WARRENVILLE, Ill., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Move over Hollywood,
Navistar's (NYSE: NAV) International Truck brand has created a film that
spotlights America's real unsung stars -- truck drivers.
Navistar commissioned Academy Award-nominated producer and director Brett
Morgen to take a closer look at an often-stereotyped profession -- one steeped
with pride and hard work -- in the new film "Drive and Deliver." This film
takes viewers into the cab, onto the open road and into the lives of three
professional truck drivers as they drive across the country moving the
products that move America. The film premieres at the Great American Trucking
Show in Dallas on August 22.
"One of the goals of the film is to showcase truck drivers as a vital and
proud breed of the American workforce," said Al Saltiel, vice president of
truck marketing at Navistar. "It chronicles three truck drivers, in varying
stages in life, yet all passionate about their profession and the role they
play in the economy."
Consider some of the facts about truck drivers*:
-- There are 3.5 million truck drivers in America. The trucking industry
employs about 8.7 million or about one in every 15 people working in the U.S.
-- Most long-haul drivers average about 110,000 miles driving per year.
That's about 300 miles per day if they drove every day of the year. It's also
the equivalent of driving around the Earth four times.
-- Truck drivers can spend on average about 120 hours per week (out of
168 hours) in their truck. Their truck not only serves as their vehicle, but
when it stops at truck stops, it serves as their office, kitchen, living room
and bedroom.
-- The trucking industry hauls on average 10.7 billion tons of freight
annually -- nearly 70 percent of the nation's total freight.
-- With diesel fuel near record highs, a truck driver can easily spend
more than $1,000 at the pump with each fill-up. That's more than 170 percent
more than they would have spent just four years ago. Although, many
owner-operators try to pass some of this cost on to their customers, the high
fuel costs can result in lower profits for the truck drivers and higher costs
for the retail prices of consumer goods shipped.
Drive and Deliver features the new International LoneStar, a game-changing
semi truck launched earlier this year that offers a bold style and aerodynamic
features. The film's Web site -- http://www.InternationalTrucks.com/film
includes the movie trailer, behind-the-scenes photos, background on the cast
and more information on LoneStar.
"Dealers and customers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of LoneStar," said
Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Navistar Truck Group. "Since
we unveiled this revolutionary truck in February, there's been a buzz
throughout the industry anticipating its fall delivery."
In conjunction with the film, International Truck is hosting a student
film competition scheduled to launch this fall to further capture the heart
and soul of today's truck drivers. Students from accredited film schools
across the country have the opportunity to win scholarships and movie
equipment.
"Drive and Deliver and the student film competition are examples of how we
are providing truckers an outlet to tell their story and to be a part of their
lives," said Michael Cerilli, director of marketing communications and brand
strategy for Navistar Truck Group.
At the August 22 premiere, more than 500 truck drivers and industry VIPs
are anticipated at the "tread carpet" event at the Angelika Film Center. The
film leads into National Truck Driver Appreciation Week August 24-30.
The film will be released on DVD, including bonus features in early
October. The DVD will be available at http://www.InternationalTrucks.com/shop.
It will also be available for sale and rental at select truck stops in North
America. Various International Truck dealerships will host local screenings.
(*Source is the American Trucking Association)
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) traces its roots to 1831
and the former McCormick and International Harvester companies. Today Navistar
is the largest North American producer of mid-range diesel engines and Class
6-8 commercial trucks and buses. Navistar produces International(R) brand
commercial and military vehicles, MaxxForce(TM) brand diesel engines, IC brand
school and commercial buses, and Workhorse(R) brand chassis for motor homes
and step vans, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel
engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Navistar is also a provider
of truck and diesel engine parts. Another affiliate offers financing services.
Additional information is available at: http://www.navistar.com.
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