Peterbilt Motors Co. recently announced the introduction of the new Model 325, its first vehicle dedicated to the specific needs of the Class 5 market. The Model 325 is tailor-made for a range of Class 5 applications

including vehicle recovery and towing, lease/rental, pick-up and delivery and business services such as parcel delivery, landscaping and construction. Production begins in mid-July.
"The new Model 325 is the ideal truck for customers seeking a non-CDL, easy to operate, reliable and affordable truck in the rapidly growing Class 5 segment," said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. "The Model 325 is the best truck to maximize our customer's profitability and productivity when considering factors like durability, fuel efficiency, serviceability and the cost of ownership, including future resale value."
Rated at 19,500 pounds in a straight truck configuration, the Model 325 is equipped with the new fuel-efficient Paccar PX-6 engine available in 200 horsepower, 240 horsepower and 300 horsepower ratings and torque ratings up to 620 pounds-feet. The Model 325 is standard with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with ABS and a 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available as an option.
The Model 325 is extremely durable, from the all-aluminum cab to the steel bumper and aerodynamic hood and fenders made from Metton, an advanced composite material that can withstand minor impacts, bumps and scratches. A stainless steel grille with chrome surround provides greater protection compared to plastic grilles and also adds distinctive Peterbilt style to the vehicle.
The Model 325 has the same headlamp system as Peterbilt's other medium-duty conventional Models 330 and 335. Their advanced forward lighting system provides broad, even light distribution with 40 percent better down-road coverage than conventional sealed beam designs. The vehicle also features a fixed rear view window and a right-hand door view window for increased visibility.
The Model 325's in-frame, bundled wiring and hoses as well as clean frame rails are clear of obstructions and allow for easier body installation for the wide range of medium-duty applications.
The Model 325 offers drivers a comfortable operating environment. A new step configuration allows driver to move in and out of the cab at a more comfortable, safe position. The interior features a high-back driver's seat in a plush, two-tone fabric as well as a passenger two-person bench seat with plenty of under seat storage.
Peterbilt has one of the industry's broadest lineups of medium-duty trucks. The Class 5 Model 325 joins the conventional Model 330, Model 335, Model 340 and cabover Model 220 and Model 210. The Model 330 is a Class 6 truck that can be configured for non-CDL operation. The Model 335 remains a true Class 7 vehicle ideal for the majority of medium-duty applications, such as van body and beverage distribution. The Model 340 is available for more robust vocational applications in the medium-duty segment. The Model 220 and Model 210 are Peterbilt's Class 7 and Class 6 cabovers for those applications that require a tight turning radius, ease of operation and high-volume payload capacity. Both vehicles can also be configured for non-CDL operation.
Customers will have the opportunity to experience the new Model 325 through the Models of Innovation Tour - Peterbilt's road show designed to provide existing and prospective customers the chance to test and evaluate the Model 325 in a customers' operation.
The tour features every 2008 Peterbilt model for the aerodynamic, traditional, vocational and medium-duty market segments. The fleet of vehicles is distributed throughout Peterbilt's dealer network consisting of 238 locations across the United States and Canada.
Customers should contact their Peterbilt dealer for more details and to make arrangements to participate in the Models of Innovation demonstration program. To find the nearest Peterbilt dealer near you, visit www.peterbilt.com.