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Media Releases for Kenworth |
Look into the future with Kenworth's Innovation TruckThe highlight of Australia’s inaugural International Trailer, Truck and Equipment Show is set to be Kenworth’s ‘Innovation Truck’, a peek into the future of Australian trucking. Powered by one of the first natural gas engines currently being trialed in Australia, the vehicle features dozens of other major innovations to improve environmental performance and increase productivity, performance and safety at the same time. The Australian manufacturer spent 12 months developing the vehicle in collaboration with leading edge suppliers in Australia, North America and Europe, some of which have invested years researching and refining advanced componentry and prototype systems. The Innovation Truck is one of the most technologically-advanced vehicles designed and manufactured anywhere in the world. “Kenworth’s Innovation Truck is a lot more than a concept vehicle,” said PACCAR Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou “It’s a highly practical vehicle, combining the latest technological innovations that may one day be available in every truck.” Mr Hadjikakou said that, when the company began the project, it had three major objectives in mind. “We wanted to build a vehicle that was environmentally-friendly, employed the highest safety standards and used the latest technological innovations for more pleasant and productive transport.” The Innovation Truck is based on Kenworth’s new flagship prime mover, the T608, which was released earlier this year. Rated at 97,000 kg GCM, the vehicle is powered by a 15-litre Cummins ISX engine, producing 550 hp (@1800 rpm) and 1850 lb/ft (@1200 rpm). The engine has been customised with a HPDI (high pressure direct injection) liquefied natural gas (LNG) system. It performs with the same horsepower, torque and high efficiency as diesel, while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and particulate matter and also producing impressive fuel cost savings. The vehicle features Australia’s first Eaton 18-speed UltraShift Electronic Clutch Actuation (ECA) automated transmission which, for the first time in the world, has been coupled with a LNG engine. The Innovation Truck includes a wide range of advanced safety features to protect both the driver and the community as a whole such as:
The Innovation Truck’s cabin is not only a safe working environment, it’s also a pleasant home away from home, which features:
Other innovative features include:
A number of these innovations will soon filter through to the marketplace. The capacitor, HID headlights and LED interior lighting as well as the Lane Departure Warning System and Object Detection System are expected to be introduced to some Kenworth models in the near future. The Innovation Truck is testament to Kenworth’s design and engineering capability. It demonstrates the manufacturer’s flexibility in adapting new technologies as well as its vision and capacity to see the future of transport and make it a reality. “Kenworth has learnt a great deal from developing this truck,” Mr Hadjikakou said. “We opened ourselves up to a new way of thinking outside of conventional trucking and, having consulted a large number of experts in various fields, we have become aware of new and exciting innovations,” he said. “Some were originally developed for a home or entertainment environment but, as home and work converge, they become more applicable, especially for transport operators. All in all, Kenworth’s Innovation Truck is designed to show what is possible – a vehicle that is built for rugged conditions and yet is environmentally-friendly; a vehicle that is highly productive and yet is comfortable and safe to drive,” Mr Hadjikakou added. The 2008 International Trailer Truck Show will be held on 8-10 May at the Melbourne Showgrounds. In addition to the Innovation Truck, Kenworth will have new models in various configurations on exhibition at ‘PACCAR World’, a 2,500 square-metre display which is among the largest at the show. Housed in its own building, PACCAR World will also feature the latest range from DAF Trucks as well as ALLRig parts and accessories and PACCAR Financial. Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to meet the world’s toughest applications. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Australia, is market leader in heavy duty trucks in Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, is a worldwide manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and distributes truck parts related to its principal business. RELEASE ENDS For further information: Neil Willox Marketing Manager PACCAR Australia Tel: (03) 9721 1500 Media Contact: Neil Willox (neil.willox@paccar.com) |