It’s hard to imagine a better start to 2014 for Navistar.
The International ProStar with Cummins ISX15 was named ATD Truck of the Year in the heavy-duty division, while the International TerraStar 4×4 took medium-duty Truck of the Year at the American Truck Dealers Expo in New Orleans, La. Sunday.
“It is an honor to be recognized this year with both the 2014 ATD Heavy-Duty and Medium-Duty Commercial Truck of the Year titles,” says Bill Kozek, president of North America Truck and Parts for Navistar. “Being recognized in both these categories proves International is back with great product offerings.”
The medium-duty TerraStar was awarded over Hino’s 195h-DC, Kenworth’s K370 Cabover and Peterbilt’s cabover Model 220. The judges – veteran trucking journalists who awarded marks to all entries for innovation, design, safety and driver satisfaction – highlighted the truck’s strong towing ability, tilting hood for easy access to the engine and the truck’s roomy interior.
“We are humbled to receive this award,” said David G. Mannella, vice president and general manager of Harahan, La.-based ITA Sales and Service, who accepted the medium-duty award.
Less than five minutes later, Mannella was called back to the stage to accept the heavy-duty award for the ProStar, which beat out Kenworth’s T880 Vocational Truck with PACCAR MX-13 and Peterbilt’s Model 579.
The judges gave nods to the ProStar’s simple trim, the power of the Cummins big-bore engine and the truck’s overall maneuverability.