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Two people sitting on a tractor

From the field to the fast lane

1831

First successful mechanical reaper

One of the earliest pieces of mechanized farming — a device to cut grain — the Reaper will earn its reputation as the bread machine of half the human race. By the time of McCormick's death in 1884, the reaper is used in all 82 wheat-producing countries.

Image: Rockbridge County, Virginia

1860s

Mechanical reaper makes history

A McCormick Mechanical Reaper is included in the historical fresco painted on the dome of the United States Capitol Building.

Image: U.S. Capitol building dome featuring the McCormick Reaper.

1880s

Franchise dealership network launches

Image: Three men posing with a McCormick mower and binder in front of M. Sheehan's McCormick Harvesting Machine Company dealership.

To be closer to his customers, McCormick moves his business from Virginia to Chicago in 1847. In the early 1880s, he organizes his loose collection of salesmen into a far-reaching franchise dealership network. McCormick is the first to offer his customers product warranties and a payment plan, deferring final payments for equipment until after crops were harvested and sold.

Image: Three men posing with a McCormick mower and binder in front of M. Sheehan's McCormick Harvesting Machine Company dealership.

1902

Merger forms international harvester

Image: The original International Harvester logo.

In 1902, McCormick Harvesting Machine Company merges with its fiercest competitor, Deering Harvester Company, and three smaller agricultural equipment firms to become International Harvester (IH). Through the merger, Cyrus McCormick, Jr. creates a company with an 85% market share in the farm equipment business. By 1910, International Harvester is the 4th largest company in the U.S.

Image: The original International Harvester logo.

1904

First gasoline engine and tractor

Image: International Harvester's gasoline engine instructions from 1904

In 1904, International Harvester builds its first commercial gasoline engine, puts it on a wheeled platform and creates the company's first tractor in 1906.

Image: International Harvester's gasoline engine instructions from 1904

1909

First pickup truck

Image: The Auto Wagon from 1909

The Auto Wagon, the forerunner of the pickup truck, was developed after the company noticed farmers were removing seats and loading heavy equipment onto the back of the Auto Buggy.

Image: The Auto Wagon from 1909

1924

Farmall Tractor Revolutionizes Farming

Image: A radio-controlled Farmall F-30 Tractor

Launched in 1924, the Farmall Tractor is recognized as the world's first row crop tractor and by many as the most important tractor in history. It is small, lightweight, with high ground clearance and a small turning radius, and most importantly, unlike any tractor before — it can cultivate.

The Farmall tractor was copied by all other tractor makers and set the stage for Harvester’s tractor dominance for the next 50 years.

Image: A radio-controlled Farmall F-30 Tractor

1930s

Growth during the depression

Image: An International Harvester truck hard at work in the Hoover Dam c. 1932.

In 1931, International Harvester wins a contract to supply the trucks to build the Hoover Dam — the largest public works project in U.S. History at the time. In the end 80% of all trucks used to build the dam were Internationals. Running 24/7 in 100° heat, the trucks established a reputation as the most durable and reliable in the country.

Image: An International Harvester truck hard at work in the Hoover Dam c. 1932.

1940s

Supporting America's defense

Between 1941 and 1945, International Harvester builds rugged vehicles and a vast array of equipment to support America during WWII.

More than 50 years later, Navistar forms Navistar Defense and builds mine-resistant ambush protective (MRAP) vehicles for the U.S. Army.

1960s

Cab-Over-Engine Trucks Dominate

To meet truck length laws, International Harvester designs compact “cab-over-engine” trucks. A shorter cab allows for a longer trailer and more cargo. To the independent driver or the fleet, moving more cargo means more money per load. Some cabs are as short as 48" front to back.

1961

The Scout, a Precursor to the SUV

Image: Front cover of an advertising brochure for the new International Scout.

After building trucks and pickups for over 50 years, International Harvester develops the Scout in 1961. Marketed as an all-terrain family recreational vehicle, the Scout evolves into a true SUV and is one of the company's most innovative and popular vehicles of all time. It was in production until 1980. Today, the Scout is a highly collectible vehicle prized by enthusiasts.

Image: Front cover of an advertising brochure for the new International Scout.

