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Ben E. Keith Beverages first distributor in U.S. to “Go Green” with first hybrid beverage tractor

Leading Texas beverage distributor partnered with Navistar to create new truck technology

updated-logo-march-20082DALLAS, February 10, 2009 – Ben E. Keith Beverages is the first beverage distributor in the U.S. to “go green” with its design and use of the new International® DuraStar® Hybrid beverage tractor, a first-of-its-kind truck technology that will conserve energy, decrease engine emissions and reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Ben E. Keith Beverages partnered with Navistar, the manufacturer of International® brand trucks, to design and develop the hybrid electric diesel engine tractor.

Representatives of Ben E. Keith were honored at a ceremony at Navistar’s manufacturing plant in Garland, Texas, on February 5, 2009, as they took possession of the new hybrid tractor and also received a recognition plaque.

“We are honored that Ben E. Keith, a highly regarded beverage distributor in the State of Texas, partnered with Navistar to design a hybrid electric diesel engine beverage tractor. Their new tractor will conserve energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Ben E. Keith’s early design involvement helped Navistar bring this beverage delivery product to market swiftly and demonstrates their firm commitment to a cleaner environment,” said Jim Williams, director of sales and distribution of new products for Navistar.

“Navistar was the first truck OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to announce line production of hybrid commercial trucks and hybrid technology. This is a critical development for the commercial trucking industry. The DuraStar Hybrid improves fuel efficiency. It also reduces engine emissions-and that means a better environment for all of us.” said Russ Trimble, dealer principal of Southwest International Truck.

“Ben E. Keith is extremely excited to receive the first hybrid beverage tractor,” said Kevin Bartholomew, president of Ben E. Keith Beverage Distributors. “We continually look for new opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and when International presented this new technology, we knew Navistar listened to what Ben E. Keith was trying to accomplish. The net result is a new product that furthers our green initiatives in the communities we serve.”

The International DuraStar Hybrid provides fuel savings of 30-40 percent on standard in-city pickup and delivery applications. And the truck’s fuel efficiency can increase to more than 60 percent in applications such as a utility truck with a bucket because the vehicle can operate equipment with the engine turned off. The Hybrid Truck Users Forum, a consortium of utility industry customers, estimates that nearly 1,000 gallons of fuel can be saved annually on utility trucks.

About Ben E. Keith Beverage Distributors

Ben E. Keith Company, established in 1906, began selling Anheuser-Busch products in 1933. Today, Ben E. Keith Company – Beverage Distributors is one of the largest independent Anheuser-Busch wholesalers in the country. The company also distributes import beers, craft beers, wine products and nonalcoholic beverages. With ten regional branches in Texas including Abilene, Austin, Commerce, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Houston, Llano, Palestine and Waco, the company operates throughout the state of Texas. Additional information is available at http://www.benekeith.com/beverage.

About Southwest International Trucks

Southwest International Trucks is a full-service dealership with locations serving customers in Arlington, Bridgeport, Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, TX. Southwest International is also an Idealease affiliate. Additional information is available at www.southwestinternational.com

About Navistar

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForceTM brand diesel engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.navistar.com/newsroom.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Clara Ingram, Ben E. Keith Beverages
claraingram@benekeith.com, (214) 267-6496

Claire Bloxom, Cooper Smith Agency
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214)329-9191