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May 1, 2010 12:00 PM

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NAVISTAR Inc introduced the new International ProStar+, the latest in a long line of groundbreaking products from the company. The new Class 8 truck was unveiled March 25-27 during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

As a top-selling Class 8 on-highway truck in the combined US and Canada market, the International ProStar set the standard as one of the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient tractors on the road. The 2010 ProStar+ raises the bar even higher.

“We weren't satisfied with simply being the best, we were determined to make the best even better,” said Jim Hebe, Navistar senior vice-president of North American sales operations. “Along with improving the truck's aerodynamics and reducing its curb weight, we've made a number of driver-friendly interior improvements and integrated a no-hassle emissions solution that allows drivers to do what they do best.”

ProStar+ is powered exclusively by International's MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 engines. With MaxxForce Advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), customers won't have the worry or inconvenience of finding or filling liquid urea.

Emissions compliance isn't the only ProStar+ feature designed with the driver in mind. A re-engineered overhead console allows for easier reach and even includes an in-cab paper towel dispenser. Storage has been dramatically improved, with the Hi-Rise model seeing a 150% increase in captured storage and a 50% improvement in total storage.

The ProStar+ cab environment has become even quieter. The previous ProStar product already boasted one of the quietest cabs in the segment, and ProStar+ cab noise levels have dropped nine percent in comparison. Other driver satisfaction improvements include a 20-lb force reduction in clutch feel for better driver comfort, providing easier shifting and less fatigue.

ProStar+ offers new aerodynamic enhancements, including optional full-length chassis skirts for sleepers as well as a new cab roof air fairing for day cab models. ProStar+ has many new powertrain features that improve fuel economy, including a clutched air compressor, variable speed fan, low viscosity engine oil and fuel-efficient rear axle lubricant.

Vehicle weight continues to be a top priority for customers, and ProStar+ is 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor. When spec'd with the MaxxForce 13, with its durable, lightweight compacted graphite iron (CGI) cylinder block, and MaxxForce Advanced EGR emissions technology, the ProStar+ has an additional 600-pound advantage versus the leading 15-liter engine, providing an extra 1,300 pounds of payload capacity and fuel economy benefits.

“With the ProStar+, we challenged ourselves to make the best even better,” Hebe said. “With the aerodynamic and weight-saving enhancements, the re-engineered and highly functional interior and the no-hassle emissions technology of our MaxxForce Advanced EGR engines, the new ProStar+ provides an unparalleled level of driver satisfaction, while delivering the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.”

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