LISLE, Ill., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar Defense, LLC received a $110 million delivery order today to provide 650 independent suspension kits for International® MaxxPro® Plus Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The U.S. Marine Corps System Command order will enhance the mobility and survivability of earlier MaxxPro vehicles with the addition of the DXM independent suspension kits.

"We are proud to offer economical enhancements to improve mobility and survivability of fielded units," said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. "Our ability to jointly create and rapidly integrate new components, sub assemblies and rolling chassis off commercially-based platforms creates value for the military acquisition community. Integrating proven commercial components into the MaxxPro fleet results in an overall lower cost of ownership for the government and ultimately the taxpayer." 

Fielded in 2008, MaxxPro Plus units have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and have performed admirably in austere conditions. The current upgrades will increase the capability of this proven platform.

This award complements the 2,717 MaxxPro rolling chassis upgrade order Navistar received earlier this month. The combination of these two awards ensures commonality and mobility within the MaxxPro fleet.

Installation of these kits will be performed at the MRAP Sustainment Facility in Kuwait. Work will begin in August 2012 and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2012. 

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce® brand diesel engines, IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses, Monaco® RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com/newsroom.