Navistar Projects 244,000-256,000 Units in ‘09

Jan. 5, 2009
Navistar International Corporation is projecting United States and Canadian retail sales volume for Class 6-8 trucks and school buses for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2009, of between 244,000 to 256,000 units

Navistar International Corporation is projecting United States and Canadian retail sales volume for Class 6-8 trucks and school buses for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2009, of between 244,000 to 256,000 units. Industry volumes totaled 244,100 units in fiscal 2008; volume was among the lowest in more than 30 years.

Navistar also announced fiscal 2009 net income guidance, saying that based on current market conditions, net income for its fiscal year ending October 31, 2009, should be in the range of $370 million or $5.10 per diluted share to $410 million or $5.60 per diluted share.

“Our ability to continue to execute our business strategy built around customers, products and growth is reflected in our high level of confidence in the earnings guidance announced today,” said Dan Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Our growth in the commercial truck market outside the U.S. and Canada is due in part to our growing military business and expansion into new business opportunities and will factor into our ability to deliver profitability in 2009 despite a weak North American business climate.”

  • Continued growth in Class 8 market share — Navistar improved its share in the Class 8 market with International ProStar, the most aerodynamic big-rig in the industry. And the company is positioned for 2009 and beyond with LoneStar, the fuel-efficiency leader among premium Class 8 trucks, and MaxxForce big bore engines, which started delivery in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The company began delivering the LoneStar to customers in November 2008.
  • EGR versus SCR strategy — In order to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 emissions standards, Navistar is driving ahead with advancements to its Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology, which will be introduced into every MaxxForce engine. Navistar is fully prepared to meet 2010 with its EGR technology, but the company recognizes the need to advocate for its customers in these catastrophic economic times. As the truck industry is impacted by high diesel fuel prices, bankruptcy and price increases, Navistar has led the charge in Washington to advocate engine choice for customers by allowing the purchase of 2007 as well as 2010-compliant technology.
  • Truck operations realignment is expected to position company for 2009 and beyond — At the end of 2008, the company restructured its truck operations to maximize efficiencies and improve the cost structure of truck operations in order to capitalize on the momentum and opportunities ahead for Navistar in core markets and around the world. By integrating and aligning its operations for maximum impact in the marketplace, the company expects to enhance its competitiveness around the world and strengthen its core business in North America.
  • Building a sustainable military business — Navistar Defense, LLC, a part of our Truck segment, continues to develop new offerings that are expected to provide military revenue of approximately $2 billion. The company’s current success and reputation for quality positions it well for the future as the company continues to pursue contracts with the U.S. and allied governments.
  • Growth of Parts business — The company’s focus on responsive customer service and timely parts delivery is reflected in the solid growth of its parts business. This month, Navistar Parts will launch PartSmart, a new value line of parts expected to provide the company additional growth opportunities despite the downturn in its traditional core markets.
  • Growing its share of the commercial bus market — Navistar is partnering with other leading manufacturers to develop new vehicles specifically designed for high-growth markets, including a memorandum of understanding with Brazilian bus body maker San Marino Onibus e Implementos LTDA for an integrated commercial bus joint venture. In addition, IC Bus plans to launch a motorcoach that leverages Navistar’s expertise in designing the most fuel-efficient trucks on the road and the performance of the MaxxForce 13-liter engine.
  • Expansion of global product lineup and dealer network — Navistar continues to expand its global business. Currently, Navistar is represented by 15 full-service dealerships in 33 locations in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The company is on track to achieve its long-term goal of deriving 50% of our truck revenues from outside the U.S. and Canada. And the company is also well on the way to its goal of diversifying engine volumes to roughly one-third in North America, one-third in South America and one-third in the rest of the world.