Kenworth Introduces T2000 High-Tech Truck
22 March 2000
Kenworth Introduces T2000 High-Tech Truck Focused On Safety and Driver Convenience
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--March 22, 2000--It just might be the world's smartest truck.Safety and driver convenience are the focus of Kenworth Truck Company's new T2000 High-Tech Truck, introduced today at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville. Kenworth is once again utilizing a T2000 model as its "smart" truck. (Kenworth's previous high-tech truck, introduced last year, now co-stars in the TNN drama "18 Wheels of Justice.")
"Kenworth's new T2000 High-Tech Truck is designed to provide better information in two key areas -- to other drivers in the vehicle's vicinity and to the truck driver," said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. "This will help to promote safety and driver efficiency and comfort."
The truck especially emphasizes safety. "Kenworth's focus is to explore technologies that can help make trucks safer both for truck drivers and for other vehicles sharing the road," Caudill said.
Safety-related items include:
| -- | A vision system uses miniature video cameras with monitors in the cab to aid the driver in lane changes, backing up and turning tight corners. Cameras in the side mirrors provide rear-viewing images; a sleeper-mounted, passenger-side camera offers a curb view. The system supplements existing mirror and window visibility. |
| -- | Forward-looking night vision extends the driver's vision farther down the road and outward onto the shoulder. |
| -- | A driver's drowsiness monitor tracks driver performance in keeping the vehicle in its lane and gives an alertness rating based on that performance. |
| -- | A clutchless, automatic transmission makes the truck easier to drive and helps reduce driver fatigue. |
| -- | An electronic navigation system lets the driver enter a destination and get visual directions. Verbal directions also are available, helping keep the driver's attention on the road. |
| -- | A hands-free cell phone allows the driver to answer, talk, and even verbally dial while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. |
| -- | An Electronic Braking System, or EBS, uses "brake-by-wire" technology instead of pneumatics to control a vehicle's traditional air-brake system. |
| -- | Light emitting diode (LED) lighting -- longer lasting than standard lights -- is all around the truck, and complex reflector headlights are used. |
| -- | Fingerprint identification technology is used to enable the ignition. |
| -- | Flat-panel electronic gauges offer easy viewing. |
Kenworth added another new wrinkle -- front brake lights. "When a vehicle cuts in too close, or within the truck's safe stopping zone, the front brake lights flash rapidly for a few seconds to alert that other driver," said Jim Bechtold, Kenworth chief engineer.
Kenworth continues to be recognized as a company that builds trucks for the driver. "Our approach with these high-tech systems is to keep drivers in control," Bechtold said. "We're providing them with useful information, but they're still captain of the ship."
The truck also includes driver convenience and comfort items:
| -- | Satellite radio offers access to hundreds of radio stations. |
| -- | A docking station for a laptop PC in the sleeper. |
| -- | LED and fluorescent lighting in the cab and sleeper. |
| -- | An entertainment system has AM/FM cassette, 12-CD changer, DVD and VCR, speakers embedded on driver and passenger seats, and sleeper and cab system controls. |
And, what if the truck ever needs roadside assistance? Push a button on the dash and the driver is connected to Kenworth's PremierCare Roadside Assistance Call Center staffed around the clock
Kenworth, a division of PACCAR, is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks based in Kirkland, Wash. Internet home page is www.kenworth.com.
Photo in jpeg format is available. Please contact Michael Wasem at The Siefkes Group, 425/392-2611.