Kenworth T300 Tops Rankings

11 December 2000

  


KIRKLAND, Wash., December 11, 2000 - Kenworth's T300 received the top
ranking among medium duty conventionals for overall customer satisfaction,
according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Medium-Duty Truck Customer
Satisfaction Study(SM).

"It's quite an honor for Kenworth, our dealers and the T300 to receive this
recognition which is based on the opinions of those who count the most - the
industry's medium-duty customers," said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager
and PACCAR vice president.

The J.D. Power and Associates study was based on interviews with 2,066
primary maintainers of medium-duty trucks (Class 5, 6 and 7) in service for
approximately 26 months. The study analyzed customer satisfaction in key
areas such as vehicle performance, product quality, interior and exterior
design, dealer parts and service support, and manufacturer image.

Customers gave the Kenworth T300 top ratings in the following areas:
well-matched for the job it performs for them, operating costs, expected
resale value, reliability and dependability.

In addition, the Kenworth T300 was ranked significantly above the overall
industry average in each of the areas - including vehicle performance,
vehicle downtime, drivetrain, design and styling, and warranty -- that
comprise the overall customer satisfaction index.

The Kenworth T300 especially serves customers interested in visibility,
maneuverability, durability, long-life cycles and a good return on their
investment. The vehicle is used for a variety of applications, including
expedited freight, intermodal deliveries, general goods delivery, beverage,
fuel/oil, fire truck, mixer/dump, refuse, wrecker, and refrigerated food
products. The T300 also has been used as a mobile helicopter pad and a
mobile broadcast unit for a television station.

The Kenworth T300 is available as a single- or tandem-axle straight truck or
tractor. Wheelbase options range from 150 to 280 inches, allowing bodies up
to 28 feet. The T300 utilizes many of the components found in Kenworth's
Class 8 truck models, such as the  corrosion-resistant aluminum cab, axles,
suspensions, and frame rails. Standard T300 features include a 20-degree
sloped hood, one-piece windshield and standard Daylite(R) doors for
excellent driver visibility; and 50-degree wheel cut for good
maneuverability. Cummins ISB and ISC engines and Caterpillar's 3126 engine
-- rated at 190 to 330 horsepower -- provide the right power for a variety
of applications.

Headquartered in Agoura Hills, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global
marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors
including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer
satisfaction.  The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on
actual responses from millions of consumers annually.  

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