PEORIA, Ill. — Caterpillar’s highly anticipated CT660 vocational truck is now approved for shipment to customers, the company has announced.

Cat’s first ever truck has passed the company’s new product introduction process and has been in limited production since June. Customer deliveries commenced this month.

“Caterpillar is extremely pleased with the response we have received from our vocational truck customers,” said George Taylor, director of the company’s Global On-Highway Truck Group. “A number of customers, who saw the CT660 for the first time at Conexpo-Con/Agg, actually ordered trucks before having the opportunity to drive them. I think that speaks highly of their confidence in Cat products and the Cat dealer network.”

The company said it will continue ramping up production through the third quarter, with many dealers taking delivery of their first units in the coming weeks. Many dealers are planning to hold open house events to showcase the new truck.

“Most important for Caterpillar at this point is to focus on increasing production and getting customers behind the wheel of the CT660,” Taylor said. “Once customers drive the CT660 and take note of how carefully it’s designed to meet the demands of vocational service, we think they’ll immediately recognize how the truck can benefit them. The CT660 is a significant new product for Caterpillar, and we’re excited about supplying a truck that will help with rebuilding our infrastructure in a recovering economy.”

For more info, visit http://drivecat.com. Truck News executive editor James Menzies recently had the chance to drive the CT660. Look for a full report in the November issues of Truck News and Truck West.