Caterpillar will re-emerge in the Australian market tied with truck brand International, with new trucks expected to hit showrooms before end of 2009.
The company has announced it will form a new joint-venture with truck and engine supplier Navistar, parent of the International brand, to pursue commercial truck opportunities around the world with a particular focus on the Australian market.
Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Owens said the milestone agreement will position the new joint-venture as a significant player in the on-highway truck market.
Owen says Australia is as an initial focus, along with Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and Turkey.
The portfolio of products will feature both aero nose and cab-over designs and will be sold under both the Caterpillar and International brands.