Peterbilt Marks 75th Anniversary

In 2014, Peterbilt will celebrate 75 years of being in business with commemorative events throughout the year that include a North American tour with a specialized anniversary trailer, a limited-edition Model 579 and numerous other activities.
         
Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman manufacturing specialized, heavy-duty trucks out of Oakland, Calif. Largely a regional brand in its early years, the company experienced steady growth, quickly going from producing dozens to hundreds of vehicles.

The company was acquired by Paccar Inc., then called Pacific Car & Foundry, in 1958, and the manufacturing was relocated to Newark, Calif. in 1960. That decade the company’s truck output, market share and distribution network grew significantly. Peterbilt opened a new, second plant in Madison, Tenn. in 1969 to meet demand and better serve its customers from coast to coast.

In 1980, a new manufacturing facility opened in Denton, Texas, a city where the company eventually consolidated its entire operations and is now its headquarters. Today, the plant can produce more than 160 vehicles daily in numerous custom-built configurations for on-highway and vocational markets. Additionally, Peterbilt Class 6-7 trucks are manufactured in Ste. Therese, Quebec, and the proprietary Paccar Engine lineup is produced in Columbus, Miss. Vehicles are distributed through a network of Peterbilt dealerships with more than 290 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
 
Limited Edition Model 579

One new vehicle will be offered as a special anniversary truck. The 75th Anniversary Edition Model 579 will be available for order through all full-service Peterbilt dealerships.

“It combines the Model 579’s advanced technologies, distinctive styling and state-of-the-art aerodynamics with numerous accents and details honoring the original 1939 Peterbilt,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt director of sales and marketing.

Among the many features of the Model 579 75th Anniversary Edition are:

• Individually numbered with limited production.
• Exclusive 75th anniversary emblems on the sleeper exterior.
• Highly polished hood crown surrounding a grille with a new oval design reminiscent of Peterbilt’s heritage.
• Chrome-finished, three-piece steel bumper.
• Bright sunvisor, side air intake bezels and rearview mirror housing.
• Optional two-tone paint design with exclusive Diamond Red color evocative of the original Peterbilt model.
• Exclusive bright rocker panels that complement the anniversary paint design.
• Anniversary logoed mud flaps affixed with stainless-steel hangers.
• Exclusive Platinum Titanium interior that creates an integrated design theme through the cab and sleeper with a dark dash top, door pads and sleeper cabinets with blackwood trim and complimentary colored carpet.
• Anniversary dash emblem which includes the unique production number of the truck.
• Multi-function steering wheel leather wrapped with custom stitching.
• Exclusive black leather Evolution LX seats embroidered with the anniversary logo on the headrest.
• Interior bright accents such as anniversary logoed shifter plate with polished shift lever and blackwood knob (manual transmissions only); gauge bezels; chrome interior door handle; and chrome billet throttle, clutch and brake pedals.

Anniversary Tour

Throughout 2014 Peterbilt will celebrate its anniversary with thousands of customers. A special edition Model 579 with a museum on wheels will visit Peterbilt dealerships and industry events. The museum is a converted trailer filled with displays, historic artifacts and interactive kiosks.

Among the many features in the trailer are an original 1939 Peterbilt crown and grille, timeline of significant company vehicles and achievements, interactive displays, and hands-on examples showcasing Peterbilt products and technologies.
 
History Book

A coffee-table style book will be published and available for sale online during the first quarter.

At nearly 250 pages, the hardcover book provides readers with a comprehensive overview on the evolution of the company, photos and facts about landmark models, profiles of customers and a section on Peterbilt’s leading brand. The book includes many photos preserving Peterbilt’s past and showcasing its present and future.