May
2008
"STORIES"

Thousands of drivers, owners-operators, managers and enthusiasts got to see what the buzz is about when the International® LoneStar® took center stage during the big rig’s debut at the recent Mid-America Trucking Show.

Building on the momentum of the LoneStar's surprise launch at the Chicago Auto Show in February, Navistar International Corp. brought three configurations of its International® brand's sleek new showhorse to the MATS floor for close inspection by pros eager for a truck with high style, fuel economy and comfort.

"With the International® ProStar® being the most fuel efficient class 8 and the category busting LoneStar as an ideal combination of functionality and emotional appeal, International is definitely on a roll in Class 8 trucks," said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. "LoneStar is a product of the innovation that embodies both the spirit of today's driving professionals and the dynamic, transforming energy inside our company."

LoneStar, available in LoneStar Day Cab, LoneStar Sleeper and LoneStar Aero Sleeper variations, was designed inside and out with input from truck drivers.  Carnegie Mellon University researchers worked collaboratively with the Navistar design team to interview hundreds of trucking professionals and get their perspectives on what the next generation of Class 8 trucks should be.  The Carnegie Mellon researchers also helped Navistar interpret those impressions.

"There were three imperatives from our customers:  A truck that makes a statement about the driver, comfort on the road whether working or resting, and the combination of fuel economy and serviceability that helps them make more money," said Dee Kapur, president, Navistar Truck Group.  "LoneStar goes three-for-three.  Drivers simply don't have to compromise – they can have it all."

With LoneStar, International has created a new category of Class 8 trucks called "Advanced Classic," in which technology and innovative styling coverage with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency.  LoneStar also sets a higher standard for comfort – through superior ergonomics, suspension and cab quietness.  Fuel efficiency is increasingly important for truck owners.  LoneStar is projected to be 5 to 15 percent more fuel efficient than traditional long-nose classic trucks, equating to an annual savings of $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on miles driven, cost of fuel, and competitive model being compared.

"The aerodynamic design of LoneStar's hood, grille, air cleaners and side skirts will save owners real money," said David Allendorph, chief designer for Navistar's Truck Group. "Truck pros can have a unique, customizable truck that will reward them at the pump.  When you are spending $1,000 or more with each fill-up, you will really appreciate the fuel efficiency of the LoneStar."

Built from the core of the ProStar – the Class 8 leader in aerodynamics and fuel economy – LoneStar is a breakthrough product that resulted from a breakthrough process.  The truck progressed directly from math and clay models to production – without any development prototypes.

"Because ProStar was meticulously designed and engineered to lead its aero category, we felt we could build on ProStar's success without spending months in prototyping," said Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Navistar Heavy Truck Vehicle Center.  "We knew we had another winning truck with the category defining LoneStar and its superior aerodynamics and innovative styling.  With the use of more sophisticated tools, we were able to bring this product to market quickly."

Interior highlights include:

•Optional wood flooring in the sleeper cab

•Crescent-shaped sofa design with back pillows

•Swivel seats

•Floor to ceiling tower cabinet

•Closed "airline" cabinets and under-seat storage

•Optional Monsoon stereo system with 11 speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier

•Pull-down bed with 42-inch-wide mattress with optional Lattoflex system memory foam

•Workspaces to plug in laptop computers with two pullout work tables

•Optional 1.7 cu.-ft. refrigerator

"In an average week, a truck driver may spend 120 hours in his or her truck – driving, eating, sleeping, running a business, even entertaining friends," Allendorph said.  "We designed the LoneStar's environment to be both highly functional and comfortable.  No other truck’s interior delivers the style, comfort and practicality we have built into the LoneStar."

Automotive-style features built into the LoneStar include:

•Standard ABS

•Roll stability

•Traction control

•Bluetooth Integration for hands-free phone use

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel

•Automotive-style dash and gauges with rosewood or titanium trim

•50-degree wheel cut

Customization is also key for many customers.  A new line of exclusive parts called "DoubleSix Customs™" is also being launched in conjunction with the LoneStar to provide truck drivers with unique customization options.  An online truck configurator (www.InternationalTrucks.com/MyTruck) allows customers to configure their own options.  Truck designs ca be emailed, saved or printed.

The distinctive grille and sloped hood were inspired by International's D-Series trucks, which helped transform America's cross-country transportation in the early 20th century.  A restored and modified example of that truck, the DMAXX as also displayed at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Beginning in April, the LoneStar is now available for ordering from nearly 900 dealer locations in North America.  Production of the trucks will begin in August at Navistar's plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and will be delivered to customers in fall 2008.

"With the launch of the ProStar in 2006 and the launch of LoneStar now, International's brand of Class 8 trucks is changing the game in the industry," Baughman said.  "The evolution of the trucking industry has begun and we are leading the charge."