Gary Moore, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, says that there are several economic trends affecting our industry: “U.S. housing starts and automobile production have shown solid growth in 2014. These are important indicators as almost everything needed to build houses and manufacture automobiles is shipped by truck. Those factors, combined with the stronger U.S. economy this year, have freight tonnage running about 5% higher compared to 2013. Truck fleets are buying new trucks both to replace older vehicles and to expand their fleets, increasing overall fleet profitability.”
He says that to reduce operating costs, fleets are especially focused on fuel efficiency and driver retention. “Leading this on-highway push is the Kenworth T680,” Moore states. The T680 provides aerodynamic advantages, and an optimized powertrain with the fuel-efficient PACCAR MX-13 engine integrated with the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-speed automated transmission. It is spec’d with efficient drive axles, speed control management, vehicle speed limiters, engine idle shutdown, adaptive cruise control, Kenworth Idle Management System—and Kenworth’s NavPlus truck navigation, Driver Performance Center and Driver Performance Assistant.
As for the driver comfort, Moore notes that the T680 has a roomy 2.1-meter wide cab with 23 in. between the Kenworth proprietary seats with advanced air suspension system, ergonomic dash controls, air-assisted hydraulic clutch, panoramic windshield, LED interior lighting, triple-sealed doors for excellent quietness, automated temperature control, sturdy pullout table, comfortable bunk, and room for a 23-in. flat screen TV, microwave and drawer-style refrigerator.
With regard to fuel economy trends, trucking companies can no longer view truck and trailer aerodynamics, powertrains and drivers independently. All elements must work together to maximize vehicle fuel efficiency, Moore says.
“In 2014, we introduced the Kenworth T680 Advantage [featured on this magazine’s cover] to take fuel efficiency to new heights and give customers a competitive advantage,” Moore says. The Kenworth T680 Advantage features the PACCAR MX-13 and Eaton Fuller Advantage, weight-saving 6×2 tandem drive axles, factory-installed Kenworth aerodynamic package, and wide-base tires.
Efficient alternatives
Although still a relatively small piece of the overall new truck market, fleet demand for natural gas trucks continues to grow steadily. To help meet that demand, notes Moore, the truck maker now offers both the fuel-efficient Kenworth T680 and its vocational Kenworth T880 with a natural gas engine to run on either compressed or liquefied natural gas.
Another growing trend, says Moore, is the fact that more fleets are choosing medium-duty cabovers in urban areas due to a better curb-to-curb turning radius, extra payload room and a 35-ft. overall length that is becoming the new norm in major cities. The new Kenworth K270 Class 6 and K370 Class 7 cabovers offer up to a 30% better curb-to-curb turning radius and a 63.4-in. BBC with an extra 45 in. of payload room over the typical medium-duty conventional.
Onboard technologies
Kenworth provides various technologies to meet customer needs. “Kenworth NavPlus features on-board navigation to help reduce costly out-of-route miles,” Moore states. “The system uses true, truck-optimized routes customized to truck and load specifications. It also offers hands-free cell phone calls via Bluetooth connections and voice commands. The new, factory installed Kenworth Idle Management System is a battery-powered auxiliary power unit for air conditioning with an optional fuel-fired heater for full engine-off heating capability.”
Safety is top-of-mind for Kenworth. In conjunction with its suppliers, the company offers ABS with traction control and electronic stability program, traction enhancement, blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system and collision mitigation technology. Front air disc brakes are standard on Kenworth Class 8 trucks and the Kenworth T370 offers front and rear disc brakes as an option. Kenworth also offers a new optional anti-theft system for the Kenworth T680 and T880.
“With an excellent heritage of quality, innovation and technology, Kenworth remains committed in its efforts to provide customers with the world’s best trucks,” Moore adds.
