Arrival of the Cat truck has been one of the most anticipated truck launches in road transport history, not just here but around the world. Since a joint venture deal between Navistar International Corporation and Caterpillar Inc, forming the company NC2 Global LLC, was sealed in September last year, those in trucking have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest truck to hit the market.
The Cat truck is now here and its official launch was right in the centre of Australia at Uluru where around 300 people were invited to take a close look at the first two models bearing the Cat badge. In a uniquely Aussie environment, reflecting world first production carried out at Tullamarine in Melbourne, with three trucks – a CT630 B-double combination and two CT610 models, one pulling a single trailer and the other fitted with a tipper body and dog and finished with impressive aboriginal artwork – were presented to guests.
This global release was focussed on Australia and its first people, recognising not only the tough landscape but our aboriginal heritage, with traditional people and owners of the land around Uluru playing a role in the unveiling event.
It is significant this country was chosen to be the first market presented with the Cat heavy-duty trucks. For starters the strong Cat brand is highly recognised and regarded here and our myriad of applications puts us ahead of the rest of the world in many ways while presenting a number of challenges due to the ever-changing terrain.
The new products – the Cat CT610 and Cat CT630 – will be sold through a newly formed Australian network composed of select Cat dealers.
“These groundbreaking new on-highway Cat trucks demonstrate the unique value proposition that NC2 is delivering to the global truck marketplace,” said Al Saltiel, president of NC2. “We are proud to be bringing these new trucks to Australia, leveraging the potent combination of Navistar’s truck manufacturing expertise and Caterpillar’s powerful global network.
“The launch of these trucks opens a new chapter in the history of Cat products,” said George Taylor, General Manager of Caterpillar’s Global On-Highway Division. “For the first time ever, the power of the Cat brand is being delivered in on-highway vehicles.”
Jeff Tyzack, General Manager, Sales and Marketing for NC2 Australia, said the two new products, both conventional prime movers, are available in day-cab and extended-cab options: “The Cat CT610 and Cat CT630 vehicles are designed to address Australian customers’ requirements in a number of important ways,” Jeff continued. “These products are powered by Cat engines, which have a legendary reputation for reliability, durability and fuel economy. The trucks offer best-in-class fuel economy, unparalleled driver satisfaction, unprecedented uptime and will deliver low cost of ownership. And they are backed by an unsurpassed dealer capability that provides a one-stop solution for Australian truck operators.”
Tom Baughman, Vice President of Product Development, confirmed the extensive product development effort that went into the Cat CT610 and Cat CT630.
“We conducted extensive performance evaluations and competitive benchmarking to develop a product that uniquely addresses customers’ demands for improved fuel efficiency, performance and driver accommodation,” Tom said.
The Caterpillar Australia Dealer Network offers comprehensive, one-stop service and support. The network’s dedicated and certified truck technicians have all the right tools for the job, including access to all makes of required parts. Cat Logistics provides all dealers with real-time freight and logistics solutions for Cat parts and trucking equipment for after-sales support. Cat Truck Roadside Assist offers comprehensive 24/7 support at a dedicated toll-free number, 1800 228 007. And Cat Finance provides competitive packaged finance solutions to ensure Cat customers are looked after and have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have the support of a truly global finance company.
Guests at the release of the models were immediately impressed by the trucks and indicated they are keen to put them to the test at the coalface. It is understood NC2 will launch an aggressive sales attack in order to have numbers on the road.