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PRESS RELEASES
KIRKLAND, Wash., August 22, 2001 – “We have a winner!” That was the unbridled response from David and Jeanne Foglesong, owner operators and members of the Kenworth Drivers’ Board. The praise was for Kenworth’s new cab interior package, which offers improved ergonomics, contemporary styling, an improved HVAC system and additional storage.
The new package for Kenworth’s T600, T800, W900 and C500 models is now out in the field after being introduced earlier this year. Kenworth’s new design features a standard wrap-around instrument panel, easy-to-reach dash location for placement of an AM/FM radio, and rotary controls for the heater/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system.
“We really like the new dash,” said David Foglesong. “The switches and gauges are easily read and within reach.” Added Jeanne Foglesong, “The stereo location in the dash is perfect for tuning without looking up or down.”
“All the feedback that we’ve received on Kenworth’s new dash has been nothing but positive,” said Jon Vinje, chairman and CEO of Halvor Lines, a Superior, Wis.-based carrier that runs 253 Kenworths coast-to-coast. “Our W900s have the new interior and it’s made a great interior even better. Our drivers like the nice, smooth wraparound dash and the placement of the gauges. The other improvements have been terrific as well.”
Long-time Kenworth Drivers’ Board members Bob and Nancy Drummond also are impressed. “Bob and I both like the dash very much,” said Nancy Drummond. “We especially like where Kenworth put the AM/FM radio. The glove box and the more wood-like panels are both nice, too.”
Kenworth further enhanced the dash by installing rocker-style switches in the key-switch panel, a dedicated light-switch panel, and a flush-mounted knob for the wiper switch. Driver survey results had a significant impact on switch selections.
“We’re still from the old school, so we also especially like the abundance of switches and gauges,” said Nancy Drummond.
According to Halvor Lines’ Vinje, one reason for buying Kenworths is to keep his drivers happy which helps keep driver turnover low. “We let our drivers pick what kind of Kenworth they’d like to drive,” Vinje said. “Our latest order of 105 trucks was split between T2000s and W900s. Some of our drivers and teams like the extra room of the T2000, while others like the classic look of the W900L. When we spec them, they come with all the comforts and Kenworth’s VIT package. We’re a pretty good-sized fleet, but our trucks look like an owner operator’s.”
Jan Stone, director of maintenance for Melton Truck Lines in Tulsa, Okla., also is favorably impressed with the new dash.
“The wraparound dash is a lot more convenient because drivers don’t have to reach as far to get to the switches and the gauges are more visible,” Stone said.
“We also like the foot pedal release on the adjustable steering column," he said. "Plus, our mechanics definitely like the way the wiring and harness are set up. It’s easier to get into the dash to do service work.”
To help make driving easier and more comfortable, Kenworth added an under-dash console which includes driver and passenger cup holders, storage compartment, ashtray, lighter and 12-volt power outlet.
The optional “premium console” offers an extra ashtray, power outlet and premium soft-touch vinyl surface. When a driver wants to exit the vehicle, the steering column can be easily elevated by an optional foot pedal release.
An improved HVAC system offers new louvers and ducting. Split ventilation between the defrost and floor modes allows the driver to get heat from the floor and defrost the windows at the same time. Two floor vents per side improve heating and cooling at floor level and the side-window defrost has been improved.
As far as styling, new interior colors are available and seat coverings have been improved. Kenworth offers the very durable and stain resistant Mordura(TM) fabric as an option. The new colors and fabric give the cab a very contemporary look, plus many drivers prefer fabric seats over leather.
“Kenworths have always been noted as a ‘driver’s truck’,” said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “I think we’ve reinforced that distinction with the new cab interior package. We’ll continue to work closely with drivers and fleets to provide comfort, convenience and customer satisfaction.”
Kenworth New Cab Interior Summary
New Standard Features
Improved Ergonomics
Wrap-around instrument panel
Radio location in dash
Rotary HVAC controls
New throttle pedal
Rocker-style switches in key switch panel
New dedicated light-switch panel
New wiper switch flush-mounted knob
Improved Driver Convenience
Under-dash console which includes:
--Driver and passenger cup holders
--Ashtray
--Lighter
--12-volt power outlet
--Storage compartment
New HVAC Features for Improved Driver Comfort
New louvers and ducting
Rotary HVAC controls
Floor / defrost mixed mode
Improved floor air flow for driver
Contemporary Styling & New Colors
Under-dash trim and steering column shroud
provide a more finished look and additional noise barrier.
New interior upholstery colors present a more contemporary look.
Vinyl replaces fabric as the standard Splendor headliner material.
New Options
Mordura(TM) fabric replaces vinyl/fabric seat covering
Premium soft-touch under-dash console which includes:
– Driver and passenger cup holders
– Two ashtrays with backlighting
– Lighter with backlighting
– Two 12-volt power outlets
– Storage compartment
Foot pedal release on adjustable steering column
Glove box door bracket for use with Qualcomm tracking system
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