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87-509: Kenworth marked several firsts in truck production; the company introduced a raised-roof sleeper cab, and the first heavy-duty truck with an aerodynamically optimized body design. The Kenworth W900 has been produced continuously since 1961, serving as one of the longest production runs of any vehicle in automotive history. The K100 was also released in 1961. Kenworth traces its roots to the 1912 founding of Gerlinger Motors in Portland, Oregon ;

174-540: A Portland firm, Twohy Brothers, which was its only competitor on the west coast at the time and company was renamed as Pacific Car and Foundry Company. The company manufactured horse or oxen-drawn logging trucks built specifically to address the dense, hilly forests in which the Northwest logging industry operated to transport massive logs. The following years the company specialized in designing air brakes, open cars, refrigerated boxcars for shipment of perishable items and

261-471: A "007 Limited Edition" option package for the W900B. Adopting the same paint livery as the W900B from the movie, the option package was available for any version of the W900B, marking the introduction of the "Extended Hood" option. Along with the specific livery, the option package featured several distinctive features, including gold-plated Kenworth badging, and James Bond "007" emblems. The interior featured

348-504: A W900 with an identical drivetrain). Marketed alongside the W900 for its entire production run, Kenworth would make the final version of the T600 over 25% sleeker than the original. In response to the success of the T600 (by 1986, becoming nearly half of Kenworth production ), other North American truck manufacturers introduced aerodynamically enhanced Class 8 highway trucks of their own, with

435-709: A final number currently has not been released. The special edition Cummins X15 in the Kenworth SAR Legend is painted in Cummins Heritage Beige, similar to the Cummins Big Cam which were in many of the original Kenworth SARs. Previous Australian Kenworth models include: T300 Series - T300, T350, T358, T359, T388 T400 Series - T400, T401, T401 ST, T402, T403, T404/SAR, T408/SAR, T409/SAR (T450, T480) T600 Series - T600, T601, T604, T608, T609 Kenworth W900 The Kenworth W900

522-590: A line of winches from heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar . The same year it brought a new plant in Washington on line to help meet the increased demand for trucks. In 1994 the company began selling in New Zealand for the first time and entered new countries in Asia and Central and South America. The company made its Mexican joint venture VILPAC, S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary in 1995. PACCAR's Winch division

609-472: A major competitor with Kenworth, producing many kinds of trucks and buses. Peterbilt operated as Pacific Car's wholly owned subsidiary until 1960, following which it was dissolved and made a division of Pacific Car and Foundry. Pacific Car's structural steel division made the steel used to build the 50-story Seattle-First National Bank headquarters and to build Seattle's Space Needle in 1961. The firm provided 5,668 steel panels, weighing 58,000 tons, which formed

696-483: A major part of the load bearing walls for New York City's World Trade Center twin towers. The World Trade Center, like the Sea-First building, bore the building's load on the exterior walls rather than on an interior structural skeleton. The steel panels were shipped by rail from Seattle to New York City on more than 1,600 railcars. Pacific Car was the largest contractor of the 13 steel fabricators that provided steel for

783-526: A number of electronics features, including a TV/VCR combination, cassette player, CD player (with CDs including soundtracks from James Bond movies), and an 8-speaker, 300-watt sound system. Coinciding with the 007 Limited Edition, the Extended Hood option was offered to all versions of the W900B, becoming the 130-inch BBC W900L. On the 25th anniversary of the W900L a limited edition model was released:

870-462: A popular basis for truck customization, with owners adding additional chrome trim, wheels, lighting, and paint. Currently, Kenworth produces the W900L at its Renton, Washington assembly facility. In 2018, the W990 was introduced as an all-new flagship conventional, phased in to replace shorter-hood models of the W900 line. In 1956, Kenworth introduced the 900-series conventional-cab truck, replacing

957-569: A raised roof. After the 1982 introduction of the W900B, the W900 continued production in Mexico (Kenmex), adopting the latter model's rectangular headlamps. During 1982, the W900A underwent a redesign, becoming the W900B. Though the update was primarily distinguished by the introduction of rectangular headlamps (round headlamps remained as an option), the vehicle underwent substantial internal changes. To accommodate engine cooling and exhaust changes,

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1044-500: A serious slowdown due to recessions during 1974, PACCAR continued to generate increasing sales throughout the 1970s. PACCAR purchased Wagner Mining Company in 1975, which built underground Mining Vehicles, International Car Company in 1975 and Foden Trucks a British truck manufacturer in 1980. Fodens sold trucks in Europe and Africa . Paccar International was formed in 1972 that promoted exports worldwide. Paccar Technical Center

1131-425: A sloped hood, skirted lower body, and bodywork that closely integrates the front fenders and bumper. The T600 used the cab and frame from the W900B; to accommodate the sloped hood (which included internally-mounted air cleaners) and larger bumpers, the chassis adopted a set-back front axle configuration. Along with reducing turning radius by nearly 25%, fuel economy of the T600 was reduced by over 20% (in comparison to

1218-575: A stand-up Aerodyne sleeper cab (allowing for double beds and clothes closets), the interior was fitted with nearly every available option available on a Kenworth, including refrigerators and hot plates. While the 1976 VIT is a limited edition vehicle, the VIT name remains in use by Kenworth to denote its highest-trim interior configurations. In 1989, a W900B appeared in the James Bond movie Licence to Kill . To showcase its appearance, Kenworth produced

