Kenworth News

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Kenworth Makes Bendix Wingman Advanced Standard for T680

Heavy Duty Trucking  /  March 22, 2017

Ahead of the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show, Kenworth has announced that the Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system will be standard on the T680, beginning July 1. MATS is taking place on March 23-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

The radar-based collision mitigation system delivers adaptive cruise control with braking, along with autonomous emergency braking to help drivers avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions.

“Bendix Wingman Advanced is already a popular fleet option on Kenworth Class 8 on-highway trucks, and now this proven technology will benefit customers purchasing new Kenworth T680s,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “Kenworth continues to adopt technologies at a rapid pace that create a safer work environment for drivers.”

Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, Bendix Wingman Advanced both warns drivers and actively intervenes. The system provides following distance, impact and stationary object alerts, which are always available whether or not cruise control is engaged.

When drivers engage cruise control and set speed, the system will actively intervene to help them maintain a safe following distance behind a forward vehicle by reducing throttle, engaging the engine retarder, or, if necessary, applying brakes. Bendix Wingman Advanced builds upon the full-stability technology of Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to provide fleets and truck operators with a system that can help drivers avoid potential collisions, rollovers, and loss-of-control situations.

Bendix ESP is designed to help stabilize the vehicle during loss of control situations on dry, wet, snow and ice-covered roadways.

“Earlier this year, Kenworth also made the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program standard on the flagship on-highway Kenworth T680 and vocational workhorse T880 models,” said Swihart. “In 2016, Kenworth introduced the Bendix Wingman Fusion driver assistance system as an option for the Kenworth T680 and T880, and added Bendix Wingman Advanced as an option for Kenworth T270 and T370 medium duty trucks.”

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Kenworth telematics adding service management

Fleet Owner  /  March 22, 2017

Certified used truck program, new Allison transmission also announced

With over 30,000 of Class 8 trucks already equipped with Kenworth Truck Tech+ remote diagnostics capabilities, Kenworth announced that it will be integrating service management with the system, allowing fleets to manage repairs and other service events through its online portal.

The new service management platform, which is being powered by Decisiv, will give dealers specific details about a vehicle’s specs and repair history, as well as diagnostic information for faster repair times, it was announced during a press event at the Mid America Trucking Show. Later this year, fleets will be given access to the same information and repair updates through the Truck Tech+ web portal.

“If there’s a problem while a truck is on the road, the owner, dealer and OEM will all be sharing that information immediately,” said Kenworth general manager Mike Dozier.

In other news from the show, Kenworth launched a certified pre-owned truck program for late model, low-mileage heavy-duty trucks. To be certified, the trucks must be no more than four years old, have fewer than 450,000 miles, and pass a 150-point inspection. Program trucks equipped with a Paccar [DAF] MX-13 engine will also come with a comprehensive one-year, 125,000-mi. warranty coving 105 engine and aftertreatment components.  Those trucks will also carry a 90-day buyer assurance warranty covering major chassis components and the HVAC system.

The company also announced that it would offer Allison’s new TC10 fully automatic transmission in it T680 on-highway truck and T880 vocational truck starting later this year. With 10 forward and two reverse gears, the torque converter/twin countershaft gearbox is said to improve fuel economy through engine down-speeding and uninterrupted power shifting in all gears. Rated for applications up to 110,000-lb. GCW and 1,850 lbs. ft. torque, it will carry a 5-year, 750,000-mi. warranty.

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Kenworth announces deals, product enhancements

Truck News  /  March 22, 2017

Kenworth achieved its all-time record heavy-duty market share in 2016, at 15.1%, highlighting a strong year for the company.

Its market share in the medium-duty segment was 8.6%. It also took pride in growing the penetration of the Paccar MX engine in its trucks to 47%. And its TruckTech+ remote diagnostics platform reached 1.5 billion miles. Those were some of the highlights listed by Mike Dozier, Paccar vice-president and Kenworth general manager.

Kenworth has also announced new options and offerings. Among them are the new Kenworth T880S set-forward axle vocational truck, which just entered production. It’s designed for ready-mix, dump and mobile crane applications and broadens Kenworth’s T880 vocational truck line.

The T880S comes standard with the Paccar [DAF] MX-13 engine with up to 510 hp and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. The MX-11 is also offered for weight-sensitive applications, providing a 400-lb weight savings.

Kenworth will now offer the Allison TC10 automatic transmission in its T680 and T880 models. The transmission provides 10 forward and two reverse speeds and features a torque converter that allows for uninterrupted power shifting. It is approved for gross combination weights of up to 110,000 lbs.

