Kenworth will showcase four medium-duty diesel-electric hybrid trucks at the 7th annual Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) Sept. 20-21 in Seattle at the Qwest Field Event Center. The national forum brings together fleets, suppliers and manufacturers

to examine the latest in hybrid technology for the trucking industry.
Kenworth's featured medium-duty conventional hybrids will include a pickup and delivery truck, utility service truck, municipal aerial truck, and straight chassis. All four vehicles are equipped with a Paccar PX-6 engine rated at 240 horsepower and 560 pounds-feet of torque. The primary components of the hybrids include an automated transmission with an integral motor/generator unit; frame-mounted, 340-volt battery pack; and a dedicated power management system.
"Hybrid technology looks very promising in the commercial vehicle market," said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president, who noted that Paccar, Kenworth's parent company, is this year's host and a sponsor of the forum. "Kenworth recently started deliveries of its medium-duty diesel-electric truck, which is targeted for pickup and delivery operations, municipal fleets and utilities. The hybrid will go into full production in 2008."
Paccar recently entered into an agreement with Eaton Corp. to jointly develop proprietary hybrid technology for heavy-duty commercial vehicles in North America. The innovative new products will be introduced in Kenworth Class 8 trucks in the North American market, targeted for initial production by the end of 2009.
A major highlight of this year's national forum in Seattle will be the Ride and Drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, in Qwest Field's north parking lot. Three Kenworth medium duty hybrids will be available for this segment of the forum.