Navistar Unveils New Product Support Center

Navistar, Inc. has unveiled a new 70,000-square-foot product support center in Woodridge, Ill., that includes a large office area, three classrooms, a photo and video studio, a computer lab, a tool development and fabrication shop and 50,000 square feet of hands-on training space for dealer and fleet technicians.

“Navistar is committed to providing the best vehicle uptime and customer support in the truck industry,” Vaughn Allen, vice president, global service, said in a press release. “Our state-of-the-art center houses all product support and education personnel under one roof — which will facilitate the rapid development of tools, service information, technologies and training, to support our Navistar brands globally.”

The center is home to 80 employees who work in the following functions:

• Training for customer, dealer and Navistar sales, parts and service personnel

• Entry-level technician recruitment for U.S. dealers

• Standard repair time development

• Publications, authoring and development

• Special tools and diagnostics development

• Vehicle component system subject matter experts

As a full-time training facility, the center will host dozens of dealer and customer technicians each day for in-depth, hands-on training.

 

Navistar Appoints Communications Officer

Navistar Inc., parent to Monaco RV LLC and Workhorse Custom Chassis LLC,  announced that Jim Spangler has been named chief communications officer and will lead the company’s corporate communications globally.

“We are proud to have Jim join the Navistar team and are confident that his proven leadership and experience in our industry will help continue to build Navistar’s reputation in the global marketplace”

“We are proud to have Jim join the Navistar team and are confident that his proven leadership and experience in our industry will help continue to build Navistar’s reputation in the global marketplace,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO.

A 26-year communications veteran, Spangler brings to Navistar a wide range of communications experience. He spent nearly 12 years with Tenneco, where he served as vice president of global communications and was responsible for corporate positioning, communications strategy and policy, executive communications, employee communications, media relations and public relations.

Before joining Tenneco, Jim was director of global public relations and media relations for Arthur Andersen. Jim also spent nearly eight years at Amoco Corporation in roles of increasing responsibility within the company’s public and government affairs group. Spangler began his career as a reporter at City News Bureau of Chicago.

“I have admired Navistar’s growth during one of the most challenging times for our industry,” said Spangler, “and I look forward to leading the company’s communications efforts as it continues to deliver great products and profitable growth.”

Spangler holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois. He is a member of the Arthur Page Society and the Public Relations Society of America.

Monaco ’12 Coaches Sport Navistar Influence

Navistar Inc.’s influence was evident in Monaco RV LLC’s 2012 product rollout during the company’s Dealer Congress this week, as the world-class truck manufacturer continues to implement design, engineering and cultural changes since acquiring Coburg, Ore.-based Monaco in June of 2009.

With former Navistar board member and auto industry veteran Bill Osborne set to take over the reins on July 1, Monaco showed several 2012 motorhomes sporting a distinctive, truck-enhanced front end and grille design – first introduced a year ago on the 32-foot Vesta Class A – that creates a familial look throughout the motorized lineup.

“The things we are doing now are things we couldn’t even imagine before we became part of Navistar,” said Mike Snell, senior vice president of sales and product development, speaking during the general session of the June 20-22 event at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. “And we are definitely doing things that no one else in the industry is doing.”

As a key example, Snell pointed to the “successful integration” of Navistar’s MaxxForce engines with Monaco RV’s Roadmaster chassis, representing the “first fully designed and integrated motorhome platform in the industry” in which engine, body and chassis are all manufactured by the same OEM.

Topping the 2012 product rollout was the debut of longer 35-foot floorplans in the diesel-powered Monaco Vesta and Holiday Rambler Trip Class A lines equipped with a second slideout, full walk-around bedroom and increased seating. Development of the new models was “designed in close conjunction with Navistar,” stated Snell.

On the gas side, Snell said the company had introduced a new entry-level coach in the Monaco LaPalma Class A line, featuring “the family design characteristics shared with the Vesta,” and a new floorplan in the Monarch Class A series offering a new bath-and-a-half layout.

