Navistar, GM Ink G Van Deal

Navistar, Inc. said it has reached an agreement with General Motors (GM) to manufacture the cutaway model of GM’s G Van at Navistar’s Springfield, Ohio plant. Starting in the first half of 2017, this multi-year contract will add at least 300 jobs and recommission its second line at the Navistar plant.  Navistar and GM did not disclose any further details of the agreement.

GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company’s Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses.

Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar and WorkStar models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar’s Springfield plant starting in 2018.

The future products will be jointly developed using with Navistar providing rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, with GM’s commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar’s reentry into the Class 4/5 market.