While there are still big concerns over the future of the Class 8 truck market, officials with Kenworth say they are upbeat on sales of Class 6 and 7 trucks.

"We're bullish on the Class 6 and 7 market," said Mike Parrish, Kenworth's medium-duty product marketing manager. "We're building upon last year when we saw our market share increase. Customers are looking for more value in their medium-duty trucks - sales are not based just on purchase price any more."
Parrish made his comments to truck body builders during a Kenworth T300 chassis update seminar at The Work Truck Show this week in Orlando. The show is sponsored by the National Truck Equipment Association. On hand were body builders who take a chassis and add everything from van to beverage bodies, and tankers to service bodies.
"Over the years, Kenworth has developed a close relationship with body builders, and this has benefited our vocational customers," emphasized Parrish. "It's imperative to work together so that when the builder takes delivery, the body can be installed easily and efficiently."
"The entire landscape for Class 6 and 7 trucks is evolving," said Parrish. "For example, we're finding construction companies wanting to move down to a Class 7 vehicle for work in residential areas. We're also seeing many delivery companies - especially those working in congested cities - moving to Class 6 and 7 trucks."