Responding to both increasing fuel expenses and fleet problems with disappointing fuel consumption, International has introduced fuel saving options in combination packages
that can be selected by checking the appropriate number in the ordering process. And as a sweetener, opting for one of these packages earns a $1,000 discount straight off the order bottom line. Included in the options are low rolling resistance tires, synthetic lubricants and optimized transmission and final drive ratios.

In making the announcement, Assistant General Manager for International's Heavy Vehicle Center, Stave Gilligan, said the move was in response to fleet complaints that International trucks were not living up to their fuel economy claims. Most often, he said, the complaints were traced to spec'ing problems where a poor combination of component choices did not allow the trucks to deliver their full fuel economy potential.

In other fuel economy news, Gilligan pointed out the upcoming availability of the MaxxPower auxiliary power unit that will be available for ProStar in the fall. This approximately $8,500 unit allows for idle shutdown whatever the prevailing ambient conditions, with the driver having heating, air conditioning and 110V power for all hotel loads. An additional upcharge of $300-$400 will be required to make the unit compliant with California APU regulations, which require an additional diesel particulate filter. According to Gilligan, the APU has the potential to save $38,000 over a 5-year span - calculated with fuel at $4 a gallon.

Adding to the customers' fuel economy choices, said Gilligan, are the company's new smaller displacement engines, the 11- and 13-liter MaxxForce big-bore diesels. Entering production right now, these common-rail two-stage turbocharged engines are based on the highly successful MAN D20 and D26 diesels introduced in Europe in 2003.