Ford Motor Co. announced on Nov. 12, 2003 that to further strengthen its commercial truck lineup, it is entering the low cab forward truck business with an all-new product to be introduced in 2005. With sales increasing nearly 50 percent over the past decade, the low cab forward segment is one of the fastest growing niches in the commercial truck industry. Currently holding over 40 percent of the total commercial truck market, Ford claims to provide the most complete line of commercial trucks available. The company adds that it plans to maintain its position by providing an even more complete one-stop shop for commercial truck sales and service. The new truck is designed to serve a variety of vocations, including pickup and delivery, leasing and rental companies, and urban service providers. It will provide exceptional maneuverability through dense traffic and the ability to park and load in confined areas. The truck is being developed as part of the 50/50 joint venture with Navistar International Corporation and will be built at the joint venture's Escobedo, Mexico facility. The joint venture was formed in February 2001 to build a variety of commercial trucks, marketed and serviced separately under the Ford and International brands.