News from Kenworth: Allison Automatic Transmissions Introduced for T300

KIRKLAND, Wash., December 19, 2001 - Kenworth has introduced Allison 2000
Series(tm) and 2400 Series(tm) automatic transmissions for its popular T300
medium-duty truck.

Automatics are quickly becoming a popular spec on Class 6 and 7 vehicles,
noted Mike Parrish, Kenworth medium-duty product marketing manager,  "The
Allison transmission is an excellent match for our T300," Parrish said.
Both models are fully automatic, five-speed overdrive transmissions with
lockup and a powerful 32-bit microprocessor.  Power-take-off (PTO) drive
gears are optional.

Parrish expects most buyers to operate in pick-up-and-delivery applications.
"City work is a key application," he said.  "An automatic is so much easier
to operate in congested driving conditions, and they're safer - drivers keep
both hands on the wheel and there is no shifting involved.  What's more,
there is no rollback which is great for those operating in hilly areas."

According to Parrish, the Allison transmissions are mated to Caterpillar's
3126 engine rated at 545 foot-pounds of torque or below. A Spicer SPL100
driveline is also part of the package.

While Kenworth T300s have been widely used in Class 7 applications, Kenworth
has made significant strides to make the T300 more attractive to Class 6
users.  "We've been able to bring to market several new options that cater
to Class 6 operators," Parrish said.  "The majority of Class 6 trucks
feature automatics. We now have an excellent T300 product with the
transmission and hydraulic brake configuration that also makes us extremely
competitive in that marketplace."