Kenworth Truck Co. has its truck models ready to incorporate new engines compliant with the EPA’s 2007 emissions standards, company officials said at a press conference last week at the Kenworth plant in Chillicothe, Ohio.

“Kenworth has prepared its product line during the past several years for the upcoming engine emissions requirements,” said Kenworth Chief Engineer Mike Dozier. “Kenworth’s field test program has consisted of numerous vehicles operating in customer applications and from the Paccar, Cummins and Caterpillar Technical Centers.
“We’ve undertaken extensive validation testing of production-representative vehicle, engine and emissions systems,” continued Dozier. “This program has provided millions of miles of performance data to help support the development of overall system reliability. All aspects of Kenworth’s 2007 engine emissions program have been very closely coordinated with our engine partners, Cummins and Caterpillar.”
Kenworth developed new, high-performance cooling systems to enhance reliability, durability and heat transfer performance while controlling weight and cost. “Kenworth used advanced design and simulation tools, advanced air flow solutions and the latest manufacturing technology to achieve increased cooling performance,” Dozier said. “Kenworth customers should not expect to see dramatic changes in styling or hood shape in current models resulting from the emissions changes.”
Dozier add that Kenworth will make both silicone coolant hoses and extended life coolant standard with all 2007 engine installations.
Leading Kenworth engineers involved in managing Kenworth’s 2007 engine emissions program have offered informational sessions for customers in conjunction with a number of Kenworth dealers.
“More than 700 customers, including many fleets, attended these Kenworth events which addressed customer concerns and provided information to help them make good purchase decisions,” said Dozier. “This training effort has been appreciated by Kenworth customers and dealers and is another way that we’re prepared for 2007.”
“Kenworth will offer 2007 Cummins and Caterpillar engines for its Class 8 models,” said Dozier. Kenworth’s Class 8 engine lineup will include Cummins ISX, ISM and ISL engines. Caterpillar engines include the C15, C13 and, new to Kenworth, the C9 for vocational configurations. Kenworth will offer the Paccar PX-6 and Paccar PX-8 medium duty engines for Kenworth’s conventional Class 6 and 7 vehicles.
“All Kenworth trucks with 2007 EPA-compliant engines will be 2008 model year trucks,” Dozier noted.