After months of waiting and false starts, the CAT Trucks brand had its global launch last week
by Gary Worrall | November 24, 2010
After months of waiting and false starts – including a missed launch date in July – against the iconic Australian backdrop of Uluru the CAT Trucks brand had its global launch last week.
The result of a joint venture between American truck manufacturer Navistar and engine manufacturer Caterpillar, NC2 is the company behind the CAT Trucks logo.
While there is little new in either the chassis or the driveline, the combined result is a first for the global market and looks to leverage the massive following of the iconic CAT brand name.
The idea of the joint venture was to bring together the combined expertise of the two companies, however it seems there may be less and less yellow in the engine bays in the years to come.
Initially just two models will form the backbone of the CAT Trucks range. The CT-610 and CT-630 will target the most popular segments of the heavy duty market in Australia.
The CT-610 will use the proven Caterpillar C13 engine, offering a maximum of 470 horsepower and 1650 ft/lb of torque, with a gross combination weight of 57-tonnes, available as a day cab or with a dealer-fitted sleeper box.
The CT-630 will use the bigger C15 ACERT engine punching out 550 horsepower and 1850 ft/lb of torque, with a base GCM of 72-tonnes fitted with Hendricksen HAS 460 suspension or 90-tonnes when the Primaax PAX460 rear suspension is specified.
Both models stick with proven Road Ranger 18-speed transmissions, Bendix ABS for the all-wheel drum brakes and Meritor front axles.
CAT sales and marketing manager Jeff Tyzack remains tight lipped about the actual number of trucks to roll off the production line in Tullamarine.
But NC2 President Al Saltiel admits that an annual sales figure of 200 to 250 trucks, the number sold by International Trucks before withdrawing from the local market, is “absolutely” possible.
Truck operators present at the CAT Trucks launch described the trucks as good looking, however many were also reserving final judgement until the trucks were in the hands of drivers for a more rigorous workout.
For the full story on the CAT Trucks launch, see the December edition of ATN magazine. Full specifications for both models are also available at New Truck Search.