International Truck and Engine Corp., an operating unit off Navistar Intl., reports it is developing and plans to manufacture 11- to 13-liter diesel engines for exclusive use in its Class 8 highway tractors and severe service trucks, starting in 2007. These engines will be the product of International’s previously announced strategic agreement with MAN Nutzfahrzeuge to collaborate on design, development, sourcing, and manufacturing of components and systems for commercial trucks.

International’s Engine Group president Jack Allen said: “Our strategy for enhancing and growing the engine business involves extending our engine product line. This is another significant step in our commitment to deliver great products for customers at a competitive cost structure. Our collaborative approach brings the advantages of integrating leading engine technologies with market and customer-specific expertise while leveraging scale in development and procurement.”

The new engines will employ world-class technologies to offer fuel economy, reliability, availability, long service life, rugged performance, durability, “and an exceptional driver experience,” according to International. Also, the group emphasizes that the new engines will be: 2007 EPA emissions certified and proven with extensive field-testing.

Presently International uses engines manufactured by Cummins Inc. and Caterpillar Inc. in its heavy vehicles, and it plans to continue offering that range of designs. A joint development and sourcing program with Cummins for engine components will continue, too.

“We are integrating the latest engine technologies and expertise from two long-time diesel leaders. Together, we have more than 180 years of diesel engine experience, going all the way back to when Rudolf Diesel developed the first diesel engine at MAN in 1893,” Allen said.