Navistar to Build Next-Gen Diesels at Alabama Engine Plant

[kscarbel2]

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  June 17, 2019

Navistar announced a $125 million investment in its Huntsville, Alabama, engine plant as part of a plan to begin producing next-generation big-bore diesel engines developed with its European partner, Traton, in the future.

Navistar makes International brand diesel engines at the plant, and plans to make the new investments over the next three years.

The principal engine currently built at Navistar's Huntsville plant is the International A26, a 12.4L big-bore [MAN D26 derived] engine offered in Class 8 on-highway trucks such as the International LT Series and RH Series, as well as in vocational trucks such as the International HV Series and HX Series.

According to local news reports, part of the expansion is relocating to Huntsville a gear box assembly line.

In 2017, Navistar and VW told reporters that the two companies would collaborate on a fully integrated, next-generation diesel big bore powertrains for North America, launching in 2021. It also said at the time that it expects to be in a position to launch its first medium-duty electric powered vehicle for the U.S. and Canadian markets in late 2019 or early 2020. 

"Over the last two decades, the state of Alabama has been a wonderful partner for Navistar as we have developed and produced big-bore engines and other products in the state," said Persio Lisboa, Navistar's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Today, we are excited to have the opportunity to expand our presence in Alabama, while adding to our array of next-generation products."

In 2014, as part of its turnaround efforts, the company announced it was moving its mid-range engine production from Huntsville to its Melrose Park, Illinois, plant.

[kscarbel2]

Navistar pumping $125M into Alabama engine plant

Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ)  /  June 17, 2019

Navistar said Monday it will invest upwards of $125 million in new and expanded manufacturing capabilities at its Huntsville, Ala., engine plant over the next three years.

The North Alabama plant currently manufacturers International-branded diesel engines, including the 12.4 liter big-bore A26 engine offered in International’s Class 8 on-highway trucks lineup. The additional capabilities put the plant at the head of the line to produce Navistar’s next-generation large-bore powertrains developed with global alliance partner and stakeholder Traton.

“Over the last two decades, the State of Alabama has been a wonderful partner for Navistar as we have developed and produced big-bore engines and other products in the state,” says Navistar Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Persio Lisboa. “Today, we are excited to have the opportunity to expand our presence in Alabama, while adding to our array of next-generation products.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle called Navistar “a longstanding corporate partner in our community” adding he was pleased the company sees Huntsville as a strategic part of its growth strategy. The facility expansion is expected to add 145 jobs. 

“We welcome the new production component to Navistar’s manufacturing operations and look forward to a successful future,” Battle says.

[RoadwayR]

I assume for a version of the upcoming Scania 13L?

[Maxidyne]

That kind of money should buy a flexible engine line that can build V8s too...