POPULAR WORDS

March 11, 2010

The joint venture between two of the trucking industry’s largest manufacturers to deliver new trucks will be launched at this year’s Melbourne Truck Show.

Caterpillar and Navistar are partnering under a new banner called NC2 Global LLC to distribute new trucks in Australia by the middle of the year.

The joint venture leverages the combination of Navistar’s truck manufacturing expertise and Caterpillar’s powerful global network, with corporate headquarters in the US.

Final details of the new company are yet to be confirmed, but the president of NC2 says there are big plans for Australia.

“Australia is a top priority market for us, and we are committed to taking full advantage of its strong potential,” Al Saltiel says.

Key parts of the plan include establishing an Australian truck assembly facility in Victoria located in the current Caterpillar manufacturing plant.

As well as Australia, the brand plans to pour resources into Brazil and South Africa.

Saltiel says Australian personnel, including three key positions in sales and marketing, manufacturing and finance, began work locally on March 1.

Specific product plans and dealer arrangements will also be released next week.

The company has put in place an Australian product and brand strategy, including medium, heavy and vocational vehicles. Cat product details and specifications will be released in the coming weeks.

NC2 has also applied for membership to the Truck Industry Council (TIC), which represents the Australian truck manufacturers, importers, diesel engine companies and major component suppliers.

“Our vision is to bring together our parent companies’ complementary strengths and to work as one to take excellent care of our customers,” Saltiel says.