Also new, is TruckTech+ Service Management, which provides fleets with greater insight into the service performed on their vehicles. Powered by Decisiv, the new platform provides dealers with detailed chassis information, parts catalogs, service bulletins, warranty and repair history so that they can make decisions and diagnose repairs more quickly and efficiently.

An integrated fleet portal will allow fleets to manage their service events.

Kenworth has also announced a special $1,000 rebate on T680 trucks spec’d with the Driver’s Studio sleeper cab. The package includes premium features, such as a swivel passenger seat and table, LED lighting, swivel TV mount, a drawer-style fridge and ample storage.

The $1,000 rebate is available on trucks ordered with the Driver’s Studio sleeper before Apr. 14 and will apply to the first 100 units ordered.

Kenworth also announced enhancements to its certified pre-owned truck program in the US and Canada. To qualify for the program, pre-owned Class 8 trucks must be four years old or newer, have less than 450,000 miles on them and pass a 150-point inspection. If equipped with a Paccar MX-13 engine, the truck comes with a one-year, 125,000-mmile warranty covering 105 components.

Trucks purchased under the program also come with a 90-day buyer assurance warranty.

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Red, White and Blue Kenworth T680 – “The Driver’s Truck”

Kenworth Truck Company  /  March 22, 2017

Coming off a year with record Class 8 market share, Kenworth marks its return to the Mid-America Trucking Show highlighted by its classy red, white and blue decaled Kenworth T680 Advantage 76-inch sleeper – “The Driver’s Truck”– taking center stage in the Kenworth booth (No. 30285).

 “The Kenworth T680 has established a high standard for excellence with its superior fuel efficiency, performance and comfort. There’s been a phenomenal customer response ranging from large fleets to owner-operators since the T680’s introduction five years ago at Mid-America,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The T680 truly is ‘The Driver’s Truck,’ and has become the fastest selling model in Kenworth history. It’s helping our customers reduce operating costs through its fuel-saving aerodynamics, while enhancing driver retention and recruitment by keeping drivers extremely happy piloting an exceptional truck. And the T680 is made by our employees at the Kenworth assembly plant in Chillicothe, Ohio.”

The special Kenworth T680 Advantage on display at Mid-America is specified with the latest technology, components and driver amenities. The truck starts with an optimized powertrain of a 2017 Paccar [DAF] MX-13 455-hp engine, new Paccar 40K tandem rear axle, and Eaton Fuller Advantage automated 10-speed transmission. Then, add the lightweight Meritor MFS+ 12,500-lb front steer axle with integral knuckle for air disc brakes, and new Kenworth taperleaf lightweight springs for a comfortable ride.

The T680 Advantage is loaded with driver technology features. “The Kenworth Nav+ HD system with virtual gauges features a high-resolution 7-inch color screen for navigation, audio control – including satellite radio – along with internet access,” Dozier noted. “Our Driver Performance Center with useful technology aids for the driver, and Predictive Cruise Control both help enhance fuel economy. We also spec’d the Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ driver assistance system, as well as a lane departure system. Plus, the T680 comes with Kenworth TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics to help drive uptime by speeding service and repair at Kenworth dealerships.”

The T680 also includes the “Driver’s Studio” with a range of premium features that combine to create a luxurious, relaxing and comfortable living environment. For eating meals, there’s the 180-degree swivel passenger seat and rotating table to accommodate two people, a drawer-style refrigerator and a convenient space ideal for a microwave. Kenworth’s premium audio package – with 320-watt amp, 10-inch subwoofer and eight speakers; swivel TV mount for up to a 28-inch flat screen TV; and the optional EpicVue pre-wire for satellite TV, provide the entertainment. The Driver’s Studio offers a full-size wardrobe space for hanging clothes, multiple storage drawers, and a large storage space under the lower bunk. And when it’s time to get some restful sleep, there’s the 8-inch thick, luxury pocket coil mattress.

“While we feel the T680’s ride is unmatched, so too is its comfort level and design. For those who have not stepped inside our 76-inch sleeper, they’ll be impressed,” Dozer said. “We don’t think you’ll find a more comfortable sleeper on the market. It’s a home-run for those who spend extensive time on the road.”
Kenworth’s booth will also include five other trucks – three T680s (76-inch mid-roof sleeper, 52-inch sleeper and day cab), T880S mixer and T880 dump – built at the company’s assembly plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. A Kenworth T370 dump truck also will be displayed. In the South Wing hall outside the booth, Kenworth is showing a Kenworth W900 Studio sleeper.

The new 2017 Paccar [DAF] MX series engines and Paccar Axle, a tandem 40K rear drive axle, are also on display in the neighboring Paccar booth (No. 30305).

