Caterpillar to build its own vocational trucks

29 July 2015

Caterpillar announced it will begin independently designing and manufacturing its vocational trucks, dissolving the partnership with Navistar. The trucks will be produced at Caterpillar plant in Victoria, TX, which opened in 2012 and currently produces hydraulic excavators.

Caterpillar launched its first vocational truck, the CT660, in the North American market in 2011. Two more models have since been added to the lineup, the CT680 and CT681. To date, Caterpillar has worked with Navistar for the products’ design and build, which are currently manufactured in Escobedo, Mexico.

Caterpillar trucks will continue to use the Navistar-built 13 L diesel engines, Cat-branded as CT13, available in ratings from 365 to 475 hp. The strategy for 15 L engines is to be announced by the end of the year. Navistar abandoned its 15 L engine program in 2012.

“We appreciate the collaboration we have had with Navistar,” said Chris Chadwick, Caterpillar’s director of the Global On-Highway Truck Group. “As we look to future launches of new truck models, this updated strategy will better position us to help provide our customers with the best products and services for this market. Caterpillar continues to drive the design phase of all models, both current and planned.”

The transition process will begin immediately, with production expected to begin in the first half of next year. Caterpillar Victoria will continue to produce excavators, and the addition of the vocational truck production is expected to add around 200 new jobs at the facility.

Cat dealers will continue to sell and support Cat vocational trucks.

Source: Caterpillar