Preparing for the March 2007 shipment of its new International ProStar class 8 highway tractor, International Truck and Engine Corp. recently held its ProStar Training Camp, educating nearly 1,100 International dealer sales professionals. The dealer education sessions in Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago focused on the features, benefits and driving characteristics of the International ProStar.
At ProStar Training Camp, dealers received guidance to help customers in determining specifications for new truck orders. Dealers also participated in a driving experience that highlighted ProStar’s maneuverability and visibility. “ProStar will set a new standard for long-haul tractors, so we’re making sure the International dealers have the tools they need to serve our customers and grow their business,” said Dee Kapur, truck group president for Warrenville, Ill.-based International.
The 2007 launch of the ProStar includes daycab, and short and long sleepers in a high-rise roof configuration. Initial production will be based on 122-inch BBC (bumper-to-back-of-cab) tractors. The second phase of production will include additional BBC and sleeper configuration options. The truck will be produced at the International Assembly Plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Shipments of the ProStar to dealers will begin in March 2007.
A product overview of the company’s new MaxxForce Big Bore diesel also was part of ProStar Training Camp. Major customer benefits of this engine, according to International, include outstanding fuel economy; excellent power characteristics; low noise, vibration and harshness; and high strength without added weight. The engine will be integrated in the ProStar series beginning in 2008. The new engine goes on sale for the International 8600 regional-haul tractors and International 7000 Series severe service trucks beginning in fall 2007.
