The Making of a High Performance™ Truck - philosophy, strategy, organization and processes behind International's new lineup 2001-01-2767

International Truck and Engine Corporation introduced a new line of High Performance trucks based on its next generation medium duty platform in February 2001. The new 4000 series that reached full production in April 2001 was the first in a series of models based on this platform to be introduced over the next two years. The new platform will replace all but the heaviest trucks in International's lineup. Even though the primary focus of International's next generation product is addressing the needs of the owners, drivers and maintainers of the truck, the new product is also a key enabler for the execution of International's business strategies of cost and complexity reduction. Integral to the attainment of internal objectives was International's ability to develop products on a common platform to serve across fairly diverse markets. This paper outlines the philosophy and strategies that gave definition to International's $650 million “Next Generation Vehicle” (NGV) development project and the organization and processes employed during four years of its development. The paper is organized in sections that describe selected elements of strategy development, concept development, design, test and launch. Each section will reflect on some of the best practices adopted and key lessons learned at major stages of development.