WARRENVILLE, Ill. (September 10, 2008) Little more than a year ago, Navistar Defense, LLC, took on one of the biggest challenges faced by any company – produce one of the safest, most durable military vehicles ever seen, on a tight timeline. Navistar took this challenge and today marks completion of the company’s 5,000th International® MaxxPro™ Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle – a true display of what experience, teamwork and determination can accomplish.

“Today represents an extraordinary milestone for Navistar,” said Archie Massicotte, president of Navistar Defense. “The U.S. military called on the Navistar family to support those who protect and serve our country and we did what was necessary to fulfill our duty. It’s been a true privilege to build a vehicle that safeguards our troops, as well as those we call family and friends.”

Navistar began producing the MaxxPro vehicles in August 2007, and rapidly ramped up its production to more than 500 units per month beginning in February 2008. At this same time, the entire MRAP program had doubled in size in little over four months in order to supply troops with the much-needed level of protection afforded by MRAP vehicles. In addition to producing the MaxxPro, Navistar has received numerous contracts to provide spare parts, service, training and other support to keep the vehicles where they are needed most – in theater and mission-ready.

Today, the MaxxPro has proven to be an invaluable life-saving tool for those serving in conflict areas by providing a tougher defense against evolving explosive threats. Additionally, in response to an urgent request from the military, Navistar recently received a contract for the International® MaxxPro™ Dash, a lighter version of the Category I MaxxPro which offers increased mobility and commonality among parts for easy integration while still offering the power and protection the armed forces have come to trust from Navistar. Including this recent award for MaxxPro Dash, Navistar has been contracted to produce a total of 6,044 MaxxPro variants.

“Our close collaboration with the U.S. military allows us to swiftly adapt our vehicles to meet the growing threats and challenges faced by our troops in theater,” said Massicotte. “We are proud to build and service the MaxxPro MRAP vehicles because this is about protecting our troops so they can fulfill their missions safely.”

Other vehicles in the Navistar Defense family include light-, medium- and heavy-duty military vehicles. Navistar has also teamed with BAE Systems to design the next generation Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

Previously known as International Military and Government, LLC, Navistar Defense is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation.