Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Navistar Continues Environmental Leadership in 2009

WARRENVILLE, IL - From aerodynamics and hybrid technology to innovative partnerships and streamlined logistics practices, Navistar is leading the way in delivering energy-efficient, "green" transportation solutions.

by Staff
June 3, 2009
4 min to read


WARRENVILLE, IL - From aerodynamics and hybrid technology to innovative partnerships and streamlined logistics practices, Navistar is leading the way in delivering energy-efficient, "green" transportation solutions. In just the past two years, Navistar has introduced product innovations that save fuel, reduce emissions and help customers implement earth-friendly, sustainable business practices.

"With a wide range of hybrid trucks and buses, we continue to be a leader in providing energy-saving, environmentally friendly transportation solutions," said Jack Allen, president, Navistar's North American truck group. "By developing hybrid vehicles that reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, we're able to deliver significant savings to the customer's bottom line and, at the same time, help them reduce their overall carbon footprint."

In November 2007, Navistar launched the Class 6 medium-duty International DuraStar Hybrid, becoming the first OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to enter assembly-line production of hybrid commercial trucks. Building on the success of that platform, Navistar expanded its hybrid product portfolio in October 2008 with the Class 7 International DuraStar Hybrid Tractor, targeting general freight haulers and food/beverage distributors with diminishing loads.

In March 2009, Navistar introduced yet another hybrid vehicle, the Class 7 severe service International WorkStar Hybrid 4x4, the industry's first hybrid four-wheel-drive commercial truck. The four-wheel drive capability of the truck is ideal for customers like utility companies, who need a truck to operate in off-highway conditions but are also looking to save energy and project a green image.

Depending on the specific application and other conditions, International's hybrid trucks can deliver up to 40 percent fuel savings in stop-and-go driving and pick-up/delivery operations. In utility-type applications when the engine often can be shut off, but electric power still operates the vehicle, the DuraStar Hybrid and WorkStar Hybrid can provide fuel savings of nearly 60 percent. Beyond the fuel savings potential, the hybrid trucks produce zero emissions when auxiliary equipment (like an overhead utility bucket) operates solely on the truck's hybrid battery power.

In addition to hybrid-electric trucks and buses, the conventional line-up of International brand commercial trucks is among the most aerodynamic, fuel efficient in the industry. In fact, Navistar recently became the first OEM to receive dual certification through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Program for helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Navistar produces two industry-leading Class 8 trucks with SmartWay certification - International LoneStar and International ProStar - a distinction they received for their superior aerodynamics and fuel economy. While the aerodynamic ProStar Class 8 tractor is the market leader in fuel-efficiency, in June 2008, the groundbreaking LoneStar became the first classic-styled Class 8 tractor to receive the SmartWay certification.

In January 2009, Navistar also became a SmartWay Transport Partner, becoming the first OEM with SmartWay-certified tractors to also be certified as a transport partner. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a voluntary program that recognizes partners for setting and achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals in freight transport. The program also helps lower operating costs by reducing fuel surcharges and offers customers EPA-certified, fuel-efficient tractors.

Navistar also continues to pursue opportunities with emerging technologies. In October 2008, Navistar announced the delivery to UPS of a little-known technology-the hydraulic hybrid vehicle-that promises dramatic fuel savings and environmental benefits.


Through a private-public partnership with UPS, Eaton, and the EPA, the hydraulic-hybrid delivery vehicle has undergone extensive testing over the last two years. UPS will incorporate seven hydraulic hybrids into its fleet in the next year.

"The diesel hydraulic hybrid vehicle has the potential to offer our truck customers something very unique - performance and near zero emissions with dramatic improvements in fuel economy," added Jack Allen. "Navistar is proud to be a part of the integration of this technology into the entire vehicle system to provide true value to our customers."

