On August 7, 2001, Ford Motor Company and Navistar International Corporation announced a joint venture that would make waves in the truck manufacturing industry: Blue Diamond Truck Co. LLC. This 50/50 partnership aimed to develop and produce medium-duty trucks and powertrains for both companies, leveraging Navistar’s manufacturing facility in General Escobedo, Mexico.
The Birth of Blue Diamond Truck Company
Blue Diamond Truck Co. was born out of a desire to pool resources and expertise to create a new line of medium-duty trucks. The collaboration officially kicked off in 2004 with the production of the Ford F-650 and F-750 Super Duty trucks, which shared a common frame with the International 4200/4300 models but featured distinct bodywork and powertrains. This approach allowed both Ford and International to offer unique products tailored to their respective customer bases while benefiting from shared development costs.
The First Major Milestone: The Ford LCF/International CF
In 2006, Blue Diamond Truck achieved a significant milestone with the release of the Ford LCF (Low Cab Forward) and International CF (Cab Forward). This model line was the first to be fully developed under the joint venture, showcasing the potential of their collaboration. The LCF/CF trucks were designed to meet the needs of urban delivery services and other applications where maneuverability and visibility were critical.
The LCF was particularly notable for its innovative design, which combined a frame sourced from the Ford F-450/F-550 Super Duty with the cab of the Mazda Titan, converted to left-hand drive. This combination created a versatile and practical truck that quickly gained popularity in the market. The engine powering the LCF was another first for Blue Diamond Truck—a 4.5L V6, a six-cylinder version of the 6.0L V8, highlighting the joint venture’s commitment to innovation.
Expansion and Production
Throughout the 2000s, Blue Diamond Truck continued to expand its offerings and refine its products. The partnership allowed both Ford and Navistar to benefit from economies of scale and share technological advancements. The General Escobedo plant became a hub of activity, producing thousands of medium-duty trucks that served a variety of industries.
The End of an Era
However, by 2011, the dynamics of the partnership began to change. Ford notified Navistar of its intention to end the Blue Diamond venture, citing a strategic shift towards in-house production. This decision was influenced by Ford’s agreement with the United Auto Workers to move production from Mexico to the United States, aiming to better meet customer needs by designing and manufacturing trucks in-house.
In early 2015, the Blue Diamond Truck venture officially dissolved. Ford Motor Company moved production of its F-650 and F-750 trucks to its facility in Avon Lake, Ohio, where it began producing the 2016 model year trucks. These new models featured Ford-designed and built engines and transmissions, including a gasoline V-10 and a diesel-powered V-8.
Navistar, meanwhile, retained control of the General Escobedo plant and continued to produce medium-duty trucks under the International brand. The end of the partnership allowed Navistar to explore new opportunities and expand its own medium-duty truck offerings, including striking a deal with Cummins to offer additional engine options.
What Happened to Blue Diamond Truck Co?
The Blue Diamond Truck Company may have been a temporary venture, but its impact on the medium-duty truck market was significant. The collaboration between Ford and Navistar resulted in the development of innovative trucks that met diverse customer needs and set new standards for the industry. The joint venture also demonstrated the potential for cross-company partnerships to drive technological advancements and achieve greater efficiencies.
As we look back on the history of Blue Diamond Truck Company, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the drive for innovation that defines the automotive industry. While the venture may have come to an end, its legacy continues to influence the design and production of medium-duty trucks today.
