General Motors only recently announced it would be tying the knot with Japanese automaker Isuzu again to build medium-duty trucks, rebadging them as Chevrolets. Now, Forbes has details on a possible GM and Navistar partnership.
The partnership between the two would give GM a quick reset into the heavy-duty commercial truck market, and Navistar would benefit from increased production capacity and lower development costs. Previously, Navistar built Ford’s F-650 and F-750, but Ford has moved that production in house. Navistar has been rumored to be searching for a new partner to offset costs, and it may have found one in the General.
Navistar is just now rebounding after its failed EGR emissions technology went stillborn after not meeting increasingly strict emissions standards. A partnership with General Motors would ease the process, and give GM a formidable truck to compete within the commercial market once again.
The report did not state which company initiated talks, nor has either company commented on the matter.
Comments
It sounds good, maybe the partnership will extend in improving the Duramax engine in the HD pick ups.
Also different topic; they need to use the Opel vans instead of the Nissan, as the new Ford Vans look great and the Opel will be a great challenge. Come on GM, get it together.
When I was selling GM MD’s we would do comparison to the Nav truck and show all its weaknesses. And it had some!! Not a smart move unless GM demands better engineering. Or GM drops there quality to the Nav level.
Actually this could be a sweet deal for both.
Navistar needs a strong partner who can supply technology and share development cost while GM needs a partner in larger trucks. This could do both of them well.
While many truck brands are struggling Navistar is to the point where they are not struggling yet but will be so it is a good time to join in.
You figure with the added development money and the additional technology and development GM can provide they could really produce some strong models.
The key here is not so much what Navistar is now but what they can be along with GM support
Like the auto segment many of these truck companies can no longer go it alone anymore and need a partner. Better to take a semi strong established one vs. on teetering on bankruptcy.
I think jointly they can do better than Isuzu has for GM.
When failing businesses collide!
How much does GM know about Nastystar?
I quick look at Wikipedia will tell you they’ve previously been delisted from the NYSE for accounting irregularities, they lose money and underperform analyst’s estimates on a quarterly basis, and aside from a defense-spending spurt, has limited prospects.
If GM can’t make this marriage work to their advantage, they should steer clear.
According to Wikipedia, you shot JFK. How about doing some real research before making generalities that you cannot backup with facts.
Navistar is struggling due to the decision of the last CEO who wanted to stick with EGR only emissions solutions. The core issue behind the 2010 emissions Navistar engines was fixed with the implementation of N11-N13 engines with SCR. Not only is the quality better now than ever before, but the Navistar engines actually have better fuel economy than any other engine manufacture for big bore I6 engines.
But that is besides the point…. the point here is an Isuzu engine in a Navistar chassis, to be branded Chevy/GMC. This would be a smart deal for GM as they wouldn’t have to do anything to build this truck. Just buy and engine from Isuzu and buy a chassis from Navistar.
So IC school buses now have the CHEVROLET or GMC badge?
Heavy Duty market? Class 8? I do not think that will happen!