There’s a new bonneted American truck launching in New Zealand with the first International HX 520 model landing in time for a mid-November product expo hosted by Tauranga-based Intertruck Distributors.

The HX is a new product for Intertruck, arriving at the same time as local production of the cabover International 9870 comes to an end after a decade – with the last example being handed over to Stephenson Transport as part of the November 15 expo activities.

Moving forward the local International line-up will comprise the locally built RH models and the completely built up (CBU) HX 520.

Intertruck managing director and dealer principal Comer Board describes the HX as being “a classic style, heavy duty truck designed for severe service and demanding conditions.

“It will suit heavy duty tipper work, heavy and over-dimension haulage and will also perform well as a lightweight tractor,” he says.

“A big feature is the set-forward front axle. It’s one of the best set-forward axle 6x4 configurations in the market and we’ve already had customers making enquiries about 60t-plus applications.”

There will also be a set-back axle option, and it will be possible to order the HX as an 8x4 as well.

Performance to match the tough looks is provided by the Cummins X15 in the latest US EPA24 specification, one of the strictest emissions standards in the industry. It develops 605hp and 2050 ft-lb of torque.

The standard transmission is an 18-speed Eaton Fuller Roadranger manual while the automatic option is the new Eaton Cummins Endurant XD 18-speed AMT.

The first unit to arrive is in Day Cab configuration, which will be the standard spec for New Zealand. Sleeper cabs up to 54-inch dimension are available to order. 

Among the primary benefits of the new HX is a low tare weight.

“International’s reputation is for having the best tare weights in the industry,” Comer says.

“With every truck we build we are looking at ways to improve tare weight without compromising strength.

“With the new “Weigh-in-motion” technology coming onstream for RUC enforcement, it means low tare weights are going to be even more important.”

The first HX 520 has been sold with more stock on order.

With the HX being a CBU product, the Intertruck manufacturing facility at Tauriko is now dedicated to producing the International RH range.

Updates to the RH introduced in 2023 included a locally developed right-hand-drive dash module, which Comer says includes local refinements over and above the original left-hand-drive unit.

“We have just delivered number 16 fitted with the new instrument panel,” says Comer.