Navistar delivers first International LoneStar

The LoneStar is designed to create a new category of Class 8 trucks called “advanced classic,” in which technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency.

The Trucker News Services

11/21/2008

WARRENVILLE, Ill. — Navistar International Corp. reported Thursday that the truck maker had presented keys to the first production International LoneStar to Jeramand Enterprises, signifying that delivery is underway for International brand’s Class 8 flagship product.

Navistar representatives presented the keys to Danny Boudreau, driver and owner of Jeramand Enterprises, during ceremonies at East Coast International Trucks in Moncton, New Brunswick.

“I knew when I first saw the LoneStar that I had to have one and I couldn’t be more excited to receive the first truck,” said Boudreau. “With all its chrome, I can’t wait to show it off to family and friends.”

The International LoneStar is the result of extensive customer research and automotive inspired design — a new truck that changes the game for today’s trucking professional, Navistar says. The LoneStar is designed to create a new category of Class 8 trucks called “advanced classic,” in which technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency. LoneStar also sets a higher standard for comfort — through improved ergonomics, an industry-leading suspension, advanced electronics and a quiet cab, the manufacturer says.

“LoneStar is unlike anything on the road today,” said Steve Gilligan, assistant general manager, heavy vehicles, Navistar Truck Group. “The International LoneStar closes the gap between work style and lifestyle for driving professionals, combining peak productivity with emotional appeal. It is the product of Navistar’s culture of relentless innovation, and embodies the spirit both of today’s driving professionals and the dynamic, transforming energy inside our company.”

The LoneStar made its debut to the public to much fanfare earlier this year in February at the Chicago Auto Show. In March, truck enthusiasts got their first look at the bold, stylish truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Now, just two years after the truck’s earliest designs, the LoneStar is a reality. The truck progressed directly from math and clay models to hard tooling for production — without any development prototypes.

“Our engineering team, with diverse backgrounds in the automotive, aerospace and trucking industries, felt confident that we could develop this truck without spending months in prototyping,” added Gilligan. “We knew we had a winning truck, and we wanted to make it available to our customers as soon as it could be ready.”

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.