CHICAGO, (Nov. 14, 2003) — International Truck and Engine has confirmed plans to introduce a new family of Class 3-5 low-cab-forward commercial trucks, beginning with production of a Class 4-5 product in early 2005.

Plans for the introduction of the low-cab-forward vehicle, which the company will market as the International CF Series, were discussed with hundreds of International dealers at the company’s annual dealer meetings last month in Chicago.

The International CF Series will be sourced through the company’s Blue Diamond joint venture with Ford Motor Co. The low-cab-forward vehicle from International will be built with several shared components, including an International diesel engine and Ford automatic transmission. Blue Diamond will produce the CF Series at its state-of-the-art assembly plant in Escobedo, Mexico.

“Our planned entry to the Class 3-5 market provides the chance to expand our commercial vehicle offering to meet a wider range of customer needs,” said Mark Stasell, International’s vice president and general manager, Blue Diamond joint venture. “In the International CF Series, we’ve achieved a level of quality and performance that will offer better Class 3-5 product alternatives for our customers and dealers.”

“Adding this brand new offering means our customers can look forward to working with their local International dealer as a single source for varying commercial fleet needs, including parts, service and financing,” added David Johanneson, group vice president and general manager, Medium Vehicle Center, International Truck and Engine Corp.

— Truckinginfo.com