News from Kenworth: Kenworth To Offer ZF Meritor's FreedomLine Transmission
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CONTACT: Jeff Parietti, (425) 828-5196 jparietti@paccar.com
Kenworth To Offer ZF Meritor's FreedomLine Transmission
Kenworth to market two-pedal, automated mechanical transmission for heavy-duty trucks
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 21, 2001 - Kenworth Truck Company announced today that it plans to offer the ZF Meritor LLC FreedomLine(TM) transmission, a fully automated mechanical heavy-duty truck transmission without a clutch pedal. The announcement came at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Kenworth will initially launch the FreedomLine(TM) transmission in its premium T2000 aerodynamic conventional model with plans to eventually roll out the transmission to its entire heavy-duty product line. Kenworth began accepting orders today at the Mid-America Trucking Show, where the company is displaying two models equipped with the FreedomLine(TM) transmission -- a special T2000 High-Tech Truck and a W900L 72-inch AeroCab Aerodyne(R).
"As a technology leader, Kenworth strives to offer the best possible technology to our customers," said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. "FreedomLine's leading-edge transmission technology is right in line with that mission. ZF Meritor's two-pedal, automated mechanical system will provide drivers with safer, simpler and more efficient vehicles."
"This is a significant step in further strengthening what is already a solid relationship with Kenworth," said Rick Martello, ZF Meritor president . "The FreedomLine(TM) is undoubtedly the most technically advanced heavy-duty truck transmission on the market. Kenworth clearly recognizes the changing demographics in the driver pool and understands the impact this technology will have on the industry."
The FreedomLine(TM) transmission's exclusive "no clutch pedal" design is easier for drivers to learn and operate than competing three-pedal automated systems, Martello added. Drivers can choose from fully automatic or driver-controlled modes without clutching and shifting, allowing them to focus their attention where it belongs - on the road.
The transmission will also benefit fleet operators through increased fuel economy and an expanded driver pool. The electronically controlled shifting senses loads and automatically knows when to skip shifts, which can increase fuel economy. In addition, its ease of use means that it will be simpler for both entry-level and veteran drivers to learn, while also reducing fatigue.
"We anticipate a major industry push toward automated transmissions in the coming months," said Tom Gosnell, senior vice-president and president of ArvinMeritor Commercial Vehicle Systems. "Our company has recognized this push and is out in front of it. That is one of the reasons we aligned with ZF, because of the advanced technology they offer and our ability to effectively market this as part of our Complete Drivetrain System - Drivetrain Plus."
The FreedomLine(TM) transmission will be available from Kenworth in the 12-speed direct drive model rated at 1,350 lb.-ft. of torque, 12-speed overdrive model rated at 1,650 lb.-ft of torque. Limited-quantity build of the 12-speed began this month with production release for the T2000 model expected in September with other models following thereafter.
Based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, ZF is the market leader in Europe and second in the world for commercial vehicle transmissions. The company reported total 1999 revenues of 10.4 billion DM. ZF also manufactures transmissions, axles, chassis and steering systems for various types of vehicles.
ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $7-billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets. In addition, ArvinMeritor is a leader in coil coating applications, including those for the transportation, appliance, construction and furniture industries. The company is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and employs 36,000 people at more than 150 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: www.arvinmeritor.com.
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.
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