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Kenworth “Built In America” Inspires Pride

Kenworth Truck Company  /  March 22, 2017

Kenworth T680 and T880 Manufactured Exclusively in Chillicothe, Ohio

“Chillicothe is a crown-jewel when it comes to truck manufacturing,” said Bill Burns, new truck sales manager for Kenworth of Pennsylvania.  “Having trucks built in America resonates with my customers – it’s a big ticket item and they know they’re getting an extremely well-built product, and they’re helping to support jobs in the United States.  It’s a win-win. As a dealer group, we never miss an opportunity to take new customers to Chillicothe to show them how their trucks are built; they walk away so impressed. They always comment about the quality and the passion they see in the people that are building their trucks. It’s inspiring.”

For Dave Clark, fleet manager for Dutch Valley Food Distributors, the Kenworth Chillicothe plant tour was eye opening. “It’s good to see jobs in manufacturing stay in the U.S.,” he said. “That’s important to us – we could see that everyone in Chillicothe was committed to building a quality product. I had never toured a factory before and the precision was something else. The number of trucks going through, and how everyone worked together – the teamwork was very evident.  We’ve felt the quality of the Kenworths we have in our fleet are much better than other brands and I could see why after visiting the plant.”
Running 70 trucks in an East Coast food delivery operation, Clark said his 16 Kenworth T680s are performing “beautifully” and lead the pack when it comes to fuel economy. “And by quite a margin.  We have more than 300,000 miles on our initial trucks and they’ve only required regular maintenance. So combined with our fuel economy, we’re really driving operating costs down.  Plus, our drivers love the trucks.  They’ve been a great choice for our operation.”

Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio, plant was opened in 1974, employs more than 1,750 people, and has built more than 530,000 Kenworths during its history. Over the past five years, Kenworth has invested $67 million in the plant to further enhance its efficiency and productivity. “There is an incredible work ethic here in Chillicothe, and our entire city is proud to watch Kenworth trucks roll off the line,” said Judy McTigue, who has served as plant manager since January 2014. “Our employees are dedicated to building The World’s Best trucks, and ensuring that our customers receive premium quality on every vehicle built at Chillicothe, here in Ross County and the state of Ohio.”
For Mike Brooks, whenever he’s driving locally, or on vacation, he’s on the lookout for Kenworth’s flagship T680 over-the-road model, and its brother, the T880 for vocational users. “And, I’m not the only one, doing that. We may go up to a Kenworth driver and ask how they like their truck.  We want to make sure they’re happy with the build -- we always look forward to interacting with our customers to see how they’re doing and how they like the truck,” said Brooks, who has worked at Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio, plant for 30 years.  

“With 100 percent of Kenworth’s T680 and T880 built in Chillicothe, there is a lot of pride in ‘built in Ohio,’ said Brooks. “Our turnover is very low at the plant – there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in producing what we feel are The World’s Best trucks. And that excitement grows each week when we have customers come in to see how their new Kenworth is built.  We love seeing and talking with our customers, and the plant tour just solidifies their decision to buy a Kenworth. They see the quality and attention to detail that we put into building their trucks. We continually learn from the trucks we build, and we continually strive to improve to ensure we are building The World’s Best truck.”

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Allison TC10 Available for Kenworth, Peterbilt Trucks Later this Year

Heavy Duty Trucking  /  March 23, 2017

Allison Transmissions has announced that its TC10 transmission will be available from Paccar later this year in the Kenworth T680 and T880, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 truck models.

The fully automatic TC10 combines Allison’s torque converter with a twin countershaft gear scheme. The company said this combination provides both full power shifts and cruising fuel economy for greater productivity and efficiency. The transmission is well-suited for distribution applications in which the tractor-trailer splits its work cycle between city and highway conditions.

"The TC10 combines the startability and continuous, uninterrupted power shifting qualities of a fully automatic transmission with the cruising aspects of a manual transmission," said Heidi Schutte, Allison’s vice president of marketing and sales for the Americas. “Simply put, drivers don’t have to be experts at shifting because the TC10 shifts for them at exactly the right point to maintain vehicle performance and maximize fuel economy, thereby allowing the driver to focus their attention on the road.”

Fleets adopting the TC10 and sharing data with Allison are reporting an average fuel economy improvement of 5% when compared to other transmission technologies. With FuelSense technology, a unique package of software and electronic controls, the TC10 is designed to achieve the best fuel economy in most situations, according to Allison.

The Allison TC10 includes a standard warranty of five years or 750,000 miles, with no exclusions on individual components and no scheduled maintenance for 500,000 miles.

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