Kenworth T300 Tops Rankings
11 December 2000
KIRKLAND, Wash., December 11, 2000 - Kenworth's T300 received the top ranking among medium duty conventionals for overall customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study(SM). "It's quite an honor for Kenworth, our dealers and the T300 to receive this recognition which is based on the opinions of those who count the most - the industry's medium-duty customers," said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. The J.D. Power and Associates study was based on interviews with 2,066 primary maintainers of medium-duty trucks (Class 5, 6 and 7) in service for approximately 26 months. The study analyzed customer satisfaction in key areas such as vehicle performance, product quality, interior and exterior design, dealer parts and service support, and manufacturer image. Customers gave the Kenworth T300 top ratings in the following areas: well-matched for the job it performs for them, operating costs, expected resale value, reliability and dependability. In addition, the Kenworth T300 was ranked significantly above the overall industry average in each of the areas - including vehicle performance, vehicle downtime, drivetrain, design and styling, and warranty -- that comprise the overall customer satisfaction index. The Kenworth T300 especially serves customers interested in visibility, maneuverability, durability, long-life cycles and a good return on their investment. The vehicle is used for a variety of applications, including expedited freight, intermodal deliveries, general goods delivery, beverage, fuel/oil, fire truck, mixer/dump, refuse, wrecker, and refrigerated food products. The T300 also has been used as a mobile helicopter pad and a mobile broadcast unit for a television station. The Kenworth T300 is available as a single- or tandem-axle straight truck or tractor. Wheelbase options range from 150 to 280 inches, allowing bodies up to 28 feet. The T300 utilizes many of the components found in Kenworth's Class 8 truck models, such as the corrosion-resistant aluminum cab, axles, suspensions, and frame rails. Standard T300 features include a 20-degree sloped hood, one-piece windshield and standard Daylite(R) doors for excellent driver visibility; and 50-degree wheel cut for good maneuverability. Cummins ISB and ISC engines and Caterpillar's 3126 engine -- rated at 190 to 330 horsepower -- provide the right power for a variety of applications. Headquartered in Agoura Hills, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on actual responses from millions of consumers annually. #