International Truck and Engine Corp. announced it will conduct a 20-truck, cross-country road tour this summer.

According to an International press release: “Starting June 29, the world's biggest truck tour hits the road, and by big, we mean big. Taking a queue from the automotive industry with a little Barnum and Bailey thrown in for good measure, International and its nationwide dealer network is getting close to the customer with a cross-country tour of 20 commercial trucks and some trailers full of goodies that won't disappoint.
“There's no charge for the tire kicking, the parking or Al's cold lemonade as tour attendees will try their hand at two ride-and-drive courses, relax in a big air-conditioned tent with customer lounge or visit one of the fun stations, such as the remote control course with a slightly smaller version of the world's biggest pick-up. Visitors will even get a Taking it to the Streets Tour 2005 t-shirt (while supplies last). The tour will visit eight cities in the United States and Canada, beginning with Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field on June 29 and 30.
“The tour has an urban focus, meaning it features trucks like the market-leading International 4000 Series, which are commonly seen around the cities delivering fish, auto parts, beverages and the like. But it will also have dump trucks and other work trucks, as well as our popular International 8000 Series heavy truck favored for regional hauls.
“Headlining the tour are some new little trucks that are easy to own and operate called the International CF Series. They are called cab forward trucks because the engine is under the cab, allowing the trucks to have greater visibility and maneuverability. And yes, the International CXT, the world's largest pick-up that comedian Jay Leno wrote about, and the sporty new International RXT will be available for test drives too.
In addition to the ride and drive opportunities, there are many other fun and valuable tour offerings for customers. There are show-only financing and warranty specials, sweepstakes to win an International CF Series truck, a NASCAR race package to meet NASCAR champion driver Kurt Busch and IRWIN tools skills competitions. As an added bonus, International will also be demonstrating its Aware Vehicle Intelligence, a telematics system that enables the fleet manager to monitor truck routes, performance, maintenance, security and fuel.
International experts in the areas of engine, finance, used trucks, parts and service will also be available.
“The first Taking It to the Streets event will take place in Chicago on June 29 and 30 at U.S. Cellular Field from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.
Dates and locations for stops after Chicago include:
* New York: July 13-14 at Nassau Veteran's Memorial Coliseum
* Toronto: July 27-28 at Downsview Hangar
* Washington D.C.: August 10-11 at Fed Ex Field
* Atlanta: August 31 to September 1 at Georgia International Convention Center
* San Francisco: September 21-22 at SBC Ballpark
* Los Angeles: October 5-6 at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center
* Dallas: October 19-20 at Texas Motor Speedway
To register for Taking It to the Streets, go to www.internationaltrucktour.com/ or call the International Event Help Line at 866-483-2001. The Taking it to the Streets Tour is supported by Irwin Industrial Tools, Road Ranger, Allison, Michelin, CAT and Cummins.