WARRENVILLE, Ill. — In 1982, against long odds and a bleak economic landscape, the former International Harvester Company transitioned its full service lease franchise to 11 International Truck dealers who launched Idealease of North America. By the end of 1983, 125 US and Canadian International Truck dealers had opened Idealease affiliate locations.

Twenty-five years later, the number of Idealease affiliates has more than tripled; 420 International dealers now own or operate Idealease companies in the US, Canada and Mexico. Expansion efforts continue in 2007 with Idealease affiliate locations opening in Colombia, South America and Honduras in Central America.

International Truck and Engine Corporation recently recognized the 25th anniversary of its longtime customer and truck-leasing partner, highlighting its continued leadership and success over the past quarter century.

The way we do business has greatly shaped the industry and the success weve had over the past 25 years, said Bill Kennedy, president of Idealease. Our principles havent changed since our first day in business. And we will continue to serve our customers with the flexibility, responsiveness and innovation were known for.

Going forward with its unique approach to the leasing and rental business, Idealease is poised for another 25 years of success, company officials say.

Leasing is steadily growing as commercial trucks become more complex to maintain and as customers see additional value in outsourcing aspects of their operations that are not part of their core business, said David Johanneson, group vice-president, International Truck and Engine. International dealers that choose to establish an affiliate Idealease operation at their location are gaining a significant advantage in their ability to serve these current and potential customers.