Kenworth Readies for New Millennium with Advanced Technology Truck
26 March 1999
Kenworth Readies for New Millennium with Advanced Technology Truck
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--March 25, 1999--The new millennium arrived a little early today as Kenworth Truck Company of Kirkland, Wash. introduced an advanced technology vehicle at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville."Kenworth continues to be an innovation leader as we pursue technologies that offer increased fleet and owner operator productivity and driver comfort," said Kenworth General Manager Ed Caudill. "Our advanced technology truck incorporates actual working systems that could become available in future Kenworth production models. We are evaluating and researching the feasibility of these technology systems."
Kenworth uses a T2000, its premium on-highway model, as the "smart" truck. (Reporters may download high-resolution images by clicking on photos in "Kenworth Readies for New Millennium" release at kenworth.com/kw/kw_perl/index.pl). The vehicle features in-dash display, global positioning system navigation, electronic diagnostics, vision system, advanced exterior lighting, integrated radio and stereo, flat-panel television, and Internet, cable TV and phone access.
"Truck operators' ability to quickly collect, process and disseminate information is becoming as important as the ability to rapidly and reliably pick up and deliver freight," Caudill said. "We've provided an information system that helps them."
Kenworth's in-dash monitor maps trips and gives verbal directions; assists in pre-trip-inspection; and sends error messages via satellite to fleet headquarters.
In the safety area, Kenworth's technology truck has a unique vision system to supplement the vehicle's existing mirror and window visibility. The system assists in lane changes, backing up and turning tight corners. Miniature video cameras mounted inside side mirrors and on the sleeper's outside offer live images through driver monitors.
Exterior lighting uses light-emitting diode lamps and complex reflector headlamp system. An infrared night-vision camera displays a temperature-based view of objects beyond the headlights.
For comfort, the radio and stereo system has separate cab and sleeper controls. The latter operates a 42-inch screen with cable and satellite networks, Internet, DVD, VCR, and CD. A dual cup holder has individual hot/cold temperature controls.
In other announcements, Kenworth enters the medium-duty cabover market with its K37 model for pick-up and delivery operations within cities; a new interior package for Kenworth's T2000 with 75-inch sleeper features increased storage, QuietCab(R) noise suppression system, and wider bunk; and Kenworth's T2000 with 60-inch sleeper offers a lightweight option.
Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading truck manufacturer. Internet site is www.kenworth.com.