Chicago, Illinois — Navistar announced today that its International RH and HX trucks equipped with the new S13 engine can be ordered with Allison fully automatic transmissions, expanding the power‑train options for fleets that need reliable regional performance.
The move follows Navistar's 2020 rollout of the S13 engine, a 12‑liter diesel designed for higher torque and lower emissions. By pairing the engine with Allison's 3414 Regional Haul Series (RHS) and 4000 Series automatics, the company aims to give drivers smoother shifts, quicker acceleration out of stops, and up to an 8% boost in fuel economy compared with the older Allison 3000 Highway Series.
Allison Vice President Rohan Barua highlighted the partnership, saying the 3414 RHS delivers “increased horsepower and a lighter weight, translating into more deliveries, more loads, and more productivity.” The 3414 RHS has already seen interest from major food‑distribution fleets since its debut with the Navistar A26 engine in 2020, and the 4000 Series is now available for OTR truck driver applications on the HX platform. Both transmissions eliminate the clutch‑wear downtime that plagued automated manual transmissions, a benefit that fleet managers cite when evaluating total cost of ownership.
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A drivers who move to an International equipped with an Allison automatic will notice a noticeable reduction in shift fatigue, especially on stop‑and‑go routes common in urban deliveries. Owner‑operators gain the ability to claim higher payloads because the lighter 3414 RHS shaves weight off the drivetrain, allowing more cargo without breaching FMCSA regulations. Fleet supervisors can schedule tighter routes, knowing the automatic’s torque curve delivers faster hill climbs and smoother merges, which translates into tighter turn‑around times and higher utilization rates. The fuel‑savings claim also means lower per‑mile expenses, a metric that directly impacts driver pay in mileage‑based truck driver jobs.
Industry Reaction
Regional food distributors and beverage carriers have praised the update, noting that the combination of S13 power and Allison automatics matches the speed of a highway‑class rig while retaining the maneuverability needed in city streets. Several large Midwest fleets said they will place orders for the new RH configuration before the end of the quarter, hoping to replace aging AMT units that have been costly to maintain. The broader industry sees the shift as a signal that manufacturers are listening to driver feedback about clutch wear and shift smoothness, a trend that could influence upcoming FMCSA regulations on driver fatigue and vehicle performance.
Key Points
- International RH trucks with S13 engine can now be ordered with Allison 3414 RHS automatic.
- International HX trucks gain the option of Allison 4000 Series automatic.
- Allison claims up to 8% better fuel economy versus the 3000 Highway Series.
- Clutch‑related downtime is eliminated, extending service intervals for fleets.
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