Snell was quick to note that Monaco had also “recommitted” to its towable division.

“We have created an entirely separate towable division with its own product development and manufacturing team,” Snell said. “We brought in Keith Griffin and Dave Terry to head a separate management group for the towable division.”

Headlining the 2012 towable introductions was the return of R-Vision’s Trail Lite, featuring two new fifth-wheels and a travel trailer – all capable of being towed with half-ton trucks.

“Taking today’s economic times into consideration, R-Vision is going back to its roots and focusing on what made it successful – being the lightweight leader,” said Snell.

In the wood-and-aluminum sector, Monaco showed new sharply priced R-Vision Silver Creek and Holiday Rambler Traveler models offering entry-level, non-slide floorplans. “One 26-foot bunkhouse model will come fully loaded for under $10,000,” Snell noted.

Other highlights from the meeting included:

• An initiative offering Monaco parts sales online through Navistar’s parts distribution center at its home base in Chicago. “This is the first of a number of parts distribution centers where we will be shipping RV parts and accomplishing our fulfillment commitments to you,” said Snell.

• Newly introduced diesel products equipped with a first-in-class Bendix steering column that adjusts both up and down as well as offering telescoping capabilities. The column comes in through the dash, improving pedal and driver foot positions, giving motorhomes the look and feel of driving a luxury SUV.

• An integrated key system that not only starts the vehicle, but also unlocks bay doors, entry doors and other exterior access points.

• An RV savings rebate promotion designed to turn over dealers’ in-stock units with “no strings attached.”

• Significantly revamped websites to give brands a “whole new look and feel,” with the ultimate goal of providing greater product differentiation and focus on specific segments of the marketplace.

Navistar Inc. to Develop Powertrain for USPS

Warrenville, Ill.-based Navistar, Inc. has been awarded a development contract by the United States Postal Service (USPS) under which Navistar will engineer a diesel powertrain replacement for USPS delivery vehicles.

According to a press release, Navistar’s re-powered diesel vehicle effort is designed to significantly reduce the escalating service and fuel costs associated with the USPS’s aging fleet.

Under terms of the contract, the USPS will deliver one of its Long Life Vehicles (LLV) to Navistar Engine Group’s Engineering and Technical Center in Melrose Park, Ill., where the company’s in-house re-power engineering department will develop, install and test a diesel powertrain that features Navistar’s MaxxForce 3.2-liter turbodiesel engine. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“When the USPS current fleet was first put into service, diesel fuel and advanced diesel powertrain technology were not widely available,” said Andrew Dondlinger, vice president, North America operations, Navistar Engine Group. “Now, by replacing its gasoline powertrains, USPS could realize diesel’s benefits of fuel efficiency, long operational life and low service and operating costs.”

A proven diesel re-power solution could be used to upgrade USPS vehicles over the next decade. It is not uncommon for diesel powertrains to achieve fuel economy gains of up to 35% when compared to gasoline powertrains. Further savings would be gained from diesel’s lower maintenance requirements, longer service life, and overall lower cost of ownership.

Navistar estimates the USPS could realize payback on each re-powered vehicle in as little as two years depending on maintenance and fuel costs.

Monaco’s Kay Toolson Announces His Retirement

Kay Toolson, president of Monaco RV LLC, will retire the end of June.

After 25 years at the helm of Monaco RV and Monaco Coach Corp., Toolson will step away from the day-to-day operations, but still be involved in special projects and take an advisory role in the company, according to a news release.

A native of Smithfield, Utah, Toolson joined the recreational vehicle industry in 1972 as product manager for Kings Highway Mobile Industries in Los Angeles, where he later held the positions of national sales manager and vice president.

In 1982, he joined Anaheim, Calif.-based motorhome manufacturer Executive Industries as a minority owner and executive vice president of operations, a position he held until 1986.

Toolson joined Oregon-based Monaco Coach Corp. in 1986 and completed a management buyout of the company in 1993, and took the company public that same year. He served as president for the company from 1986 to 2000, CEO from 1986 to 2009, and as chairman from 1993 to 2009.

