Industrial (CNHI) reveals Iveco’s sister-dealerships for CNHI's agriculture-focused Case IH will have a role.

He also noted name-checked the 15-litre Cummins engine, saying it was "something we haven’t had in our range" and – with 100 trucks said to have been spread through about 70 dealerships – suggested that perhaps there were not enough.

Iveco says an initial list of outlets is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

 "Our preference is to begin operating through a core group of dealerships that meet our stringent requirements and then strategically increase the network footprint through the appointment of additional dealerships – these could be standalone International dealerships and or parts and service outlets." Iveco Australia dealer development manager Matteo Gambaro says

"From a parts and service perspective, we’re also fortunate that Iveco full line dealerships and service and parts outlets already have a thorough knowledge and understanding of much of the ProStar’s componentry thanks to a number of existing Iveco models featuring Cummins, Hendrickson, Eaton and Meritor equipment, as well as their ongoing support of the previous generations of International products.

"Further to this, I can confirm that all International dealers will also be authorised Cummins dealers.

"We’re confident that our initial Dealer appointments will be well positioned to suit the majority of ProStar buyers in metropolitan and rural areas, with this support to only get better as the year progresses."

International engineering manager in Australia Adrian Wright noted that the launch presentation footage eschewed North American images for that of other countries where higher weights, harsh conditions and multi-combinations were comparable the Australian experience.

The design of the right-hand-drive cab and aerodynamic front end and other innovations for Australian conditions were a joint effort US-Australian effort.

But Wright described the present iterations as ‘Phase 1’.

"The combination of the latest engine technology from Cummins and superior aerodynamic performance saw the prototype return some impressive fuel consumption figures in local, real world testing," Wright says.

"Aerodynamics makes a big difference to truck fuel efficiency – about half of the fuel that the truck uses goes towards pushing it through the air, so if you achieve a 10 per cent improvement in aerodynamics this translates to about a 5 per cent improvement in terms of fuel economy.

"Compared to some more traditionally styled, flat fronted vehicles, the ProStar is as much as 10 per cent more aerodynamic. Even running some basic numbers the fuel savings – and therefore cost savings – that can be made over the life of the truck are enormous."

Wright emphasises the visibility advantages helped by the nose design and wraparound windscreen.

"The line of forward vision for the driver onto the road ahead is unobstructed thanks to the sloping hood, lower placed instrument panel and wrap around windscreen," Wright says.

"The ProStar again boasts best-in-class performance in this area comparing very favourably to other conventional cabs and even cab over trucks."

Crucial details

All vehicles will be powered by the latest E5 Cummins X15 SCR engine producing 550hp (410kW) and 1850 lb ft (2,508 Nm) of torque.

It features high pressure injection and the Cummins Emissions Solutions (CES) system to comfortably meet Euro5 emissions requirements.

Cooling is through an ‘Over and Under’ system with CAC above radiator and Horton Drivemaster air operated two-speed fan drive, ensuring optimum performance in hot Australian conditions.

Coupled to the engine is a choice of either an Eaton 18-speed manual with the Eaton UltraShift Plus 18-speed automated manual is optional.

Power to the rear Meritor tandem axles is via a Dana Spicer SPL driveshaft and traction is aided by power divider lock and cross locks on both rear drive axles.

Up front, the models use Meritor MFS axles with aluminium alloy hubs for reduced tare weight while suspension is three-leaf parabolic taperleaf with 6,500kg capacity.

Rear suspension comes courtesy of a Hendrickson Primaax-EX Air Tandem set-up with 20,900kg capacity. 

The day cab comes with a 4.3 metre wheel base "which allows you to meet that critical dimension of 5.4 metres from the bumper to the centre of the fifth wheel".

Bumper to back of cab lengths are 112 inches, 138 inches and 141 inches.

The sleeper cab inner-spring mattress is 2170x700mm.

The tipper wheel base is 5 metres and both are said to be suitable for performance based standards.

Gross vehicle mass and gross combination mass are 24.5 tonnes and 90 tonnes respectively.

Safety stakes

The ProStar features Benix ABS brakes with automatic traction control.

Trucks specified with the UltraShift Plus transmission are also equipped with Hill Start Aid.

They can also benefit from the optional ‘ADEPT’ package, a suite of innovative electronic features capable of further reducing fuel consumption by up to 6 per cent.

The system utilises load, speed and grade sensing software, making minor adjustments to speed, power and transmission gear selection to take advantage of vehicle momentum for better fuel economy.

The ADEPT package also includes‘SmartTorque2 and SmartCoast technology.

SmartTorque2 is the next generation of torque management technology from Cummins. The system senses both the selected gear and overall engine load as a result of the gross vehicle weight, aerodynamic drag and road grade.

 All models come standard with a park brake warning alarm that sounds if the key is off and the driver’s door is opened without the park brake being applied.

The trucks have dual, polished aluminium fuel tanks with 720 litres total volume – alternative fuel tanks options are available to meet specific applications. The AdBlue tank is 90 litres.

The models feature front under-run protection and LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps for added visibility during day or night.

