DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Navistar’s plans to grow its global truck business have the manufacturer moving east – way east – to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Navistar executives confirmed plans for the region at the company’s MENA regional dealer meeting held recently in Dubai. The company announced that its plans include the strengthening of its distribution capabilities and pursuing government contracts related to its expanding military product line-up.

In addition to Navistar executives, representatives from the regional International dealerships from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Afghanistan, Jordan and Iraq were in attendance.

“We are confident in our growth opportunities in the region and the local governments,” said Arshad Khan, managing director of MENA Region, Navistar. “We are making investments in the people, products and communities in which we operate because we see the region as a strategic growth area for Navistar for the long-term.”

International trucks sold in the region include the 4300, 5600 and 7000 series, though officials noted that the company is looking to develop new products specifically for the unique needs of customers in the MENA marketplace.

“While we currently offer a full product line-up, we are investing in new products designed to meet the needs of the customers in the region,” said Philip J. Christman, president of global truck operations for Navistar. “The MENA region is very important to Navistar’s growth strategy. International trucks are well recognized in the region and we are capitalizing on our solid reputation and strong distribution network to help strengthen our position in the global truck market.”

Currently, Navistar is represented by 15 full-service dealerships in 33 locations in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The company is also represented by a dealership in Iraq, which provides after-sales support to US military vehicles supplied by Navistar Defense.

“Expansion into global markets represents significant near-term growth opportunities for us,” added Christman. “Our distribution strategy in the Middle East is an example of how we’re executing our global growth strategy.”