Navistar has announced that it has partnered with General Motors to manufacture a cab/chassis version of GM’s G Van at its Springfield, Ohio plant starting in early 2017.
Navistar said the deal is a multi-year contract and it will enable the truck maker to add 300 new jobs and recommission a second line at the plant.
“We’re very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity,” said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations.
“Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we’ve been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light-and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy. This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry.”
GM’s cab/chassis version of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana are full-length on frame commercial vehicles and are popular with public utilities, tradesmen, ambulance and rescue vehicles as well as shuttle and school buses.
They’re powered by either a 6.6 litre Duramax V8 turbo diesel or a 4.8 litre normally aspirated petrol engine mated to a six speed automatic.
GM says the partnership will provide more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans
Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time.
GM announced plans in April to re badge Isuzu light duty cab-over trucks as Chevrolets in the US market as the automotive giant looks to build its commercial vehicle portfolio in its home market.
