Werner Enterprises received the first Kenworth T680 Next Generation production truck during a ceremony at the Kenworth manufacturing plant in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Kenworth’s T680 Next Gen on-highway flagship expands on the success of the classic T680 model, Kenworth officials said in a press release.

Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president, presented the keys – and a plaque signifying the delivery of the first production T680 Next Gen – to Werner Enterprises executives Scott Reed, senior VP of equipment purchasing and maintenance, and Tony Wahl, director of equipment purchasing.

“We are a company built by a driver for drivers, and our drivers are passionate about the Kenworth T680s that have served as an integral part of our fleet for many years," Reed said. "The T680 Next Gen’s excellent comfort, styling and performance is highly anticipated among our drivers and we are all eager to see the new model join our fleet."

The Kenworth T680 Next Gen provides drivers with the new customizable 15-inch digital display, next generation Kenworth SmartWheel, additional advanced driver assistance systems, forward lighting with signature LED headlamps, and a sleek aerodynamic design.

The updated model is designed to optimize performance in line haul, pickup and delivery, and regional haul operations. Available in day cab, 40-inch, 52-inch and 76-inch-sleeper configurations, the T680 Next Gen is standard with the proprietary Paccar Powertrain featuring the 2021 Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 drive axle.

“It’s always gratifying for our dedicated Kenworth Chillicothe employees to launch a landmark first production truck," said Chris Davis, Kenworth Chillicothe plant manager. "Our team worked diligently and enthusiastically to produce this milestone Kenworth T680 Next Gen equipped with a 76-inch sleeper for Werner Enterprises."

Werner and Kenworth have also teamed up to support veterans. Military veterans and Werner drivers Ivan Hernandez (2020), Quinton Ward (2018) and Troy Davidson (2016) each were respectively awarded a Kenworth-donated T680 with a 76-inch sleeper as America’s top rookie military driver under the annual Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence program. The program is a partnership of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and Kenworth.