During a recent one-day event in Wisconsin, Kenworth showcased its on-highway and vocational trucks equipped with Cummins 2010-compliant engines and diesel-electric hybrid trucks to about 175 customers

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The Clear Choice event, held at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, was meant to educate customers on Kenworth's new T470 model and other new technologies. It also covered 2010 Cummins engines and selective catalytic reduction technology, Eaton's role in Kenworth diesel-electric hybrid trucks, and diesel exhaust fluid and its distribution.

Bill Kozek, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president, provided an industry update and an overview of Kenworth's truck products. Kozek and several other executives held a question and answer session with seminar attendees.

"Customers received a closer look at the technology that will meet the 2010 Environmental Protection Agency's diesel-engine emissions regulations, and provide the engine reliability they seek," said Jim Moeller, president of Wisconsin Kenworth. "This event gave customers the chance to learn first-hand how SCR technology will achieve up to a 5 percent improvement in fuel economy while meeting EPA regulations."

During the day's ride and drive event, attendees had the opportunity to test out the Kenworth T270, Kenworth T660, Kenworth T800, and Kenworth T2000 in various configurations. The T270 applications included a pickup and delivery hybrid, van body, and landscape unit. The Class 8 products, all equipped with 2010-compliant Cummins ISX engines, featured a T800 milk truck, a T800 day cab, T660 38-inch AeroCab sleeper, and T2000 75-inch Aerodyne sleeper.

Paul Peardon, production and rental manager for Giuffre Bros. Cranes, general manager for Rands Trucking, said he feels more confident about choosing Kenworth trucks and SCR technology after attending the event. His company has been considering purchasing Kenworth trucks for some time. The Milwaukee-based company equips truck chassis with 17-ton to 35-ton cranes and booms for use in construction, roofing, excavation and utility operations.

"We're particularly interested in the new Kenworth T470 because it seems ideally suited for our market," Peardon said. "The combinations of axle capacity with the T470 offer us opportunities that did not exist before. We're also looking at purchasing a hybrid diesel-electric Kenworth T270, installing a boom and using it as a rental model and demonstration unit."

More info: www.kenworth.com