IVECO Trucks Australia has been advised by Navistar Inc, manufacturer of InternationalTrucks, that it will cease global production of the ProStar range.
The decision will be effective from December this year.
While left hand drive model replacements are in development, IVECO has been advised that the extensive validation and engineering investment necessary to make these vehicles available in right hand drive, for what is a limited number of lower volume markets, means that these replacement vehicles will not become available in Australia.
While IVECO Trucks Australia’s position as distributor of new International trucks will cease at the end of the ProStar’s production, the company remains committed to supporting all existing ProStar customers through its nationwide International Dealership network, by offering ongoing servicing and parts support and, of course, honouring all existing warranties.
IVECO Trucks Australia Managing Director, Michael May, said that whilst disappointed with Navistar Inc’s decision, he understood the rationale for the move.
“We are obviously disappointed that the Australian market will no longer have access to the iconic International truck brand and the ProStar range, which is providing operators with outstanding productivity and performance benefits,” he said.
“From a business perspective, however, we recognise the substantial investment required for right hand drive markets which does not prove to be viable for Navistar.
“The priority now, for IVECO Trucks Australia, is to continue to provide operators with a level of on-going support that ensures ownership of an International ProStar remains productive, cost-effective and hassle-free.”
The ProStar will remain available to purchase in the short term from existing local stock and through final orders placed in this year’s production.
Despite the loss of the ProStar model, IVECO continues to provide the Australian truck market with an extensive model range that spans passenger car licence vans and cab chassis light trucks, through to B-Double capable prime movers with up to 90 tonnes GCM.