DDAIF Mercedes Benz Group AG (PK)

Navistar International Corporation (NAV) has launched International LoadStar truck, the industry's first stainless steel cab-over design at a trucking show in Louisville, Kentucky. The new work truck will be assembled at a plant in northwest Alabama. Navistar will start taking orders in October and production is slated to start in early 2013.

The truck will mainly cater to the clients in the waste industry, concrete pumping and airplane refueling markets, as well as other users. Navistar estimates the total market for similar trucks in the United States and Canada at around 5,000 to 8,000 vehicles per year.

LoadStar’s stainless steel cab is the first of its kind that minimizes corrosion and increases durability. It has vocationally designed variable depth frame rails for maximum durability, lighter weight, lower frame rail heights and better ride characteristics. The truck will run on diesel and natural-gas powered engines. The diesel engines will be manufactured at the company's engine plant in Huntsville.

The truck has been designed on input from drivers and fleet managers keeping their needs in mind. It boasts of enhanced seat and steering wheel movement to make the driver comfortable.  Further, with superior driver visibility and up to 40 degree wheel cuts, the trucks ensure excellent maneuverability.

LoadStar features Navistar's Diamond Logic system, which is instrumental in reducing downtime and improves productivity by enabling control of and communication between vehicle components and body equipment. This system increases safety and optimizes maintenance.

Illinois-based Navistar International Corporation, a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold) stock, manufactures and markets commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines, buses, military vehicles and chassis for motor homes and step-vans, and provides service parts for various trucks and trailers.

LoadStar will definitely give Navistar an edge over its competitors DaimlerAG (DDAIF) and PACCAR Inc. (PCAR).

 
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