Kenworth Truck Co.'s latest models - the new T660 and T2000 - were recently acknowledged as SmartWay eligible trucks by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Kenworth's "green" commitment to producing aerodynamic, fuel-efficient trucks has helped reduce emissions, fuel usage and customer operating costs since it introduced the industry's first truly aerodynamic truck, the T600A, in 1985.
Building on this aerodynamic heritage, The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a collaborative voluntary program between the EPA and the freight industry. SmartWay eligible tractors offer a full aerodynamic package, including integrated roof fairings, fuel tank side fairings, tractor-mounted gap reducers, aerodynamic bumpers and aerodynamic mirrors, idle-reduction technology readiness, and low rolling resistance tires.
"SmartWay partners improve their energy efficiency, save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality," said Bob Christensen, Paccar vice president and Kenworth general manager.
In addition to aerodynamic developments, Kenworth continues its industry-leading environmental efforts with its new, no-idle Kenworth Clean Power system and Kenworth medium-duty hybrid-electric truck.
The Kenworth Clean Power cooling and heating system begins production this summer as an option for the Kenworth T660 with a 72-inch AeroCab sleeper.
"Customers with high idling time may receive as much as an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy by not idling, thanks to Kenworth Clean Power," said Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. The system also includes high-output, low-current LED lighting and an enhanced sleeper insulation package that provides a significant advancement for energy efficiency in the trucking industry.
In 2008, Kenworth will begin production of medium-duty hybrid trucks. The new Kenworth T370 Class 7 and T270 Class 6 models will be packaged with the hybrid option. Hybrid trucks offer significant potential, particularly in urban and utility applications, to improve fuel economy. The hybrid vehicles target a 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption combined with responsible environmental practices.
Kenworth recently received the prestigious 2007 Industry Innovation Award for alternative fuel trucks presented by the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute. The award honors companies that collaboratively identify solutions to help overcome obstacles to clean transportation alternatives. Kenworth received the alternative fuel industry's top innovation award for the Kenworth T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck.
The Kenworth "White Paper on Fuel Economy" focuses on aerodynamics, component specifications, advanced technology, route management, driver behavior, and proper maintenance. The electronic white paper is available on Kenworth's home page (www.kenworth.com/FuelEconomyWhitePaper.pdf). Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com.