Navistar and International Dealer donate truck tractor to Greenville Tech’s Diesel Program

Photo: Brian Easler, transportation technologies department head at Greenville Technical College (GTC); Rick Todd, president and CEO, South Carolina Trucking Association; George C. (Buddy) Smith, fleet sales manager, southeast region, Navistar, Inc.; J.R. (Randy) Downs, general manager, Carolina International Trucks; Brian Callopi, academic program director for Diesel Technologies at GTC; and Steve Berryhill, GTC instructor stand with the donated truck that will allow students to gain experience with vehicles using alternative fuel. 

 

Big truck maker Navistar and local dealer Carolina International Trucks and Idealease have donated a new International TranStar to Greenville Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. The compressed natural gas-powered diesel tractor is valued at $100,000.

This addition to GTC’s fleet of vehicles allows students to gain a more diverse hands-on experience with even more up-to-date engines, fuel systems, and equipment as well as power trains, suspension and steering, air brake systems, electrical systems and emission systems.

Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology three-semester certificate have the skills needed to complete national certifications required to become heavy equipment diesel technicians. A Diesel Engine Performance certificate allows graduates to specialize in engine adjustments and diagnostics, and a Heavy Equipment Auxiliary Systems certificate emphasizes auxiliary power units, Thermo-king refrigeration and HVAC systems.

A longtime supporter of the college’s Diesel program, Carolina International Trucks & Idealease is the largest commercial truck dealer in South Carolina. The company has locations in Greenville and Greer along with Columbia, Charleston, Conway, and Florence.

“This donation and the support Carolina International Trucks has provided over many years allows us to offer a high quality diesel education,” said Brian Callopi, Academic Program Director for Diesel Technologies at Greenville Technical College. “When classroom instruction can be applied to vehicles like this tractor, students are well prepared to work on modern diesel systems when they graduate.”

“We believe in and endorse the Diesel Program at Greenville Technical College.  We employ GTC graduates and look forward to adding more to our team,” said Randy Downs, General Manager, General Manager at Carolina International Trucks and Idealease in both Greer and Greenville.

 

About Carolina International Trucks and Idealease

Founded in 1992, Carolina International Trucks is the largest commercial truck dealer in South Carolina. Carolina International Trucks sells and services medium, heavy and severe service International® Trucks, IC Bus™ vehicles, Hino Trucks, and Mitsubishi Fuso medium duty commercial work trucks. The dealership has more than 270 employees, a state-of-the-art paint booth and body shop in Columbia, more than 100 service bays, and over $6 million in stocked parts to support vehicle uptime. Carolina Idealease provides trucks for lease and rental supported by mobile maintenance services. The dealership is headquartered in Columbia and has full-service locations in Charleston, Conway, Florence, Greenville and Greer, South Carolina. Additional information can be found at

www.CarolinaInternational.com.

 

About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International^® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus^® brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.

All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.

 

About Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College (GTC) is a five-campus system where nearly 25,000 students are annually preparing for the strongest careers of today and tomorrow. Established in 1962, the college’s mission is to transform students’ lives and help the community thrive by providing a world-class, affordable education. With more than 100 curriculum program choices along with short-term training for career and personal development, Greenville Technical College gives employers a ready supply of skilled workers and provides students with an education that will help them succeed. First accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 1968, the college’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2013 for a ten-year period – the maximum time period possible. Regional accreditation allows students to transfer easily and gives employers assurance that job candidates from Greenville Technical College have received a quality education.

GTC promotes a respectful campus culture that reflects appreciation for diversity and inclusion at all levels. For more information about the college and its programs, professors and partnerships, visit www.gvltec.edu.

Visit www.gvltec.edu/gainful-employment for important information about the educational debt, earnings and graduation rates of students who attended programs.