– One of the first industry-leading International® ProStar™ tractors to reach a retail customer will be on display at the Paul K. Young Truck Beauty Championship, Stars & Stripes, at the Mid-America Trucking Show this year.
Not an official entrant of the competition, the customer still wanted to display the truck to share its beautiful custom paint job with show attendees and to support the overall "customizing spirit" of the class 8 truck enthusiast.The Truck's Story
During a photo shoot last summer with Jay Leno and award-winning automotive designer Chip Foose at Leno's Big Dog Garage in Burbank, Calif., Foose was asked if he would create a paint scheme for three privately owned ProStars on order. The 2008 International ProStar on display is the first of three to use Foose's design. Chip Foose is known for his design work on the Overhaulin' TV series airing on TLC and his Ridler award-winning hot rod creations.
Referring to his 9,000 lb. V12-powered hot rod, Leno said, "The great thing about using this truck to haul my Tank Car is that the ProStar actually gets better fuel mileage."
A Custom Experience
Attendees at International's Mid-America event the evening of Thursday, March 22, 2007, will have a chance to view the truck up-close as well as enter to win a trip to Los Angeles, California to see the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Other customized vehicles on display at the customer event will be a custom-painted MXT and a pimped-out 9900.
"We are proud to see any and every customer invest so much effort and creativity into customizing our class 8 tractors," said Jesse Averhart, segment manager, heavy vehicles, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "We feel a kinship, just like we feel with those of our customers that choose to compete in Stars & Stripes with International tractors, or participate in our Owners Gallery or our Annual Road Show Calendar."
The Owner-Operator Wall of Fame
In addition to supporting customers in the Stars & Stripes competition, International also displays an owner operator "Wall of Fame" at its booth on the show floor of the Mid-America Trucking Show. The Wall of Fame displays the photography of the owners and their trucks that were captured for International's Annual Road Show Calendar. Participants in the annual calendar and subsequently the Wall of Fame are selected from those International heavy truck owners that submit truck photos and their personal story to the International Owners Gallery online.
Akzo Autobase Paint
International will also be showcasing at its booth an International® TranStar™ and International® 9900 that have been customized with Akzo autobase paint, which delivers customers a two-tone reflective quality and is available from the factory. The TranStar also features an air faring cut-out that can be back-lit to further promote a customers name and brand while on the road in the darkness of night.
"International took space that is typically unused for customization and has presented a value-added option for the customer," said Averhart.
Aftermarket Parts
The company will also have available on the show floor – for the first time – its new aftermarket parts, including hood appliques, cup holders, door panel inserts, additional lighting options and more. The parts on display are designed to work with any International heavy product.
About International Truck and Engine Corporation
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the operating company of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). The company produces International® brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company is also a provider of truck and diesel engine parts and service sold under the International® brand. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services.