Caterpillar and Navistar strengthen alliance

Caterpillar and Navistar have signed a definitive agreement to produce Caterpillar heavy-duty vocational trucks for sale in North America and form a 50/50 joint venture that will pursue global commercial truck opportunities outside of North America.

The joint venture will develop, manufacture and distribute commercial trucks in regions outside of North America and India, with the initial focus being on Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and Turkey. The Cat-branded, on-highway, heavy-duty, vocational trucks will complement Caterpillar's existing range of earthmoving and construction equipment.

It is anticipated that the portfolio of products will feature both aero nose and cab-over designs and will be sold under both the Caterpillar and International brands. The first products are expected to be available as early as the third quarter of 2009.

The 50/50 joint venture formalises the alliance announced in 2008 that Caterpillar and Navistar would co-operate on future product development.

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