Interesting tidbit
Lead Driver
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From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by ghunt
Since GM doesn't produce the Duramax, I highly doubt that could happen.
Posting Guru
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Originally Posted by Louisville Joe
The question now is what will happen to the F-650 and 750? International builds those for Ford.
Even so, why should this arrangement with GM affect Internationals relationship with Ford at all? International already builds a competitive product for Ford's medium duties. And Ford is the one threatening to stop buying International's 6.4 and build its own Diesel engine for the Super Duty.
Fleet Mechanic
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Originally Posted by origcharger
I don't think so Joe, AFAIK the only truck International builds for Ford is the little cabover with the V6 Powerstroke.
Even so, why should this arrangement with GM affect Internationals relationship with Ford at all? International already builds a competitive product for Ford's medium duties. And Ford is the one threatening to stop buying International's 6.4 and build its own Diesel engine for the Super Duty.
Even so, why should this arrangement with GM affect Internationals relationship with Ford at all? International already builds a competitive product for Ford's medium duties. And Ford is the one threatening to stop buying International's 6.4 and build its own Diesel engine for the Super Duty.
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Originally Posted by Louisville Joe
The F-650 and 750 are built in Mexico at a plant known as 'Blue Diamond'. It is a joint venture between Ford and International, and is the same plant where the LCF's are built. The 650 and 750 are actually International 4400's with Ford Super Duty cabs, and a 5.9L Cummins or C-7 Cat instead of the International DT-466E. The 650 and 750 are a lot more International than Ford, all the chassis parts are right out of the International bin and even have International part number tags on them. There has been a lot of speculation as to what will happen to these models as Ford and International go their separate ways. There are also rumors that International's long range plans include ending all relationships with Ford and selling a substantial interest to GM to make them less of a takeover target.
I was aware of the joint parts venture also known as "Blue Diamond" but didn't realize it was that far reaching.
How long has this arrangement been in place?
As it also brings to mind that several years ago the Blue Bird school bus body company was developing a bus built on a Ford Chassis, lots of press releases and advertising was printed and rather suddenly that joint venture was dropped and Blue Bird ended up developing their own conventional chassis for the project. Just wondering if the timing of the Ford chassis being withdrawn coincided with the "Blue Diamond" venture?
Fleet Mechanic
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I think the first year for the 'Blue Diamond' F650/750 was 2004. I remember something about that Blue Bird deal. They had some kind of agreement with GMC for about 10 years where GMC wouldn't sell conventional school bus chassis to anyone but Blue Bird. When that deal was over, there was talk about Ford supplying the chassis, and then you are right, they came out with their own chassis. I have never been close to one, but someone told me Volvo Trucks actually designed it.
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