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International 9800i

LOOKING BACK at 2002, the year started with the volatile Rand depreciating by up to 40% against the US Dollar and American truck prices soaring to over the million Rand mark for a standard line haul vehicle, the prospects looked rather glum, with European based suppliers having a definite edge. The sudden price increase of new vehicles had a positive impact on the used truck market with dealers who had good used vehicles in stock being able to demand a premium and like wise fleet owners wishing to trade-in vehicles benefiting from better values. Needless to say good used vehicles were quickly in short supply. Tyco's Used truck division did well in this situation and rapidly saw their inventory of used Internationals being snapped up. Used Internationals continue to command a premium in the second hand market.

However with strict inventory control, innovative ideas and the dedication of Tyco's team who successfully managed the situation and were ideally placed to take full advantage when exchange rates improved, and improve they have with the US Dollar at parity with the Euro and the Rand showing good strength against both currencies. Tyco tackled the second half of the year with optimism and enthusiasm.

Tyco Trucks in conjunction with International Truck and Engine Corporation took full advantage of the recently held Auto Africa show at Nasrec to launch their new International 9800i 6X4 truck tractor. This truck is a vastly improved vehicle to its predecessor the 9800 which is well proven on the long haul routes in Southern Africa and is set to continue this tradition. The 9800i features the distinctive bold new grill which incorporates the styling featured through out the entire International range of vehicles. The new cab design gives the vehicle a more aerodynamic appearance and modern look. A major benefit to fleet operators is that with the upgrading of the cab, the basic cab structure has been retained and all the new panels are fully interchangeable with the existing ones, which guarantees continuity of the cab with no obsolesce from the old cab to the new one. This also ensures availability of cab parts at cost effective and affordable prices

Now available as a standard option is the double sleeper Mid roof cab which has two large sleeper bunks which is ideally suited to the operator who requires two drivers per vehicle. Further ergonomic improvements for driver comfort & drive ability include the fully adjustable tilting telescopic steering column, fully air assisted clutch, "cabmate" full air cab suspension and redesigned air conditioner with improved heat and noise insulation

The improvements are not limited to aesthetics only, the Rockwell / Meritor RT46-160P drive axles are used with integral oil pump, full driver controlled diff and inter-axle locks are standard as is the ABS braking system. The Eaton-Fuller Autoshift transmission is a standard option which is available which features all the benefits of an automatic transmission with the simplicity of a manual transmission.

Bob Jones - Sales Director Tyco Trucks comments I am really excited about the 9800i it gives the vehicle a fresh new modern look, while retaining the existing cab superstructure and well proven drive line. Judging by the initial customer response at the show and inquiries since the show we have another winner. He continues "With the 9800i we are looking forward to 2003 with great enthusiasm and are confident that the heavy vehicle market will remain buoyant and that International will continue to be a leading player with significant market share in the extra heavy market sector".