International focuses on customer support, value-added products

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2000) — Following an aggressive roll-out of new truck models during the past 18 months, International Truck & Engine Corp. is focusing on improving its customer support packages, especially for owner-operators.

Last week the company unveiled its “Owner’s ValueChoice” program, offering an array of products for vehicle buyers.

The program includes a five-year/500,000-mile warranty; free emergency road service for five years or 500,000 miles; free towing and wrecker service for five years/500,000 miles; a maintenance kit; and an “ownerÕs package” that includes a leather jacket and shirt with the International logo.

It also includes a debit card worth $5000 US to buy fuel at any Flying J truck stop. An International official said its fuelling partner in Canada would be PetroCanada.

The products and services available are valued at $18,000 US, but cost $6000 US.

The company also enhanced its Web site, www.internationaldelivers.com, by posting its entire North American truck inventory. Users can search for a truck model by application and specifications, and then by state, province, or postal code to find the dealer nearest them.

The site is designed to steer better informed customers to dealers, said International truck group president Steve Keate. He emphasized that International does not intend to sell new trucks direct to customers online.