Posted on 09/18/2004 8:01:36 PM PDT by freedom44
Step aside, Hummer. A new monster truck makes you look like a Civic.
The new diesel-powered International CXT gets seven miles to the gallon and offers six tons of hauling power.
You don't need a commercial license to drive it — just money: around $100,000.
Built by International Truck and Engine Corp., the macho truck is made in Garland, and the first one rolled out Thursday.
A CXT will appear in Houston soon, at the showroom of International Trucks of Houston at North Loop East and old U.S. 90.
Built on the same platform as dump trucks and snowplows, the CXT is billed by the manufacturer as both "the world's biggest production pickup" and "a statement of success."
The CXT hauls three times the payload of the typical consumer truck and boasts towing, dumping and tilt bed capability.
No one has put in an order for a CXT at the dealership, but interest is high.
"Oh my gosh, it's unreal," said John Greenstreet, a sales rep at International Trucks of Houston, a franchised commercial truck dealer.
"It's an attention-getter," he noted.
"For us, it's going to be a totally different customer and market. We're used to building trucks for hauling freight, not for running around town."
Among the Houstonians who are interested in buying the status symbol pickups are business owners who want to put their company name on the side of the CXT, Greenstreet said.
Scores of people have called the dealership asking about the CXT over the last few days, but many just want to see it. Several, however, are serious about buying one, he said.
"This is a power thing — to give a guy who's got plenty of money something different," said Paul Flowers, general sales manager at International Trucks of Houston.
Flowers said he has already been contacted by movie producers interested in using the truck for location shots in the Houston area.
The CXT may have strong marketing potential.
"We may bring it to Reliant Stadium and tailgate off of it," said Flowers, who may also use the CXT for promotional events with beer distributors his dealership does business with.
The CXT is not expected to be a mass-produced vehicle.
"I don't think it will have much of an impact on the market," said Brian Moody, road test editor at Edmunds.com, a Web site for car buyers and sellers.
For a truck it's a very high price, Moody said. "It's very exclusive, for people who just want to have everything."
Chevrolet sells trucks somewhat like the CXT but not as extreme, said Moody, referring to the Chevrolet Kodiak.
However, the Kodiak is not as consumer-targeted and is a medium-duty truck, whereas the CXT is more heavy duty, Moody said.
"The CXT is going to be a novelty," Moody predicted. "Maybe it will show up in some rap videos."
That's one bad ass truck. It'd be great as a second or third truck to drive for fun.
I've seen these before. I think they're called 'semis'.
Cool truck! Put a big slide-in camper on it and hit the road!!
I want one. Maybe two.
nice truck, might buy one and tow the local democrat headquaters to the dump with it.
NOTE to my daughter: Hon, I know your wedding is coming up soon but.................. can we move it back a few months?
Ill be a little short on cash after I buy this new truck. Sorry but this purchase is essential. Hope you understand.
Love, Dad
Is it a gas burner or a diesel? I've had a couple in International dumps that ran well over 500,000 miles. Their diesels are stout.
p.s. Please Lord, don't let my husband see this thread.
Probably doesn't do too well off road...
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