Foreign contingent

In attendance from Navistar were vice president – global export Federico Palomo, director of sales Dicky Commandeur, chief engineer Marco Anaya and director of marketing and strategy Octavio Gonzalez.

"The return of International to Australia has been eagerly awaited especially given the high standing the brand enjoys here courtesy of earlier models and a very long and successful pedigree," Palomo says.

"These historical aspects aside, we also know that prospective customers in Australia are also extremely excited by the outstanding features and benefits that the new ProStar models will deliver to their operations.

"There was an obvious gap in the local market for a high quality and versatile, yet affordable North American-style truck that could get the tough jobs done with a minimum of fuss."

 

Specifications

Engine: E5 Cummins X15 SCR engine

Output: 550hp (410kW) and 1850 lb ft (2,508 Nm) of torque

Transmission: Eaton 18-speed manual with the Eaton UltraShift Plus 18-speed automated manual is optional

Driveshaft: Dana Spicer SPL250XL main and SPL170XL inner axle shaft

Front axle: Meritor MFS 14-142A wide track  

Front suspension: Parabolic Taperleaf

Rear axles: Meritor RT46-160GP

Rear suspension: Hendrickson Primaax-EX Air Tandem

.

[kscarbel2]

International Trucks officially returns to Australia

Prime Mover Magazine  /  March 23, 2017

The International brand has officially returned to Australia with the launch of the new ProStar range in Melbourne last night.

The much-anticipated unveiling ceremony at the Iveco Australia plant in Dandenong officially put an end to a two-year waiting period that began with an announcement by International parent company, Navistar, to bring the brand back to Australia at the 2015 Brisbane Truck Show.

International-branded trucks had been manufactured and or assembled at Iveco’s heritage-listed facility from 1952 through to 2001.

Iveco Australia once again secured the distribution rights for the brand in late 2016 and has since been working on adapting the ProStar range to the local Australian operating environment.

According to Michael Jonson, Managing Director of Iveco Australia, the return thus marks a “homecoming” to the location where thousands of International commercial vehicles originated.

“Welcome home, International,” he said in Melbourne. “The brand’s DNA still runs deep today with the current Iveco ACCO range sharing its lineage with earlier ACCOs developed under the International brand.”

The ProStar, the first model to be sold under the revived International label, will be available in day cab, extended cab with a fully ADR-compliant bunk, and integrated full-size sleeper cab variants, and in a choice of five wheelbases.

A key selling point of the new range, according to International Engineering Manager, Adrian Wright, is the short ‘bumper to back of cab’ (BBC) configuration, making the ProStar models suitable for a variety of combinations.

“The day cab will fit in front of virtually any Australian trailer set,” he said. “The ProStar is also well suited for truck and dog work, for use as a 34-pallet B-double, 36-pallet B-double and even B-triple and two trailer road train work.”

According to Jonson, initial dealer feedback on the revived brand has been exceptional: Iveco reportedly planned to start off with a batch of around 100 units, but dealer interest was so strong that more trucks will be ordered from Navistar.

Versatile design

One aspect that convinced Iveco dealers was the new range’s sturdy design: To ensure longevity and durability in demanding Australian conditions, Wright said the 2.1m-wide cab is constructed from high strength steel panels, zinc coated on both sides then fully dipped in e-coat primer, while the new models also benefit from a high tensile steel chassis with 9.5mm thick side members and huck-bolted cross members.

All vehicles will be powered by the latest E5 Cummins X15 SCR engine, producing 550hp (410 kW) and 1850 lb. ft. (2,508 Nm) of torque. “The engine, an evolution of the X15e5, is well proven in the local market and has been extensively tested here by International in conjunction with Cummins,” Wright said.

Coupled to the engine is a choice of either an Eaton 18-speed manual, which features an effort-reducing ‘air over hydraulic’ clutch, or an Eaton ‘UltraShift Plus’ 18-speed automated manual (AMT).

Power to the rear Meritor tandem axles is provided via a Dana SPL driveshaft, and traction is aided by power divider lock and cross locks on both rear drive axles.

Up front, the models use Meritor MFS axles with aluminium alloy hubs for reduced tare weight, while the suspension is three-leaf parabolic taper-leaf unit with 6,500 kg capacity. Rear suspension comes courtesy of a Hendrickson in the guise of the Primaax-EX Air Tandem, se -up for a 20,900kg capacity. 

On the safety front, the ProStar features ABS brakes with Automatic Traction Control; and trucks specified with the UltraShift Plus transmission are also equipped with Hill Start Aid.

Inside the cabin, Wright said International engineers have concentrated on delivering a working environment, “that delivers high functionality and ergonomic design”.

Ambitious outlook

“The ProStar offers a tried and proven formula that has been missing here for several years,” Wrigth explained, adding more models and variations will follow once the initial rollout is finalised.

“It’s an innovative and efficient truck in many ways, but also has very solid and proven fundamentals that will appeal to local operators.

