2013 Kenworth Road Tour Continues in U.S., Newest Kenworth Models Impress Customers

Several thousand customers have received a first-hand look at the new Kenworth T880 vocational truck and the new Kenworth T680 52-inch sleeper for regional haul applications during the first two months of the 2013 Kenworth Road Tour.

"The Kenworth Road Tour has generated excitement among customers for Kenworth's newest vocational model, the Kenworth T880, which is now available for order and enters production this fall," said Alan Fennimore, Kenworth vocational marketing manager, who heads the tour. "And when customers see the Kenworth T680 52-inch sleeper, they understand why the T680 is one of the fastest selling trucks in Kenworth's 90-year history."

During the tour stops, customers also received a closer look at the 12.9-liter PACCAR MX-13 engine, which offers excellent fuel efficiency, high reliability and durability, lightweight design and low cost of ownership. The T680 and T880 are standard with the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated up to 500 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. The engine is assembled at the state-of-the-art PACCAR Engine plant in Columbus, Miss. "Customers who have purchased the PACCAR MX-13 engine with the new 500/1,850 rating really like the low-end torque that it provides," said Fennimore.

The 2013 Kenworth Road Tour kicked off in September with a visit to MHC Kenworth -Kansas City in Kansas City, Mo., which attracted over 300 customers.

Kenworth T680 52-inch Sleeper

The Kenworth T680 with the 52-inch mid-roof sleeper appealed to his dealership's regional hauling customers with its efficient design, according to Jason McGehe, branch manager of MHC Kenworth - Kansas City. "Our customers continue to be impressed with the quality improvements and the continuous effort from Kenworth to refine a product that's more comfortable and economical, as well as having better overall fuel economy."

The tour's 52-inch mid-roof sleeper-equipped T680 is tasked with pulling a state-of-the-art, double-expanding, 53-foot tour trailer. The trailer features an interactive, self-guided exhibit, which allows customers to learn more about the key features of both the T880 and T680, see the PACCAR MX-13 engine, and experience 90 years of Kenworth history.

Visitors study Kenworth 90th anniversary historical photographs in the Kenworth Road Tour trailer exhibit during a tour stop at Kenworth of Pennsylvania in New Stanton, Pa.

The tour trailer includes a wall display of Kenworth's leading partner suppliers. Tour Partners for the T880 Road Tour include Bendix, Bridgestone, Chevron, Eaton, Hendrickson and Michelin.

Kenworth T880 Vocational Truck

Tour event at Papé Kenworth - Portland, Ore.

The Kenworth T880 has been popular among vocational customers attending the tour events at Kenworth dealerships.  The Kenworth T880 features a quiet 2.1-meter wide cab with triple-sealed and robust doors, 5-piece Metton® hood for easier and faster repairs, air-assisted hydraulic clutch, excellent maneuverability, and new lightweight, factory-installed lift axles. Kenworth designed the T880 with distinctively sculpted lines that form an evolutionary, but uniquely Kenworth look.

Kenworth Northwest - Lakewood, Wash.

Wallwork Kenworth Northwest - Fargo, N.D.

"Customers like the T880's wider cab for driver comfort and the panoramic windshield for greater visibility," said Fennimore. "They also appreciate the 5-piece hood, which is easier and less expensive to repair in event of road damage, and the dual lamp complex reflector headlamps that offer enhanced visibility at night."  

Kenworth Sales Company - Salt Lake City

MTC Kenworth - Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Kenworth of Indianapolis

Rihm Kenworth in St. Paul, Minn.

During September and October, the tour also made U.S. stops for dealer events at MHC Kenworth - Denver; Kenworth Sales Company - Salt Lake City; Papé Kenworth - Portland; Kenworth Northwest - Lakewood, Wash.; Wallwork Kenworth - Fargo, N.D.; Rihm Kenworth - St. Paul, Minn.; Wisconsin Kenworth - Windsor, Wis.; Kenworth of Indianapolis - Indianapolis, Ind.; Eastern Michigan Kenworth - Dearborn, Mich.; Kenworth of Buffalo - Buffalo, N.Y.; Gabrielli Kenworth of New Jersey - Dayton, N.J.; MTC Kenworth, Ridgefield Park, N.J.; Kenworth of Pennsylvania - New Stanton, Pa.; Truck Enterprises - Harrisonburg, Va.; and Worldwide Equipment - Abingdon, Va.

In tour trailer at Inland Kenworth - Langley, B.C., stop.

 

Custom Truck Sales - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Kenworth Montreal - St. Laurent

 

Edmonton Kenworth - Northside, Alberta

 

Tour stops in Canada were held at Inland Kenworth - Langley, British Columbia; GreatWest Kenworth - Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton Kenworth - Northside, in Edmonton, Alberta; Custom Truck Sales - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Kenworth Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario; and Kenworth Montreal, St. Laurent, Quebec.

Kenworth Toronto - Mississauga, Ontario

GreatWest Kenworth - Calgary, Alberta

UPCOMING KENWORTH ROAD TOUR SCHEDULE
Nov. 4  - NorCal Kenworth - Morgan Hill, Calif.                        
Nov. 6  - Inland Kenworth - Fontana, Calif.                             
Nov. 15 - Inland Kenworth - Phoenix, Ariz.                              
Nov. 19 - MHC Kenworth - Dallas, Texas                                 
Nov. 22-  MHC Kenworth - Oklahoma City, Okla.                     
Nov. 25 - MHC Kenworth - Tulsa, Okla.                                    
Dec. 2 - Performance Kenworth - Houston, Texas                                
Dec. 4 - Kenworth of South Louisiana - Gray, La.                                             
Dec. 6 -Truckworx Kenworth - Birmingham, Ala.                                  
Dec. 9  - MHC Kenworth - Atlanta, Ga.                        
Dec. 11 - Kenworth of Jacksonville, Fla.                                   
Dec. 13-  MHC Kenworth - Greensboro, N.C.  

A T880 blog is at http://kenwortht880tour.com.

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World's Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth is a PACCAR company.