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International NGV Trucks : The Next Generation Vehicle program was one of many once-in-a-lifetime projects Dave had the pleasure to lead .
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International NGV Trucks: The Next Generation Vehicle program was one of many once-in-a-lifetime projects Dave had the pleasure to lead. The NGV program essentially recreated the entire International Brand product line, created a new product and company Brand Image, and allowed Navistar to essentially re-invent its self. Over 10 years and millions of dollars in development, Dave helped change the face of the International Brand and the trucking industry for the better. Dave’s team moved the needle on ergonomic and aerodynamic performance and brought the truck industry into the 21st century. This project represents a completely modular system of vehicles utilizing one basic cab platform, one interior platform, one chassis platform and one engine platform. Dave’s design team was integral to facilitating this unique accomplishment which saved millions in development and product costs and increased sales and market-share dramatically for Navistar. Design Projects NGV
“NGV” Additional Theme Explorations: Navistar Executives determined they wanted something more striking and distinctive then the previous clay studies had provided. The design team was being asked to challenge conventional thinking and re-envision the International Brand. By early summer of 1998 these 6 sketches were presented to Leadership as the final directions to consider.
On Friday, June 19, 1998 Dave presented the final 6 sketches to executive leadership at the corporate headquarters in Chicago. During that conversation the then current 9900 and 9400 models shown here were determined to have some design elements that were desired to carry forward in the new NGV models. As the executives started pointing out design elements Dave grabbed his sketch pad and one of the final 6 themes and began taking visual notes of the conversation.
Significant Sketch 2: “The Sketch” This was the result of Dave’s visual notes.: Several key design elements were combined and became the foundation of what is still the International Brand DNA today. It was agreed by the executives that this would be the look going forward and that the program would be funded and headed toward production. The sale was made!
The Lead Designer took Dave’s napkin drawing from the executive meeting and completed this final theme sketch. The following list of Styling Boundary Conditions came out of the executive meeting and are still in force at Navistar today.
Styling Boundary Conditions • The Linear Element and International Diamond logo must reside at the top and center of a Chrome Grille Surround. Chrome, Vertical Grille Bars will be the texture for the grille opening. • The Head Lamps and Bezels must be visually integrated into and with the Grille Surround. • International products will be defined by Interesting and Characterful, Exterior Surfaces. A Character Line must be present in the Door and Hood Side surfaces, and Proportion, Silhouette, and Tumblehome will be monitored to assure solidity and to avoid visual bulk. • Wheel Openings must be Round to accentuate the shape of the tire. There will be a strong correlation between the size of the wheel, the design of the wheel, the aspect ratio of the tire, and the space between the tire and wheel opening to connote solidity, stance, and performance. Specific shapes for wheel openings on LFE’s and other non-conventionally configured products will be addressed on an as needed basis.