Navistar informs Iveco that it’s ceasing production of the International range in Australia
Iveco Trucks Australia has announced that it has been advised by Navistar, manufacturer of International Trucks, of the cessation of global production of the ProStar range. This will come into effective in December this year.
While left hand drive model replacements are in development, Iveco says it 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.
However, while Iveco Trucks Australia’s position as distributor of new International trucks will cease at the end of the ProStar’s production, it says it remains committed to supporting all existing ProStar customers through its nationwide International dealership network. Iveco states that will continue to offer ongoing servicing and parts support, plus honour all existing warranties.
Iveco Trucks Australia managing director, Michael May, says that while disappointed with Navistar’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,” May says.
“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.”
Iveco says 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.
The ProStar was first unveiled in Australia at the 2015 Brisbane Truck Show. Two years later Iveco Australia brought the ProStar ‘down under’ boasting specifications covering a range of applications. However, sales figures have disappointed since its arrival on the market here.