International Truck and Engine Corp. and the U.S. Army have unveiled the next generation of military and commercial vehicles at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 2004 World Congress.

The two new concept vehicles –- the SmarTruck III and a new International Commercial Utility Vehicle –- are both built off of an International High Performance four-wheel-drive medium truck platform.
SmarTruck III will offer advanced communications and detection systems as well as improved fuel economy and increased armor protection to better withstand roadside attacks.
A commercial version of the SmarTruck III, the International Commercial Utility Vehicle, can be modified to serve a range of potential customers, from the U.S. Border Patrol, to the Department of Homeland Security to applications in the construction industry. Both prototypes are the first vehicles launched from International’s new military business operation and represent International’s commitment to growth in this market.
"The demands of today’s soldiers mandate that we build vehicles that offer greater functionality, protection and mobility," said Daniel C. Ustian, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Navistar International Corp., the parent company of International. "And as the leading manufacturer of medium trucks and mid-range diesel engines, International has the capability to deliver and the scale to provide a more affordable solution."
Archie Massicotte, vice president of military business at International, said that SmarTruck III offers the latest advances in communications, defense and occupant protection and field intelligence. The vehicle also can be outfitted with advanced telematics technology that will allow military command centers to know in real time where the vehicles are located, and with remote diagnostics, how they are performing.
With a new International VT275 diesel engine, which is a 4.5- liter V6, and a hybrid hydraulic launch assist for power at startup, the technologies used in the concept vehicles also allow for better fuel economy.
Massicotte sees the concept vehicles as significant opportunities for International to demonstrate its capabilities to develop vehicles that can be configured for a range of applications in the Class 4-5 market.