Photo: International’s LT Series (right) drew some efficiency inspiration from the company’s SuperTruck project, pictured left.

By: Jason Cannon | @By_Jason_Cannon | March 1, 2017

Nearly six months since Navistar announced its pending partnership with Volkswagen (VW) Truck and Bus, the deal closed Tuesday, making official VW's equity investment in Navistar and the framework agreement for a procurement joint venture and strategic technology and supply collaboration.

The closing of the partnership signals that both companies have received all necessary regulatory approvals, the finalization of agreements relating to the procurement joint venture and the technology and supply collaboration and have satisfied all other customary closing conditions.

Navistar Chairman, President CEO Troy Clarke called the deal a "significant milestone in our company's history," adding, "and we expect it will create multiple benefits for both companies in both the near and long term."

Now that the transaction has closed, Clarke says the companies' collaboration will move quickly "to increase our global scale, strengthen our competitiveness, and provide our customers with expanded access to cutting-edge products, technology and services."

VW Truck and Bus CEO Andreas Renschler says the newly-founded purchasing cooperation will begin work immediately.

Effective with the Feb. 28 closing of the alliance, Volkswagen Truck and Bus acquired approximately 16.2 million newly issued shares in Navistar; a 16.6 percent stake; in exchange for $256 million.

As part of the alliance agreement, Renschler and VW Truck and Bus CFO Matthias Grundler join Navistar’s board of directors.

"Their expertise in commercial vehicle production will be invaluable as we strive to become the North American champion in our industry", Clarke says.