During his tenure with Monaco , the company grew from a small, specialty RV manufacturer recording $17 million in annual revenue to a 5,70-employee company producing a broad spectrum of RVs and annual revenue in excess of $1.4 billion.

The company filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and was subsequently purchased by Navistar Inc. Since that purchase, Toolson has served as president of Monaco RV.

Monaco RV’s current management team will remain, reporting to William H. Osborne, the newly named vice president of custom products for Navistar Inc. In this role, Osborne will have accountability for the Monaco RV and Workhorse business units.

Osborne to Head Monaco & Workhorse Units

Navistar Inc. announced today (May 3) that William H. Osborne has been named vice president of custom products. In this role, Osborne will have accountability for Navistar’s Monaco RV and Workhorse business units, according to a news release.

Osborne was appointed to Navistar’s board of directors in September 2009 and was a member of the board’s finance committee. He resigned his board position to assume his new role.

Osborne was previously president and CEO of Federal Signal Corp. and a veteran automotive industry executive.

“We are fortunate to have Bill join our team and apply his knowledge of the industry to our business,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. “As a former member of Navistar’s board of directors, Bill has unique insights into our company. His manufacturing and automotive experience and expertise will be of great value to Navistar as we continue to diversify and expand globally into new marketplaces.”

Osborne, 51, spent more than 30 years in the automotive industry. Prior to joining Federal Signal in September 2008, Osborne served in a number of senior-level positions with Ford Motor Co., most recently as president and CEO of Ford of Australia. Previously, he served as president and CEO of Ford of Canada. Osborne’s earlier assignments included a variety of roles in product design, development and engineering. Before his career at Ford, Osborne held positions at Chrysler and General Motors.

Osborne holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, a master’s degree in engineering from Wayne State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

Navistar/Monaco Hosts NASCAR Trivia Promo

Think you know NASCAR?

Navistar Inc. and Monaco RV LLC challenge NASCAR fans to take the Mike Skinner Trivia Contest.

Navistar Inc., Monaco RV’s parent company and longest-running team sponsor in the Truck Series garage, is making a bold run at the 2010 championship with the No. 5 Toyota Tundra driven by Mike Skinner for Randy Moss Motorsports.

“Many of our customers are NASCAR fans and so is Monaco RV,” the company states on its website. “We’re excited about sponsoring Mike Skinner and being a part of one of the original series driver’s winning team. So join in the fun and be a winner yourself by participating in Monaco RV’s Mike Skinner Trivia Contest. This is your opportunity to win one of five collectible Mike Skinner autographed Monaco hats.”

Click here to learn more about the contest.

Navistar Ups the Ante in 2010 Diesel Engine Fray

As the competition heats up in the diesel engine business with engine builders introducing revamped designs based on strict new EPA emissions regulations, Monaco RV LLC parent Navistar Inc., Warrenville, Ill., has announced a new long-term supply agreement for Navistar to be the principal provider of International-brand commercial trucks to J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. through 2014.

This is a development about which Oregon-based Monaco’s management team will surely be reminding prospective wholesale and retail clients in the months ahead, as it works to gain an edge in the resurgent motorhome business with coaches powered by Navistar’s MaxxForce engines equipped with “Advanced EGR” technology.

“We’re excited to once again be J.B. Hunt’s principal commercial truck provider and look forward to delivering to them International trucks with MaxxForce engines as well as the full support of our parts and dealer network,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American truck group.

“J.B. Hunt is an industry leader and one of the most metric-driven transportation companies in the world,” Allen added. “They have tested our ProStar with MaxxForce 13 engine and this agreement demonstrates their confidence in the fuel economy, overall performance and no-hassle approach of our MaxxForce Advanced EGR engines.”

Navistar, Thor Reach Bus Supply Agreement

IC Bus LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar Inc. and the nation’s largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, today (March 23) announced a new supply agreement with Thor Industries Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses, according to a news release.

