OREANDA-NEWS. October 21, 2014. Navistar International Corp.’s Anhui Jianghuai Navistar Diesel Engine Co. Ltd. joint venture with Chinese truck maker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. Ltd. (JAC), has begun engine production at its new facility in Hefei, China.

The new one-million-square foot facility houses an administrative office, a research and development center, and a machining and assembly facility capable of producing 200,000 Euro IV and Euro V compliant engines per year. The plant is also designed to reduce energy consumption by 30% through the latest in heating and cooling technologies.

JND engine operations were launched in 2013 in an effort to meet the emerging needs of the Chinese commercial truck market by providing JAC with access to Navistar's emissions compliant engine technology. Prior to the opening of the plant, engine localization and assembly was conducted at JAC's facilities in Hefei. These operations will transition to the new joint venture facility, also located in Hefei.

Troy Clarke, president and chief executive officer, Navistar, said, "We look forward to supporting China's clean-energy and fuel efficiency efforts as we pursue additional growth opportunities with JAC."

An Jin, chairman, JAC Motors, added, "Through our partnership with Navistar, JND is bringing advanced diesel technology and vehicle integration to our customers. These products offer enhanced durability and higher fuel efficiency to enable JAC to export globally and continue leading in China's commercial vehicle market."

JAC and Navistar received formal approval for their joint venture from China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in August 2012. In May 2013, engine manufacturing for the joint venture began at JAC's facilities. The first engine was a JAC-designed 2.8L diesel engine. JND production of its 3.2L and 4.8L engines then began in the fall of 2013.

JND is planning to add a 7.2L diesel engine to its product line in 2016 and will continue to explore the possibility of adding more engine products.