WASHINGTON, Oct 03, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Crew survivability is the number one concern for military forces for today's hostile missions. Transporting troops and personnel from one point to another is the time when many forces can be most vulnerable. Getting soldiers to the mission site safely is the top priority. International Truck and Engine Corporation, in collaboration with Rafael Armament Development Authority, Ltd. and Griffin Inc., is making those missions easier to accomplish with the launch of the International(R) APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) at the 2005 AUSA Show.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051003/CGM053 )

The International APC uses the best armoring technology available to defeat projectiles, IED threats and RPG-7 threats. The truck is outfitted with a combination of "reactive" and "passive" armor. This hybrid armor provides a higher level of threat protection and is specifically designed to protect against shaped charges. This leading-edge armoring solution has been tested and proven in battle.

"Crew survivability is the number one priority," said Archie Massicotte, president, Military and Government Business, International Truck and Engine. "International builds trucks from the ground up to accommodate armor that troops need. We offer today's soldiers the best armor protection available."

International worked with Rafael, a leading armament specialist, and Griffin, a leading armored vehicle supplier, to develop the ultimate armored personnel carrier. In the International APC, a solution called ERA -- Explosive Reactive Armor -- is used to provide enhanced protection against RGP-7 threats and other projectiles. Using other types of passive armor would weigh up to 10 times more to get the same level of protection.

International's heritage and expertise in designing and building trucks for heavy-duty hauling applications gives International Military Vehicles the capability to handle the extra weight of any armor with ease. The International APC, based on the rugged International(R) 7000 Series truck, can carry an entire squad in full battle gear with equipment and under superior protection.

Optional features of the International APC include:

     -- 360 degrees of reactive armor capability
     -- Remote-controlled weapons system
     -- Automatic fire suppression system
     -- Electric winch -- moveable between front and rear
     -- Heavy-duty windshield washing system
     -- Central tire inflation (run-flat tires are standard)
     -- Front-mounted hydraulic blade for clearing debris
     -- Customized options to meet mission requirements

International is also showcasing a medium-duty military truck called the International(R) MXT-MV at AUSA. The International MXT-MV is one of the newest trucks available from International in 2006 that features outstanding 4x4 capability for the most rugged missions. The MXT-MV is ideal for border patrols, recon missions and security details. Its strong frame design also provides the ability for it to be uparmored and provide outstanding towing and payload capacity for on -- or off-road applications. Even with the extra weight of the armor, the MXT has superior maneuvering, hauling and braking capability. Other features of the MXT-MV include:

-- Armored cab available in standard, extended and crew configurations
     -- Armor ready body/"kitted" armor solutions
     -- C-130 transportable
     -- LED military lighting
     -- Fold-down brush guards
     -- Electric winches
     -- Armored fuel tanks
     -- PowerPack mobile power source
     -- Pintle hook
     -- Multiple body configurations
     -- Low-profile entry/egress
     -- Best in class military cab (for all trucks)
     -- Excellent payload, towing capacity
     -- Diamond Logic Electrical System

International's truck and engines are built for extreme conditions and providing rugged performance and durability. The company's extensive product line is being used worldwide to haul cargo over highways, move tons of gravel from quarries, deliver water and food to businesses and traverse oil fields with full tanks.

"Each truck or fleet of trucks is customizable for each mission," said Massicotte. "In each step of the process -- review, engineering, manufacturing, delivery and support -- International works with the customer every step of the way to produce the vehicles needed to accomplish the mission."

Global Parts and Service Support

International reduces logistics/operations time because of the commonality of its equipment platforms. In other words, International trucks and engines can easily be maintained -- even in the field. One of the biggest challenges is servicing and maintaining a fleet of trucks, especially when they are driven in extreme conditions in various locations around the world. International offers one of the most comprehensive global parts and service networks.

"International is committed to providing the foundation needed for the success of the mission," said Massicotte. "To accomplish this, we are working with OEM component partners and our dealer network to provide in-theater support to address the operational needs of military forces, including 'kitted' solutions. This reduces the military logistics burden and enhances the uptime and mobility that our armed forces need."

With sourcing facilities worldwide, military fleet managers are assured to get the right part at the right time to keep vehicles -- and equipment -- moving. International offers a number of training courses and online or CD- based resources to ensure that the trucks are serviced appropriately.

GPS Truck Tracking/Diagnostic Technology

International(R) Aware(TM) Vehicle Intelligence is a revolutionary telematics solution that allows authorized individuals to monitor trucks in real-time through a password-protected Web site. Compatible with "blue-force tracking", the GPS-based system continually tracks the truck's exact location, direction of travel and even how fast it is going. There's even a "geofencing" feature that allows the command center to be notified immediately when a vehicle has left its designated area of operation.

But it does much more than that. Because it was developed by International, the technology provides superior integration with truck and body equipment. It can monitor a number of critical functions of the truck and relay information back to a central operations center. For example, the truck can be configured to send an immediate alert to the command center if the truck's body-mounted weapons station or gun turret is fired.

Maintenance managers can also better maintain fleets of equipment through regular monitoring of actual usage. "Total hours of equipment engaged", "engine at high idle" and "auxiliary equipment used" are just some of the types of categories that can be tracked to catch problems with the system earlier or improve operations.

"We have 'off-the-shelf' technology that is available now for military forces," said Massicotte. "Our mission is to empower today's soldiers with the latest truck and engine innovations to keep them safer and more productive in the field. The bottom line is that International has a better way to deliver mission-capable military products."

International's History with the Military

For more than 100 years, the company that has become International Truck and Engine Corporation has served as a proud and loyal ally for many. What began as a company producing equipment for farmers and truckers in 1902 adapted to produce military vehicles in 1918 for World War I efforts. By 1941, the company shifted all product focus on military vehicles for the Allies. During World War II, International produced the M-series of military trucks that served roles with the Marine and Navy as weapons carriers, cargo transporters and light artillery movement. International trucks earned a reputation of being able to handle traversing sandy beachheads under fire, carrying over-capacity loads and spending months slogging through jungle conditions.

Today, International is continuing its commitment to the U.S. military with innovative technology and adaptable vehicles. Plus, International offers global sourcing for dedicated parts and service support. When the military is looking for a valuable ally, International delivers.

About International Truck and Engine

International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). The company produces International(R) brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. With the broadest distribution network in North America, the company also provides financing for customers and dealers. Additionally, through a joint venture with Ford Motor Company, the company builds medium commercial trucks and sells truck and diesel engine service parts. Additional information is available at http://www.InternationalDelivers.com .

SOURCE International Truck and Engine Corporation

Rob Puhalovich of International Truck and Engine, +1-630-753-2416,
Rob.Puhalovich@Nav-International.com ; or, Dane Roth of Ketchum, +1-312-228-6843

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