ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – International Truck and Engine rolled into B.C. for Truxpo in September showcasing the company’s latest offering in the truck market.

On Sept. 28, the opening night of the show, International unveiled the new ProStar model for the first time in Western Canada.

“This vehicle is the result of more than 20 years of product development and design. About four years of research went into it and that’s why the ProStar is such a stunning product,” Ed Melching, director of International’s development center, announced to the crowd.

Situated right near the entrance to the Tradex Centre, the middle floor display was swelled to capacity during the event. The trade show booth featured a full-size ProStar model and a ProStar cutaway cab.

The ProStar line of trucks is a completely brand new offering from the ground-up and will be available for the 2007 market. Melching explained that the main concepts the new ProStar addresses for the consumer are improved fuel economy, getting from point A to point B and it’s also designed with the idea to retain drivers.

Then Melching borrowed a trick from David Letterman and unveiled his personal Top 10 list of reasons to buy a ProStar.

Melching’s Top 10 Reasons to Buy a ProStar:

10. It’s best in class;

9. It offers unbelievable visibility, with its sloped hood and through the sides;

8. We’ve synchronized the maintenance schedule at 25,000 miles;

7. It’s first in the industry with integrated prognostic features: tire pressure monitoring, brake pad wear, brake stroke wear and filters;

6. The lowest cost of ownership available;

5. Unprecedented driver satisfaction: the range of motion and the controls on the steering wheel were used to optimize driver reach;

4. Best in class aerodynamics: the ProStar is 9% better than our nearest competitor;

3. Unprecedented up-time: this truck has been through so much testing;

2. Choice: ProStar has four packages when it comes to interior and exterior packages;

1. It’s not just a truck; it’s part of the company.

“It’s a star performer designed by professionals for professionals,” concluded Melching.