Predictive Cruise Control Optional on T680 and T880
Kenworth's Predictive Cruise Control is optional on Kenworth T680s and T880s with Paccar MX-13 engines. The feature is one of several driver assistance systems designed to improve efficiency.

Predictive Cruise Control uses GPS to predict hilly terrain ahead. Image via Kenworth

CORRECTED — Kenworth's Predictive Cruise Control is optional on Kenworth T680s and T880s with Paccar MX-13 engines. The feature is one of several driver assistance systems designed to improve efficiency.
The system combines cruise control with GPS information to intelligently monitor speed and improve fuel economy. The system can anticipate hilly terrain and adjust to ensure the engine and transmission are operating in the most efficient mode.
The company is showcasing Predictive Cruise Control and three other technologies all designed to improve fuel economy by influencing driving behavior. The other systems are Driver Shift Aid, Driver Performance Assistant and Driver Rewards.
Driver Shift Aid provides drivers with a shift-now light, telling a driver when to shift. The system is available on Kenworth models using the Paccar MX-13 engine with manual transmissions. The tool is designed to optimize shifts and fuel economy based on engine speed. The system can even recommend skip or split shifting if the situation calls for it.
The Driver Performance Assistant is a virtual driver’s coach that analyzes how a driver is coasting and braking and gives the driver a score based on that information. The system also gives tips for improving fuel economy with visual feedback and reminder tips when a truck is parked.
The system can also be customized and programmed to offer performance settings selected by fleets or owner operators.
Tying all of the systems together is Driver Rewards. For fleets that want to, they can reward good driving performance with speed adjustments. If a driver has had positive fuel economy numbers the system can be tuned to reward a driver with increased cruise control. It uses fuel economy and percent idle time and the rewards program can be totally customized by the fleet.
Corrected 3/30/2015 -- Previous version of the story stated that Predictive Cruise Control was standard equipment on T680 and T880, but the system is in fact optional.
More Drivers

Trump Administration Looks to Put More Veterans Behind the Wheel
The Freedom Haulers program pulls together existing and expanded programs at several federal agencies to recruit veterans to drive commercial heavy-duty trucks and cut the red tape for them to get a CDL, training, and employment.
Read More →
Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test
A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.
Read More →
Competition Heating Up for Truck Drivers
New report reveals rising driver hiring costs, the return of sign-on bonuses, growing AI advantages, and the operational factors shaping driver retention.
Read More →
How Fraley & Schilling Improved Logbook Compliance by Over 50%
Fraley & Schilling needed a way to close a compliance workflow gap in its ELD system without adding more work from driver training, reminders, and back-office follow-ups. It found the answer in a custom driver app.
Read More →
Volvo Goes Gaming
Volvo has roared into American Truck Simulator with two new flagship trucks.
Read More →
What the Best Fleets to Drive For Teach About Driver Retention
Survey fatigue, AI-powered routing, owner-operator expectations, and the decline of social media all emerged as themes from this year's Best Fleets to Drive For program.
Read More →
Driver Retention Lessons From the Best Fleets to Drive For
What separates trucking's best workplaces from the rest? Jane Jazrawy shares the biggest lessons from this year's Best Fleets to Drive For program on driver retention, communication, AI, and workforce trends on the HDT Talks Trucking podcast.
Read More →
Farewell, CDL: Why I'm Giving Up My Commercial Driver's License
After more than 20 years as a CDL holder, HDT Executive Editor Jack Roberts is letting his commercial license expire. Not because he wants to — but because trucking's nuclear verdict crisis has made the risks of public-road test drives too great for editors, manufacturers, and everyone involved.
Read More →How Top Trucking Fleets Improve Driver Retention [Video]
What do healthy snacks, optimized routing, and just picking up the phone have in common? They're all strategies the Best Fleets to Drive For are using to retain truck drivers.
Read More →
Trucker Path Adds Verisk CargoNet Theft Data to Navigation Platform
Trucker Path’s new cargo theft risk overlays give drivers and fleets visibility into high-risk areas, stolen commodity trends, and theft hotspots.
Read More →
