CHICAGO — International Truck and Engine Corp. unveiled the newest member to its monster pickup vehicle family — the International MXT 4×4.

Introduced for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show, the new MXT pickup is a cousin to the eyebrow raising International CXT introduced two years ago. With 16,000 pounds of towing capacity, the MXT is a sleek and dominant truck geared for the “image” truck market, a growing niche of truck owners who want to make a powerful statement about who they are, says the company.

300 hp, 530 lb. ft of torque; the newest, and
smallest, XT member packs quite a punch

The highly anticipated truck, a concept vehicle last year, is moving into the pre-production stage with an anticipated launch date of summer 2006.

“The new MXT is a symbol of our company’s commitment to breaking through into new markets,” said Dee Kapur, president of the truck group at International Truck and Engine. “The MXT went from a concept to pre-production vehicle in a year based on the interest from our customers and the dedication of International’s development team.”

The MXT pre-production features include: towing capacity of 8 tons; 300 horsepower with 530 pounds-feet of torque; seating for five; custom interior options

In addition to the MXT, International is showcasing the International RXT, which was a pre-production model exhibited last year at the Chicago Auto Show. The company announced that this sportier version is ready for the market with a roll-out date of March 2006 and will target commercial customers in the equestrian, boating, RV and motorsports markets.

International is even giving auto show audiences a sneak peak at a fifth wheel version of the RXT that can better accommodate trailers for those industries.

With the starting estimated MSRP of the MXT ranging from US$69,900 to US$85,000, it becomes the most affordable pickup in the XT family. The RXT is priced starting at $76,000 and the CXT — considered the largest consumer pickup in the market — loaded with a customized interior, starts at $115,000.

The CXT, RXT and MXT are all powered by International diesel engines, which include EPA-compliant emissions standards that keep the exhaust below federal limits.

Orders for the CXT and RXT can be placed now at any International dealer in North America by calling (888) 44-TRUCK or visiting www.InternationalDelivers.com/AutoShow. Orders for the MXT will be taken this summer.