International launches new Class 4-5 truck

We spend most of our time living in a Class 8 world. Trucks are big. Sleepers are coffin-sized, medium, comfy or let’s- carry-our-condo-along large. But those aren’t the only options for trucks. There are Class 4-5 trucks. In a changing world with rapidly evolving technology, it’s not a bad idea to take a look at some of the other options, even if all you do is file the possibilities away for a rainy day.

International Trucks has just launched the CV series. It’s a Class 4-5 truck that could even fall into the Baby 6 category, depending on the configuration. And it does not have a sleeper at all.

“When a start-up business moves to the scale-up stage, the International CV Series provides a truck that will take their business to the next level,” said Michael Cancelliere, Navistar’s president for truck and parts. “We’ve designed, built and tested the CV Series to deliver the commercial-grade power, reliability and practicality that growing businesses require, along with the comfort, safety features and easy drivability that drivers appreciate. And we are backing it up with the expertise of the International dealer network, the only network in this category 100 percent dedicated to commercial vehicles.”

Who is their most likely customer? Landscapers, construction contractors, tow truck operators. Just owner-operators or small business owners with a different emphasis. Or maybe your primarily Class 8-based business has a need to do some last-mile delivery in places where a semi won’t make sense.

From start-up to scale up, International wants to be your commercial truck manufacturer. The CV Series provides them with a re-entry into the Class 4-5 market. So, let’s take a closer look.

It looks like an oversize pickup truck, comparable to the GMAC, Ram or Ford 6500 series. But it’s commercial grade in its design and execution. The hood tilts forward, just like your Class 8 truck. Under that hood is the International 6.6-liter, 350-horsepower engine with 700 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with that engine and two Allison transmission options, the CV is capable of handling up to a maximum GCWR of 37,500 pounds. They’re built with a factory-installed optional air ride suspension and Meritor’s gear-driven transfer case.

Consistent with the CV Series’ commercial-grade design is its ability to accommodate the wide range of specialized body types that growing businesses need.

Straight frame rails with no rivets on the top flange provide a clean area from cab to axle, making it easy to mount bodies for virtually any commercial-grade application. Accommodating the configuration options required by different bodies, the CV Series offers a dual battery box mounted under the cab. The CV Series also includes multiple fuel tank options, optional exhaust outlets to suit the vocation and body, and multiple wheelbase options that can suit almost any application.

CV Series customers also have access to the same Truck Specialty Center expertise as all International customers. There are more than 720 dealers in the network.

The Class 4-5 truck offers automotive-like comfort, featuring premium interior finishes and driver ergonomics. Multiple infotainment options are available, including an 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and, for the first time in an International truck, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Added comfort is offered by the segment’s only optional air ride suspension with an engine-mounted compressor, which can be used to adjust the height and provide a smooth ride for cargo protection and crew comfort.

“The CV Series has been compared to a field office with perks,” Cancelliere said. “Our philosophy is that driver comfort is critical to get the job done smoothly and efficiently, and the CV Series brings that philosophy to life.”

I hopped behind the wheel and took several different versions for a spin around test tracks set up in a parking lot at Soldier Field in Chicago. A very solid ride; smooth and hug the road steady, whether it was a bucket truck or a flatbed. It’s a solid performer in a market positioned for growth.