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Kenworth T700 and PACCAR MX Engine Tour Driver Cites Fuel Economy, Comfort and Drivability


WEBWIRE

KIRKLAND, Wash.,– The Kenworth T700 and PACCAR MX Engine Tour recently completed its 5-month, 20,000-mile U.S. journey, which offered fleets and drivers a close-up look at the new, aerodynamic Kenworth T700 and the fuel-efficient 2010 PACCAR MX engine during stops at more than 80 Kenworth dealerships.

The tour also showcased the new Kenworth NavPlus™ navigation and business technology system for Class 5–8 trucks, Kenworth AG130 front air suspension, and Eaton® UltraShift® Plus automated transmission.

Veteran truck driver Mike McDowell received the choice assignment to pilot the Kenworth T700 tour truck during the past five months. His extensive time behind the wheel of the T700 with the 485-hp PACCAR MX engine makes him one of the most experienced users of both new products.

“I drove the Kenworth T700 all over the continental United States,” said McDowell, who has 33 years of professional experience operating commercial vehicles and currently works for Spiff Services. “From the driver’s seat looking out at the road, the T700’s field of view is excellent. It was easy to quickly glance at the instrument gauges while I was driving. When I was stopped at dealer locations, I used the pull-out workstation, which had ample room to work on the logbook and on my laptop. The interior lighting was excellent for working at night. Plus, there is lots of storage space in the T700, and the Kenworth AERODYNE sleeper offers team and solo operators a spacious, comfortable living area.”

McDowell said he’s also impressed with the performance of the PACCAR MX engine throughout the U.S. tour. “This powerhouse provides plenty of power with 1,650 ft-lbs of torque,” he said. “It’s extremely quiet and smooth and offers excellent fuel economy. The mileage I got on the PACCAR MX engine coupled with the Eaton UltraShift Plus transmission while driving ranged from 7.4 mpg through the mountain areas up to 9 mpg on the flatlands. That was with a total weight of about 46,000 lbs. for the truck and trailer with all the tour displays loaded.”

McDowell used the Kenworth Driver Information Center to track miles per gallon during the tour and confirmed the numbers with his own calculations. “I got the 9 mpg after driving about 70 miles on pretty flat stretches of highway from Greeley, Colo., to Omaha, Neb., with no headwind or tailwind,” McDowell recalled. When driving the T700 between Kenworth dealer locations, McDowell said he typically got between 7.8 and 8.2 mpg.

During the tour, McDowell made it a point to stop at major truck stops, open the hood, and show drivers the PACCAR MX and the T700 with its spacious 75-inch Kenworth AERODYNE® sleeper with 8-foot cathedral ceiling. “Overall, drivers really liked the style of the new body, loved the space inside the cab and bunk area, and were really impressed with the fuel economy,” he said. “The sloping hood and lines also give the T700 a unique, futuristic look.”

McDowell, who also drove most of the Kenworth T660 introduction tour three years ago, sees aerodynamics and other fuel-saving features as the future of trucking. He also knows from experience that drivers need a comfortable environment when they’re out on the road for days and weeks at a time.


“To be profitable in trucking today, trucking companies need to maximize fuel economy, and offer drivers comfortable and productive work environments,” he said. “Kenworth certainly offers all of that in a winning combination with the Kenworth T700.”

Canadians now get an opportunity to see the Kenworth T700 and PACCAR MX engine as the Canadian Road Tour began with stops last week at Inland Kenworth-Langley in British Columbia, GreatWest Kenworth – Calgary and Edmonton Kenworth – Northside. Other dealer stops include: Custom Truck Sales in Saskatoon (Sept. 13), Regina (Sept. 14) and Winnipeg (Sept. 16); Kenworth of Thunder Bay (Sept. 20); Kenworth Kitchener (Sept. 23); Kenworth Concord (Sept. 24); Kenworth Montreal (Sept. 27); Kenworth Maska (Sept. 28); Kenworth Quebec (Sept. 29); and Bayview Kenworth - Moncton (Oct. 1).

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company’s dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, compressed and liquefied natural gas trucks, and medium duty diesel-electric hybrids. In 2009, Kenworth became the first truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.



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