WARRENVILLE, Ill. (Feb. 11, 2005) — International Truck and Engine has unveiled a new five-ton, 22-foot-long commercial pickup truck to go along with the eyebrow raising International CXT, the world’s largest pick-up SUV, released last year.

Like the CXT, the new International RXT is big and bold. It’s designed for business owners who want a truck that promotes image as much as hard work. The RXT is one of four vehicles that International is showcasing at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show beginning Friday through Feb. 20.

Standing eight feet tall, the International RXT is a 4×2 pickup truck. It features an eight-foot-long bed, great hauling and tow capability and commercial hydraulic brakes for stopping large loads or trailers. Its exterior design offers full-body side skirts, a low step-in height, aerodynamic hood and overall stylish design. From the driver’s seat, the ride is made comfortable by a spacious crew cab that seats five, as well as an air cab suspension and an International ride-optimized suspension.

The International RXT features an International VT 365 diesel V8 engine with 230 horsepower and 540-lbs.-ft. of torque for optimal performance and efficiency.

“The International RXT is like nothing else on the road today,” said Dee Kapur, president of International’s Truck Group. “After introducing the International CXT in 2004, International received an overwhelming customer response for more vehicles that are powerful in performance but refined in appearance. The International RXT meets that need with refined styling and functionality.”

Orders for the International RXT can be placed through International dealers throughout North America in fall 2005, with a starting price just under US $70,000.

In addition to the International CXT and RXT, two other vehicles are included in the International XT Family of trucks. A pre-production prototype vehicle derived from a military chassis, called the International MXT, which was unveiled in March 2004, and a futuristic concept pickup truck, called the International ProjectXT.

The International MXT is a commercial pre-production prototype. It has the same distinctive International grille and the same crew cab as all of the XT family, a whole different look with an aggressive design of headlights integrated in the front fenders, rough terrain tires, low step-in height and outstanding 4×4 capability.

The International ProjectXT is a commercial concept truck showcasing such customizing capabilities as special interior and exterior trim with dual sky glass roof panels and a rear roof spoiler that shades passengers from direct sunlight and improves aerodynamics. The truck also features a “straight-through” design pickup bed that eliminates wheel well humps.

Cross-border truckers will likely see the International MXT cruising around border points in late 2005. The truck is the first version designed for military applications and government agencies, such as the U.S. Border Patrol.

A commercial variant of the International MXT is targeted for production in 2006, aimed at the horse industry, ranchers, commercial boating businesses, auto body repair, construction companies, lawn care businesses, lawn and garden stores, racecar haulers, home builders, and home improvement companies.