International Extends Commercial Truck Lineup With Classes 4-5 CV Series
CHICAGO — International Truck, a unit of Navistar Inc., introduced a new Classes 4-5 truck, the International CV Series, during a Nov. 7 media event here.
The truck, which accommodates a wide range of specialized body types, is aimed at businesses that are expanding, such as landscapers and tow companies, according to the Lisle, Ill.-based company.
CV Series interior. (International Truck)
To provide drivers with automotive-like comfort, the truck features upgraded interior finishes and improved driver ergonomics. Multiple infotainment options are available, including an 8-inch color touch screen with navigation and, for the first time in an International truck, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, an air-ride suspension is an option.
“After today’s announcement, we will have the newest and most comprehensive commercial truck lineup throughout all of North America. A lineup that will help us win with our current customers and new customers, alike,” Michael Cancelliere, Navistar’s president of Truck and Parts, said here to 500 people, including dealers and customers.
By moving into the Classes 4-5 space, International — which already sells Classes 6-8 trucks — is taking aim at Ford Motor Co., which dominates the Class 5 category, and Ram Trucks, a unit of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
U.S. retail sales of Class 5 trucks though September totaled 59,898. Ford accounted for 38,241, good for a 64% share, according to WardsAuto.com.
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Ram’s sales were second highest in Class 5 at 11,628 for the nine-month period.
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc.’s low-cab-forward models notched the lion’s share of Class 4 sales through September — 8,934 out of a total of 14,662, according to Ward’s.
Most International dealers should have CV Series models in stock to sell by the May-June timeframe, said Navistar’s Chad Semler, director of product marketing for medium-duty. “But select dealers will have them sooner.”
Among the commercial-grade features on the CV Series are: a gear-driven transfer case, a high-strength, low-alloy steel frame rail and a painted chassis for improved longevity and corrosion resistance.
The CV Series is powered by a 6.6-liter diesel engine that is sourced from General Motors. The engine produces 350 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. Two Allison transmission options are offered. The CV is capable of handling up to a maximum gross combination weight rating of 37,500 pounds.
The truck features a forward-tilting hood to ease access to routine maintenance points, the company said.
The CV essentially is the same truck as one that Navistar is building for GM’s Silverado lineup. “There’s very few differences. It’s a partnership,” Semler said. “We have had partnerships with other automotive companies in the past, so it’s not totally new.”
CV Series box truck. (International Truck)
The CV Series also offers a dual battery box mounted under the cab, and multiple fuel tank options, optional exhaust outlets to suit the vocation and body, and multiple wheelbase options.
In addition, International’s Application Engineering Team offers access to vocational engineering experts who can help customers design a configuration geared to their application.
The International dealer network’s more than 700 service locations feature more than 7,600 ASE-certified commercial diesel-trained technicians in the United States and more than 1,900 in Canada.
The CV Series is the last product in Navistar’s initiative to refresh the entire International lineup. It is the successor to International’s Classes 4-5 TerraStar model, which was discontinued in 2015.
International Truck gave the media a chance to drive its new Class 4-5 CV series in the Windy City this morning. Orders are strong the truck maker said. @TransportTopics pic.twitter.com/Thyrm5EOfS — Roger Gilroy (@roger_gilroy) November 8, 2018
