Navistar expanding global reach

WARRENVILLE, Ill., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Illinois-based mine resistant ambush protected vehicle developer Navistar International announced plans to expand operations in Mexico and the Middle East.

Navistar officials say while the global market for heavy truck sales is declining, the company is planning a global expansion effort to meet increased demand for its line of trucks.

As part of the expansion plans, Navistar will open new dealerships in Qatar and Oman and launch a new transit bus in Mexico. Navistar officials say the company also has received a new contract worth $24 million for its International MaxxPro Dash MRAP vehicles from an unnamed customer.

"At a time when the commercial truck industry is severely down in North America, we are growing beyond the cyclicality of our traditional markets," Daniel Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"We are continuing to grow our commercial truck revenue outside the U.S. and Canada. And we are building a sustainable business of at least $2 billion a year selling military vehicles to the United States and its allies."