“The trucks have a proven drivetrain package and strong underpinnings to handle Australia’s tough geographic and climatic conditions. The commonality and widespread availability of the drivetrain componentry allows for easy serviceability and maintenance leading to reduced operating costs. 

“When combined with the latest engine technology from Cummins and class-leading aerodynamics, you get the best of both worlds.”

Yesterday’s launch event was attended by a number of senior executives from Navistar in the US to underline the importance of the project for both Navistar and Iveco Australia.

“The return of International to Australia has been eagerly awaited, especially given the high standing the brand enjoys here courtesy of earlier models and a very long and successful pedigree,” said Federico Palomo, Vice President for Global Export – adding the brand was finally back where it belonged.

“These historical aspects aside, we also know that prospective customers in Australia are also extremely excited by the outstanding features and benefits that the new ProStar models will deliver to their operations.

“There was an obvious gap in the local market for a high quality and versatile, yet affordable North American-style truck that could get the tough jobs done with a minimum of fuss. Navistar is extremely pleased to have worked closely with Iveco Australia to bring the International ProStar to market down under.”

[Lmackattack]

I can already hear it rattling apart from here...LOL

[kscarbel2]

Return of the prodigal son

Kirstin Payne, Big Rigs  /  April 19, 2017

"Back home again" was the catch cry of the recent ProStar International launch, an almost conclusion to the corporate narrative and return of the local label

Its been a two-year-long journey since the venture was officially announced at the Brisbane truck show in 2015, with dealers and retail details still set to be fine-tuned in the coming months.

Launched at the Iveco plant in Dandenong, the unveiling of the brand's return was a grass-roots reintroduction by International, playing on the history of the badge.

The International Harvester after all, was produced in Australia just under half a century ago.

The nostalgic theme, "together on the road", International painted pictures of both rusty sunsets, rugged tracks, playing on the machines reliability and making a pointed attempt not to show any north American footage of the vehicle.

The production opted instead for B- roll of the ProStar's South American counterpart, to showcase the tougher side of the long awaited Navistar child.

Navistar vice-president for Global export Federico Palomo, who spoke on the company's history, said the first Australian International was made at the Dandenong site.

"Iveco and International have had a very, very deep and long history together here in this market place," Mr Palomo said.

"ProStar is a star and we are back where we belong.

"I am very optimistic, seeing a bright future for the global economy and therefore truck sales," he said.

Iveco Australia Managing Director, Michael Jonson said dealers were pleased to add the International conventional 15 litre to their product range.

"We had a very good year in 2016, we even see with this new product and this new brand it will get even better for us in the market in 2017," he said.

Yet the reported initial orders of 100 units tell a story of prudence rather than unbridled confidence, particularly when a number of the truck orders are expected to go directly to International's sister company, Case IH.

"A month ago we had the Case IH dealer convention and I mentioned to them we are bringing the International trucks back into the market and that I thought it would be just wonderful if all the Case IH dealers had international trucks to deliver their international harvesters," Iveco Australia's parent company, CNH Industrial executive managing director for Australia and New Zealand Ray Osgood said.

"They triggered off on this idea as well, and hopefully we will be moving a few through our own sister network, so I am delighted about that."

Mr Osgood was equally as confident of the product and pleased with the final outcome.

"Welcome back to the future, I think they are going to sell like hotcakes," Mr Osgood said.

"It's bit like a family member that has gone out on their own and now come back again," he said.

So what do we now know about the the prodigal son of the Iveco family?

Pulling back the black satin marketing executives introduced four distinct models for the International brand.

Frills free, simple and refined with engineering that tackled the feat of fitting the 15L Cummins engine into a right hand drive model.

"This gets back to International heritage, its a practical truck and a tool for business," International engineering manager, Adrian Wright said.

"All the elements have been fine tuned to a point where it feels natural, so you don't have to work it, it just sits on the road and does what you ask it to do," he said.

The ProStar is equipped with a Cummins x15 rated at 550 horsepower with 2500Nm of torque.

The Cummins engine comes with an ADEPT system harnessing the electronic capabilities of the engine and transmission to make powertrain control decisions in real time.

All models come with Eaton 18 speed transmission with a choice of manual or the UltraShift automated version.

Steering is a Shepparton 100 box, and Hendrickson Primaxx rear suspension with dual circuit air brakes, drum brakes, ABS and automatic traction control.

One of the Australian specific designs includes a range of bull bars, however at this stage there is no stainless steel option for the grill.

The range offers a choice of two day cabs, one as a prime mover (wheel base 4.3 metres)and a tipper and dog option with a longer wheel base (5.4 metres).

The short BBC (bumper to back of cab) of the day cabs is posed as a selling point.

A hybrid cab for the new ProStar looks to capitalise on providing a narrow bunk for short and regional haul operation where BBC can be reserved while offering an approved sleeper.

The IVECO marketing team sees this narrow bunk version as supplying an under-supplied, niche market.

This new cab is 660mm longer than the standard day cab, the bunk is ADR compliant.

The Navistar executives were shy about answering the question "will the Lonestar be available in Australia"?

"Watch this space," Frederico Polomo said, "there is more to come."