News from Kenworth: New High-Tech Truck
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CONTACT: Jeff Parietti, (425) 828-5196 jparietti@paccar.com
Kenworth T2000 High-Tech Truck Focuses on Upcoming New Products
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 21, 2001 - Kenworth Truck Company is once again joining high technology and trucking in exploration of the not-so-distant future. For the third consecutive year, Kenworth is showing a new T2000 High-Tech Truck here at the annual Mid-America Trucking Show.
"Our latest high-tech concept vehicle focuses on technologies that may be available as Kenworth production options within a year or less," said Jim Bechtold, Kenworth chief engineer. "The Mid-America Trucking Show is a great place to obtain key input on these technologies from drivers, owner operators and fleets. We especially listen closely to their comments regarding technologies that they view as most beneficial and cost-effective in the areas of driver comfort, productivity, efficiency and safety."
The new T2000 High-Tech Truck with 75-inch Aerodyne sleeper features some key high-tech systems. Perhaps the most interesting new addition is the Fleetcom 2000 Communication System. "This is a telematics system using GPS satellite tracking and wireless cellular communications to allow fleets to remotely track the vehicle and its operating conditions over the data link," Bechtold said. "This system has been widely used in Australia and Europe.
"This system benefits fleets because they get reliable, accurate information on items such as miles traveled per day, fuel economy, maintenance requirements, vehicle performance, idle time, and hours of operation," Bechtold said. "The system benefits drivers by reducing the amount of paperwork they have to track and provide to their employer."
The vehicle also has a new Meritor FreedomLine(TM), clutchless automated transmission. Another new feature is the Xantrex 2,000-watt power inverter, which provides clean, 110-volt AC power to run the microwave, satellite dish, or other consumer electronics.
Other key technology items include two vision-related systems. The Bendix XVision forward-looking night vision system extends the driver's vision beyond the area illuminated by the headlamps.
The Kenworth side-camera vision system displays a wide-angle view of the righthand side of the vehicle by using a miniature video camera mounted to the roof and displaying the image on a video monitor mounted below the header. The camera system supplements the existing mirror and window visibility by providing a wide angle view of the right side for lane changes and turning tight corners.
Finally, the vehicle includes the Alpine DVD navigation system, which is available today as an option on Kenworth's on-highway, conventional models. The navigation system enables the driver to enter a destination, then receive visual and even verbal directions, helping to keep the driver's attention on the road. It features a flat-panel display screen and easy-to-use, push-button selection controls.
Bechtold noted that some of these production-focused technologies are already being used in the field. "Kenworth has developed customer demonstration trucks for Contract Freighters Inc., Rhett Butler Trucking, and Schlumberger, among others," Bechtold said. "The actual, real-world experience generated by customer use of these major technology items further helps Kenworth to evaluate their effectiveness and value."
Kenworth's previous two T2000 High-Tech Trucks went on to co-star in the television series "18 Wheels of Justice" on TNN: The National Network.
Kenworth Truck Company is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks based in Kirkland, Wash. Kenworth's Internet home page is located at www.kenworth.com.
Kenworth T2000 High-Tech Truck Specifications
Engine: Caterpillar C-15, 475 HP @ 1,800 RPM Engine Equipment: Borg Warner/Kysor Fan Hub, Delco Starting & Charging System, Jacobs Retarder Transmission: Meritor FreedomLine(tm) with 17" Clutch Front Axle: Dana Spicer E-1320I, 13,200 Lb. Cap Rear Axle: Dana Spicer DS404, 40,000 Lb. Cap, 3.55 Ratio Suspension: Airglide 200, 40,000 Lb. Capacity Interior: Kenworth Diamond Tufted VIT -Dark Desert Tan Seats: Isringhausen 6800 Highbacks Audio System: Panasonic AM/FM/CD with Weather Band, sleeper controls and 8-disk Panasonic CD Changer Paint: Dupont Imron 6000-Raspberry Red Metallic-L4690 Wheels: Alcoa Aluminum Front Tires: Michelin PXZA2 275/80R22 Rear Tires: BS Mega Drive 445/50R22.5 Weight: 17,230 lbs. Wheelbase: 222 Inches
Featured Products: Fleetcom 2000 Communication System Xantrex 2,000-Watt Power Inverter Bendix XVision Night Vision System Kenworth Side-Camera Vision System Alpine DVD Navigation System Kenworth Complex Reflector Headlamps Panasonic Sound and Entertainment System
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