Through the agreement, IC Bus will be the exclusive provider of mid-size, cut-away chassis to Thor Industries. As a result, Thor Industries’ Champion, ElDorado National, General Coach and Goshen Coach vehicle brands will be built exclusively on the new IC Bus brand TC Series chassis.

“The new TC Series chassis is a world-class, top-notch chassis,” said John McKinney, president, IC Bus. “Through this agreement, we’re able to provide Thor Industries and its customer base with a reliable, customer-friendly chassis — along with outstanding service and support — through the largest, most comprehensive dealer network in the industry.”

The TC Series chassis will be powered exclusively by International MaxxForce engines featuring Advanced EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) emissions technology. These engines use an in-cylinder approach to meeting EPA2010 emissions with a goal of providing the most customer-friendly powertrain in terms of fuel economy, performance and overall ownership costs. With MaxxForce Advanced EGR, customers won’t have the worry or inconvenience of finding or filling liquid urea, providing customers with a no-hassle solution that keeps responsibility for emissions compliance with the manufacturer, not the vehicle owner or driver. As a result, IC Bus and Thor Industries are able to deliver high-quality, differentiated products that stand apart from the competition.

“We’re proud to work with IC Bus to deliver customer-friendly products to the market,” said Andrew Imanse, group president, Thor commercial bus division. “This agreement with IC Bus allows us to improve efficiencies, while providing our customers with best-in-class chassis and engine technologies.”

The TC Series chassis is available to customers in the United States and Canada and is supported by the IC Bus  dealer network, the largest bus dealer network in North America.

IC Bus  LLC of Warrenville, Ill., is an affiliate of Navistar International Corp. The nation’s largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC Bus is a global leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Bus buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. Additional information is available at www.icbus.com.

Navistar Inc. Shows All-Electric Truck on Capitol Hill

Members of Congress today (Sept. 30) were shown an early result of federal stimulus investments paying dividends – an all-electric commercial truck from Navistar Inc. that does not depend on foreign oil, is already generating jobs and offers real potential to usher in a new wave of U.S.-led clean vehicle technologies.

With the help of a $39 million U.S. Department of Energy grant announced by President Obama in August, Navistar will build these high technology trucks, designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments. Navistar intends to build 400 all-electric delivery trucks in 2010 at its facility in Elkhart County, Ind., and expects within a few years to be producing several thousand vehicles annually as the market grows, according to a news release.

“At a time when the economy is struggling, supporting breakthrough technologies like Navistar’s all-electric truck will create jobs for our state and help free us from our dependency on energy imports,” said Sen.Evan Bayh , D-Ind. “I was proud to accompany President Obama to Wakarusa, Ind., in August to announce the federal commitment to build this all-electric vehicle in Elkhart County. Indiana continues to be a leader in the development and production of advanced technologies that will provide important benefits to the entire nation. Hoosiers have been at the epicenter of today’s automotive industry, and this technology gives us an opportunity to be at the forefront of tomorrow’s as well.”

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation allowing for a program of research, development, and commercial application of clean vehicle technologies at DOE (H.R. 3246, Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009). The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The collaboration between Navistar and DOE demonstrates the importance of business and government working together to make energy efficient vehicles a reality, and the continued need for research and development of advanced commercial vehicle technologies.

“The all-electric commercial truck is a concrete example of advanced technology that will be swiftly brought to market with government incentives, just like diesel-hybrid trucks and school buses,” said Greg Elliott, senior vice president, Navistar. “We must continue to invest together for the next generation of advanced vehicles with innovative aerodynamic design and greater hybrid and electric market penetration across the nation.”

This zero tailpipe emission electric commercial truck is the latest of Navistar’s “green” vehicle advancements. The company was an early pioneer in diesel hybrids with the International DuraStar truck and the IC Bus CE Series plug-in hybrid school bus.

The all-electric vehicle would primarily be used by fleets in congested, urban, light duty applications where stop-and-go driving would otherwise consume a large amount of fuel.

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