Navistar’s Chinese JV soon to get government nod

U.S. truck engine maker Navistar Inc. said its proposed joint venture with China’s Jianghuai Automobile Co. (JAC) signed last September, is soon to get Chinese government approval. The JV will allow Navistar to build Maxxforce™ diesel engines in China to be used in JAC’s light commercial vehicles. Navistar has another JV with Caterpillar called NC2 which also has agreed to form a partnership with JAC to develop and build commercial vehicles. Troy Clarke, president of Navistar Asia Pacific, says, “We anticipate that in 60 days, the market study will allow us with JAC to jointly develop a product program on the truck side of the business. It will influence the revision of the current JAC product line and the introduction of Navistar’s International-badge products in some segments.” Navistar is the first U.S. truck maker to form a joint venture with a Chinese partner. (June 13,2011)