International Truck launched a new medium-duty Class 6/7 vehicle called the MV Series at the 2018 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Ind. The MV Series was the final piece of International’s Project Horizon product refresh, reflecting the company’s initiative toward improved cab design and includes the same driver-centric features seen in the company’s Class 8 vehicles.

“Project Horizon was focused on delivering new levels of efficiency to customers, creating unparalleled driver satisfaction and leveraging the smartest technologies available,” said Michael Cancelliere, president, truck and parts. “The MV Series delivers on those promises by combining uncompromising reliability with enhanced productivity for the driver, maintainer and upfitter.”

MV Series Driver-Centric Design

The MV Series was designed to be easily configured for the desired application. Features include new cab doors with a lower bottom glass edge and removed vent window, giving the driver a single large piece of glass to look through to improve side visibility and reduce blind spots.

By reshaping the doors and side glass, the position of the optional pedestal mirrors was optimized so drivers turn their heads less and keep their eyes on the road while reducing neck strain. A new gauge cluster with a digital driver display was added to give drivers real-time monitoring of vehicle operation and other important alerts in clear sight. The display also offers up to 15 customizable digital gauges.

The instrument panel features a customizable digital display which can be configured to suit the application. The flat-panel dash contains space for up to 30 customizable switches ensuring functionality for any type of body that is mounted on the back. The switches employ large text and are back lit for easy viewing at night.

A column-mounted stalk shifter was integrated to help keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The new stalk shifter placement and the lower instrument panel design improves leg room for the driver, especially at the knee.

The MV Series is also equipped with an improved HVAC system, designed for reliability, which includes a high-performance Max defrost feature. An additional vent has been added to help keep the middle front passenger comfortable.

Diamond Logic and OnCommand Connection

The MV Series also features Diamond Logic, an electrical system that streamlines chassis and body equipment integration and allows customers to program automated tasks. Through Diamond Logic, the MV Series offers customers nearly 200 factory available body integration and driver efficiency features, plus the ability to customize infinitely more vehicle functions.

“Our Diamond Logic electrical system is known for its ability to provide control and communication between trucks and body equipment,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “We were a pioneer in custom programmable chassis electronics and multiplexing, and we continue to partner with end users and body builders to further increase productivity and make it easy to integrate with our system.”

The MV Series can also be equipped with the OnCommand Connection platform which features an advanced remote diagnostics system as well as over-the-air programming that allows drivers sand fleet managers to initiate authorized engine programming over a secure Wi-Fi connection. OnCommand Connection telematics, including telematics hardware and monthly data packages, are also available through International Truck dealers or through OnCommandconnection.com.

Designed for Upfitting

“As a result of customer and Truck Equipment Manufacturer feedback during the design process, we have designed the MV Series to seamlessly integrate with any body solution,” said Sass. “This truck can be easily configurable for any application.”

The MV Series is available in a variety of specifications: regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab. It is available with the choice of either the Cummins B6.7 or L9 engine. The standard transmission on the MV Series is the Allison 1000 HS automatic, with Allison FuelSense 2.0, with DynActive Shifting as an available option that features a torque converter to provide variable shift points based on vehicle configuration operating conditions.

International is currently taking orders for the MV Series, and market availability is slated for spring 2018.