1969

To the Moon and Beyond

Image: Apollo 12 Astronaut Alan Bean unloads the RGT fuel element container, which was 
constructed by International Harvester's Solar Division.

In the 1960s, International Harvester plays a role in NASA's Apollo and Saturn V rocket programs, helping man reach the moon. This relationship continues into the 1970s when IH chemists develop an insulation NASA used on the International Space Station and the Mars Rover.

Image: Apollo 12 Astronaut Alan Bean unloads the RGT fuel element container, which was constructed by International Harvester's Solar Division.

1970s

“The Legend" DT-466 Engine

The DT-466 engine, an iconic company product, is developed by the construction equipment division for heavy equipment. In 1973, it is the engine in the company’s first 4-wheel drive turbo farm tractor, and in 1975, the DT-466 is offered in some International® trucks. It becomes an extremely popular engine for medium duty trucks and buses for decades. Customers were known to go into a dealership and simply say, “Show me the DT truck.”

1977

Axial-Flow Combine Launches

International Harvester’s Axial-Flow Combine, the breakthrough product of 1977, featured innovative rotary-type technology used by all combine makers today.

1986

Navistar International 
Corporation Born

Image: The new logotype was developed by Anspach Grossman and Portugal

In the 1980s, following challenging economic times, International Harvester begins selling off certain divisions. In 1984, International Harvester finalizes a deal to sell the Agricultural Division, along with the name and logo, to Case Corporation. In 1986, the company reintroduces itself as Navistar International Corporation. The International brand name is used on Navistar product lines from 1986 to 2024, until Navistar is rebranded as International.

Image: The new logotype was developed by Anspach Grossman and Portugal

1995

First Fully Integrated 
School Bus Manufacturer

After building bus chassis since 1919, in 1995 Navistar acquires American Transportation Corporation (AmTran), a manufacturer of school bus bodies. As a result, Navistar becomes the first modern-day manufacturer of fully integrated school buses. In 2009, the bus business renames itself IC Bus®. “IC” stands for Integrated Coach, referring to the vehicles’ almost complete assembly under a single corporate structure.

2000

Collaboration Without 
Boundaries Drives Innovation

Image: GM's medium-duty Silverado built by Navistar

Beginning in the 1980s, Navistar builds engines and trucks for Ford under a series of joint ventures and supply agreements. Most notable is for the 2.5 million PowerStroke diesel engines built between 1994 and 2003. In 2009, Navistar and Caterpillar enter a strategic alliance for the North America global truck severe service trucks market. In 2015, Navistar and General Motors team up to co-develop Class 4/5 conventional cab commercial trucks.

Image: GM's medium-duty Silverado built by Navistar

2003

Diamond Logic Builder Connects

After initially patenting multiplex wiring in the 1980s, programmable logic controls are introduced in 2003. The Diamond Logic® Builder allows customers to optimize utility vehicle performance — enhancing safety, reducing costs, and improving electrical system reliability.

2013

Innovating the Connected Commercial Truck

In 2013, Navistar launches OnCommand® Connection (OCC), which increases uptime in all makes of trucks by constantly sensing and communicating performance data to the vehicle owner. Through predictive and preventative maintenance, customers using OCC see fewer vehicle failures requiring a tow and a reduction in annual repair costs.

2021

Navistar Acquired by TRATON SE

Image: TRATON

In July 2021, Navistar International Corporation merged with TRATON SE, through a subsidiary. TRATON (formerly Volkswagen Truck and Bus) is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG and one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. As a result of the merger, Navistar joined TRATON’s existing brands of Scania, MAN, Volkswagen Truck & Bus and RIO. The merger builds upon a successful cooperative strategic alliance that began in 2017.

2022

S13 Integrated Powertrain launches

Image: International® S13 Integrated Powertrain

Navistar continues its commitment to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility with the introduction of the International® S13 Integrated Powertrain.

Developed over five years through global collaboration with the TRATON GROUP, the S13 Integrated Powertrain will provide superior operating economy, stellar performance, and simplicity and serviceability to the North American commercial vehicle market.

Image: International® S13 Integrated Powertrain

2024

Navistar returns to its roots as International

International driver in cab on road

The Navistar company name, established and utilized 1986 and through 2024, is sunset. Navistar becomes International Motors, LLC.