Navistar gets $253 million order for vehicles

Warrenville-based Navistar Defense LLC today announced that it received a delivery order for 250 International MaxxPro Recovery vehicles from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command. The $253 million order was placed under the company's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract and includes contractor logistics support. This is Navistar's eighth major MRAP variant.

Navistar originally unveiled the vehicle, also known as a wrecker variant, in February 2009 as a new utility vehicle offering.

“We believe that part of industry's role is to recognize a potential need before it becomes an absolute necessity,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “For Navistar, that meant extending MRAP-level survivability to those running vehicle recovery and other support missions.”

Just last month, Navistar expanded its MRAP family of vehicles again with the launch of the MaxxPro Tractor and MaxxPro Dash Ambulance. The company's ability to grow its vehicle portfolio, with little lead time, occurs through the use of the existing commercial vehicle platforms.

The MaxxPro Recovery vehicle is based on the same International WorkStar platform that lends its flexibility to the company's growing family of vehicles. MRAP ballistic, mine and roadside bomb protection will now aid two- to three-man crews as they retrieve damaged or mission-disabled vehicles and carry out other support missions.

The vehicle is powered by the MaxxForce 9.3D engine. Production of MaxxPro Recovery units will be completed by fall 2011.

Since receiving its original MaxxPro MRAP contract in May 2007, Navistar has emerged as one of the leading providers of MRAP vehicles. To date, the company has been contracted to produce more than 7,800 units.

“Winning orders like this is consistent with our plans to be a $1.5 to $2 billion annual business,” said Massicotte. “Not only do we have flexible vehicle platforms at the ready, but we have a growing network of engineers along with strong parts and sustainment organizations to keep us on target.”