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 at Carolina International Trucks and Idealease in both Greer and Greenville.