HUNTSVILLE — Navistar’s expanded Powertrain Manufacturing Plant here is getting ready to flip the on-switch to build all-new integrated powertrains for the North American market.

The new powertrains are based on the Traton Group collaborative development program, which highlights a common modular system for trucks and buses.

Navistar collaborated with Group brands for more than five years to develop the integrated powertrain. The modular system enables cross-brand development and production, while still allowing for regional adaptation and validation of the integrated powertrain for the North American market.

“Navistar has worked to meet customer demand by accelerating time to market of this integrated powertrain through a modular approach and collaboration with the Traton Group’s global truck brands,” said Michael Grahe, executive vice president, Operations at Navistar. “We will set a new standard of efficiency for our customers with this integrated powertrain, contributing to our path to sustainable transportation.”

Since breaking ground on the 110,000 square-foot, $125 million expansion in February 2020, Navistar has added $65 million to accommodate increased manufacturing capabilities.

“Over the past two decades, the city of Huntsville has been a valuable partner and we are eager to expand our presence here,” said Navistar Executive Vice President and COO Persio Lisboa. “The local skilled workforce has proudly supported the implementation of our product strategy, and we look forward to incorporating some of the most advanced manufacturing standards into our Navistar Diesel of Alabama facility to continue to bring best-in-class products to the market.”

Navistar, which has committed thousands of hours of research and development and test miles, said it will take fleet evaluations and customer feedback to evaluate the powertrain for the North American market.

The plant is slated for completion early next year.