With a diesel "series" hydraulic hybrid of the type being purchased by UPS, a high-efficiency diesel engine is combined with a unique hydraulic propulsion system, replacing the conventional drivetrain and transmission. The vehicle uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to capture and store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in a hybrid electric vehicle. In this case, the diesel engine is used to periodically recharge pressure in the hydraulic propulsion system. Fuel economy is increased in three ways - vehicle braking energy is recovered that normally is wasted, the engine is operated more efficiently, and the engine can be shut off when stopped or decelerating.

For more information on Navistar's legacy of environmental leadership, visit www.greendieseltechnology.com.


More Green Fleet

Artist rendering of an ev charging facility from an overhead view.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

EV Realty Opens Major Truck Charging Hub in California’s Inland Empire

EV Realty’s San Bernardino Powered Properties’ truck charging hub, which has now opened, can serve over 200 medium- and heavy-duty trucks per day.

Read More →
Closeup photo of an EV charger plugged into an EV, with white logo for WEX.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

WEX Launches Solution to Close the EV At-Home Charging Visibility Gap for Fleets

WEX unveiled its EV At-Home with Vehicle Fraud Protection, which ensures accurate and secure reimbursement for at-home charging.

Read More →
Woman and two men standing holding paperwork agreements they have signed with logos for Daimler Truck, Toyota, and Volvo over their heads.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Toyota Motor Corporation to Join Daimler Truck & Volvo Group in Fuel Cell Joint Venture Cellcentric

Toyota intends to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as an equal shareholder in Cellcentric. All three shareholders intend to further strengthen Cellcentric as a leading manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Terminal truck hauling a container trailer with a cargo ship and windmill in the background.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseApril 3, 2026

Volvo Penta Electric Drivetrain Powering Terminal Tractors

Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services (VFS) have partnered to support one of Northern Europe's largest shipping and logistics companies in its ambition to transition to electric terminal tractors.

Read More →
Two men stand together holding a certificate award with large commercial trucks in the background.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseApril 1, 2026

PacLease in Dallas Awarded Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Award

PacLease in Dallas, Texas, received a Clean Cities Award from the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition. PacLease invested in two fast-charging pedestals, one located in Dallas and the other at its sister location in Grand Prairie.

Read More →
Step van driving down road with large orange headline +20,00,000 miles.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseApril 1, 2026

Workhorse Electric Vehicles Surpass 20 Million Miles

More than 1,100 Workhorse trucks, buses, and shuttles have displaced the use of 2.3 million gallons of gas and prevented the emissions of 45 million pounds of CO2. Those vehicles have amassed more than 20 million miles combined.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of a row of EV charging stations and an inset image of a screenshot from a computer and from a smartphone showing charging data.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseMarch 31, 2026

Independent Review Validates Greenlane’s Data Security & Compliance

Greenlane's security controls were independently verified as operating effectively across a nearly year-long audit period. Achieving both SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance demonstrates that Greenlane meets the data security standards enterprise fleet operators require from a charging partner.

Read More →
Man standing in front of an image of a blue-tinted box truck with logos for Work Truck and Truck Chat, and a yellow headline, Meet Harbinger's HC Series Cab.
Green Fleetby Wayne ParhamMarch 30, 2026

Harbinger CEO Explains New Low-Cab-Forward Truck

Join Work Truck as we tour Harbinger Motors’ new HC Series cab, a medium-duty low-cab-forward work truck available in electric and hybrid configurations, with CEO John Harris.

Read More →
Computer screen with software and numbers displayed.
Green Fleetby Wayne ParhamMarch 27, 2026

ChargePoint Launches Tools to Improve EV Charger Management

ChargePoint’s new Premier Care supports large or complex charging networks by providing concierge services to streamline operations, and the new Support Portal transforms the customer support experience into a transparent self-managed hub.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck Week 2026 Work Truck from the Show Floor FCCC
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseMarch 16, 2026

FCCC Collaborates with Roush On Next-Gen Engine

FCCC will work with Roush Power Systems, a recently formed division of Roush, to integrate the new GM 6.6L gas engine into its chassis products across a range of applications and markets.

Read More →