International Truck unveiled its Class 6-7 MV series, the replacement for the DuraStar medium-duty line. The MV, for medium vocational, completes the company’s Project Horizon product refresh that incudes improved cab design, along with the same driver-focused enhancements already launched in Class 8 vehicles.
The MV’s hood slopes lower toward its front for better view of the ground for the driver. Redesigned cab doors from the heavier HX series with a lower bottom glass edge and one-piece glass, eliminating the forward vent window, greatly improving side visibility and reducing blind spots, said Michael Cancelliere, president, Truck and Parts. Stiffer doors support optional pedestal mirrors mounted severl inches forward so drivers turn their heads less to reduce neck strain.
A new premium gauge cluster with a digital information display was added to give drivers real-time monitoring of vehicle operation and other important alerts in clear sight. The new display also offers up to 15 customizable digital gauges.
A redesigned instrument panel features a customizable digital display suitable for any medium-duty application. The flat-panel dash contains space for up to 30 switches to control any type of body that’s mounted on the chassis. The switches offer large easy to read text and are back lit for easy viewing at night.
An easy-access column-mounted stalk shifter was integrated to help keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The new stalk shifter placement and the lower instrument panel design greatly improves leg room for the driver, especially at the knee, Cancelliere said.
The MV Series is also equipped with a new HVAC system, designed for reliability, which includes a high-performance MAX defrost feature. An additional vent has been added to help keep the middle front passenger comfortable.
International’s Diamond Logic multiplexed electrical system was carried forward from the DuraStar that streamlines chassis and body equipment integration and allows customers to program automated tasks. Frame rail tops are clean to make mounting easy for body builders and upfitters.
“The new International MV Series reflects our vision for the future of commercial vehicles with a host of advancements that support improved driver safety and productivity,” said Jeff Sass, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “We challenged ourselves to make the best even better and this new vehicle was designed to provide the best driver environment in the industry and we exceeded all of our targets.”
The MV series was engineered to make it easier to maintain and get back on the road fast. When service is needed, customers can count on one of more than 700 International dealers with expert technicians and an extensive parts inventory throughout North America.
The MV Series is available with Regular, Extended and Crew Cabs, with either the Cummins B6.7 or L9 diesels. Standard transmission is the Allison 1000 HS automatic with optional FuelSense 2.0, with DynActive Shifting as an that features a patented torque converter to provide infinitely variable shift points based on vehicle configuration operating conditions.
The MV series has already gone into production at Navistar’s plant in Springfield, Ohio, alongside the DuraStar, which will be phased out in coming months.
