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Media Releases for Kenworth |
Mildura Truck Centre & Kenworth drive Swan Hill campus of TAFE's training with new K108Picture caption L to R: Glenn Stewart, Board member Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Gary Thompson, Manager The Truck Specialists Swan Hill, Mark Hull, Heavy Automotive Instructor Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Glenn Leake, Dealer Principal Mildura Truck Centre & Andrew Hadjikakou, Director Sales and Marketing PACCAR Australia.
Mildura Truck Centre, The Truck Specialists, Kenworth Trucks (PACCAR Australia), Caterpillar and the Commonwealth Equipment Grant have joined forces to sponsor the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE’s Swan Hill campus in the purchase of a brand new K108 Kenworth. The new Kenworth was officially handed over on 23 October at the Swan Hill campus of TAFE. The cab-over will be used as an apprenticeship training tool in the TAFE’s automotive department, which is a Government-funded ‘centre for excellence’ in heavy truck training. More than 100 Swan Hill apprentices will be working on every mechanical aspect of the K108, ranging from wheels and tyres to engine management, as part of the TAFE’s three-year Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology. Swan Hill campus of TAFE’s automotive instructor Mark Hull said he was thrilled to take possession of the new Kenworth. “Without Mildura Truck Centre and Kenworth’s generosity, we would not have this magnificent truck. We are very impressed with their support which dates back several years.” Mr Hull explained that Mildura Truck Centre and its Swan Hill branch, The Truck Specialists, played an instrumental role in the development of the heavy vehicle training facility in Swan Hill campus of TAFE in 2000. In its first year, the automotive department attracted 35 apprentices. Now it has more than tripled that figure, making the Swan Hill campus the premier heavy vehicle training provider for north-western “An important part of our training is, of course, having access to a late model truck – the vehicles our apprentices will be working on when they graduate. Up until now our students have had to contend with older-style vehicles. We’re excited to have the K108. It’s one of the newest models on road, incorporating leading edge technology,” Mr Hull said. Managing Director of PACCAR Australia (the manufacturer of Kenworth trucks), “Heavy truck training is of strategic value to this region. Providing quality training for apprentices not only benefits local businesses and the industry, it has a flow-on effect throughout the wider community,” Mr Rizzo said. “Training is an integral part of Kenworth’s commitment to delivering world class products and services. And our commitment extends to leading training providers. We are pleased to be working with Mildura Truck Centre to assist Swan Hill campus of TAFE.” Mildura Truck Centre dealer principal, Glenn Leake, agreed, saying the local industry was currently experiencing a skills and employment shortage. “That’s why we have been supporting Swan Hill campus of TAFE for a number of years. Its automotive department has quickly become the best heavy truck trainer in the region. Now, with the new K108, they’ll be able to take their apprenticeship program to a new level.” Mr Hull said he chose the K108 for a number of reasons. “Firstly, it’s a Kenworth which is the heavy duty market leader and the only brand that’s Australian designed and manufactured. And, most importantly, the K108 is mechanic-friendly. It’s a lot easier to get to certain parts than many other truck models. Doing a clutch removal, for example, is much easier on the K108 than many other vehicles,” he added. Swan Hill campus of TAFE’s Kenworth K108 is rated at 90 tonnes. The cab-over is powered by a Caterpillar Acert C15 producing 550 hp and 1900 ft/lb. It also features an 18-speed Eaton Autoshift transmission and Rockwell rear axles, riding on Kenworth’s Airglide 400 heavy duty suspension. The K108 is complete with a flat roof 36-inch sleeper. Kenworth’s newly-released cab-over has quickly become model of choice for a variety of single trailer, B-double and B-triple applications. Like all Kenworths, the vehicle meets the new ADR83/00 standards for noise emissions and ADR80/02 standards for exhaust emissions, while still satisfying customer demands for continual improvements in power, fuel economy and productivity. The K108 is available with a range of high-performance engines, from 470 to 625 hp, as well as a choice of automatic and manual transmissions, wheel bases, cab and sleeper options. Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in RELEASE ENDS For further information: Neil Willox Marketing Manager PACCAR Tel: (03) 9721 1500
Media Contact: Neil Willox (neil.willox@paccar.com) |