After a year in which none of the major Class 8 OEMs exhibited at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., Kenworth and Peterbilt announced they will return to the show for 2017.

Kenworth plans to showcase its T680 Advantage with new fuel-savings options for 2017, as well as the T880 and T880S vocational models. The company will also exhibit its latest technologies such as Kenworth TruckTech+, Power Management with Auto Start and Stop capability and the Nav+ HD for drivers.

Peterbilt said it will have a significant presence at the show. Its exhibit will include the Model 579 Epiq’s latest fuel economy enhancements and a new day cab configuration. The exhibit will also show the company’s latest technologies, such as the SmartLinq remote diagnostics, and it will include a display for the Red Oval pre-owned truck program.

Peterbilt’s Innovation and Class tour trailer will be located outside of the exhibit hall, featuring displays and interactive features such as a driving simulator and an augmented reality demonstration that showcases the company’s in-cab technologies.

The company will also be the sponsor of the annual Paul K. Young Memorial Truck beauty Championship, which will include a “Best Peterbilt in Show” category for the first time in 2017.

Earlier this year, Daimler Trucks North America and Navistar both announced that the companies were committing to the new North American Commercial Vehicle Show for 2017 and, as a result, they would not be participating at MATS 2017. Kenworth and Peterbilt have not said whether they also will participate in NACV in addition to MATS

When asked, Kenworth Marketing Director Kurt Swihart responded, "We’re continuing to evaluate all 2017 industry trade shows." Similarly, Peterbilt spokesman Derek Smith told HDT, "We're still evaluating 2017 shows and other marketing opportunities."

MATS is scheduled for March 23-25, 2017, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.