WARRENVILLE, Ill. — The International LoneStar is the latest Class 8 truck to receive EPA SmartWay certification.

Navistar claims its International LoneStar is the first classic-styled Class 8 truck to receive the designation. SmartWay is a voluntary program that encourages the adoption of environmentally-friendly equipment and strategies.

To qualify as a SmartWay-approved vehicle, a truck must meet a number of criteria set by the EPA.

“As today’s diesel prices reach record highs, developing more fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible trucks is necessary to keep operating costs down for customers and to curtail each truck’s carbon footprint,” said Dee Kapur, president, Navistar Truck Group. “Navistar is committed to green transportation with advanced engineering and purposeful design. We look forward to working with the EPA to continue to improve the environmental performance of our commercial trucks, diesel engines and buses.”

Some of the design characteristics of the LoneStar which have helped it achieve its SmartWay certification include: a carefully-shaped bumper for improved aerodynamics; a hood that splits the air and sends most of it down the side of the truck; a windshield that is angled by five extra degrees compared to the International 9200; external air cleaners that are specially designed to minimize drag; and chassis skirts which integrate the fuel tank into the skirting system.

“The aerodynamic design of LoneStar’s bumper, hood, windshield and side skirts can save truck drivers significant amounts of fuel,” said Tom Baughman, vice-president and general manager, Navistar Heavy Truck Vehicle Center. “When a truck driver is spending more than $1,000 with each fill-up, they really appreciate the fuel efficiency that LoneStar delivers. LoneStar and ProStar are changing the game in Class 8 trucking.”

In addition to aerodynamic improvements, a SmartWay-approved LoneStar will also be equipped with the MaxxPower APU and an EPA07 engine. Navistar is offering, for a limited time, a MAXXimum MPG version of the ProStar and LoneStar which optimizes fuel economy and includes a $1,000 customer incentive.