1305-406: A substantial decline in new vehicles and a high rate of vehicle loan defaults forced the company to adapt. In 1932, Kenworth produced its first fire truck ; adapted from its commercial truck, Kenworth fire engines were among the heaviest-duty fire apparatus of the time. In 1933, diesel engines became standard equipment, replacing gasoline engines entirely; at the time, diesel fuel cost 1 ⁄ 3

1392-623: A substantial revision of its commercial truck line, debuting the W900 and the K900 (later renamed the K100); the W and K model prefixes are derived from company founders Worthington and Kent. The W900 debuted the first complete redesign of the Kenworth conventional cab since 1939 with a standard tilting hood. Similar in appearance to the previous K500, the K900/K100 received a taller cab and the doors of

1479-529: A two-tone green 1974 W900A in the series Movin' On . The W900 also appeared in the French educational television program C'est pas sorcier . Numerous B-cab models were prominent in the series Ice Road Truckers. Paccar Paccar Inc. (stylized as PACCAR ) is an American company primarily focused on the design and manufacturing of large commercial trucks through its subsidiaries DAF , Kenworth and Peterbilt sold across markets worldwide. The company

1566-565: Is a component of the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500 stock market indices. The company was founded by William Pigott Sr. as Seattle Car Manufacturing Company in 1905, with a capitalization of $ 10,000. Its original business was the production of railway and logging equipment. The company built a new factory in Renton in 1909 after its Duwamish facility was destroyed in fire as well as to fulfill large number of orders. In 1917 it merged with

1653-517: Is a model line of conventional-cab trucks that are produced by the Kenworth division of PACCAR . The replacement of the 900-series conventional, the W900 is produced as a Class 8 conventional-cab truck primarily for highway use. The "W" in its model designation denotes Worthington , one of the two founders of Kenworth. 63 years after its introduction, the W900 is currently in its third distinct generation (introduced in 1982). At its introduction,

1740-656: Is a subsidiary of Daimler AG and the merged operations of Volvo White and General. This competition forced PACCAR to close its Kenworth assembly plant in Kansas City in April, 1986 and its Peterbilt plant in Newark, California, the following October. PACCAR acquired Trico Industries in 1986 which was a manufacturer of oil exploration equipment based in Gardena, California, for $ 65 million in order to reduce its dependence on

1827-718: Is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington , in the Seattle metropolitan area, and was founded in 1971 as the successor to the Pacific Car and Foundry Company , from which it draws its name. The company traces its predecessors to the Seattle Car Manufacturing Company formed in 1905. In addition to its principal business, the company also has a parts division, a financial services segment, and manufactures and markets industrial winches. The company's stock

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1914-733: The DAF LF . Initially marketed as the K260/K360, the model line was renamed the K270/K370 for 2013. The T660 would be discontinued in 2017. For 2011 production, the T700 replaced the T2000, adopting a larger grille and fender-mounted headlamps. For 2013 production, the T680 was introduced as the third-generation aerodynamic Kenworth conventional, serving as a single replacement for the narrow-body T660 and

2001-549: The Netherlands , an acquisition it first pursued back in the mid-1980s. The acquisition was funded in part by the sale of Trico Industries to EVI in 1997. Financial and leasing subsidiaries also performed well in the late 1990s. In 1998, PACCAR acquired UK-based Leyland Trucks , a manufacturer known for its light and medium truck (6 to 44 metric tons) design and manufacture capability. With its Peterbilt, Kenworth, and DAF nameplates, PACCAR ranks second in production numbers in

2088-680: The 1991 Kenworth T900. There were 257 Kenworth T900 Legends produced, The T900 Legend came with a special edition Cummins X15 painted in black and red to commemorate the Cummins N14 that many of the original T900 came with. In 2021 the third truck in the Kenworth Legend Series was released this being the SAR Legend, a homage to the W900 SAR that was produced from 1975 until 1987. The SAR Legend has sales orders of over 700,

2175-539: The 2008-2017 Kenworth T660 (replacing the T600) shared its cab/sleeper commonality with its predecessor and the W900. In 1976, to commemorate the American Bicentennial , Kenworth introduced a "V.I.T." limited edition (Very Important Trucker) for the W900 and K100. Each model line was produced with 50 VIT vehicles, with each named for a different U.S. state. One of the first Kenworth vehicles fitted with

2262-511: The 500-series introduced in 1939. As with its predecessor, the 900-series shared the chassis of the Kenworth cabover, replacing the "Bullnose" Kenworth COE with the Kenworth K100. As before, a side-opening "butterfly" hood was standard, but a forward tilting fiberglass hood became an option for the first time. In 1961, Kenworth introduced the W900 conventional as the replacement for the 900-series. As part of several major design changes,

2349-470: The 50th anniversary of the company, annual Kenworth sales exceeded 10,000 for the first time for 1973. For 1976, Kenworth launched a flagship customization series, the VIT (Very Important Trucker) with a high level of interior features; distinguished by its skylight windows, the Aerodyne sleeper cab was the first factory-produced sleeper cab with stand-up headroom (for both the W900 and K100). To commemorate

2436-605: The 900-series was introduced with an all-new "drop-frame" chassis, with the CSE cabover replaced by the K-series COE (derived from the 900 series). In 1957, Kenworth ended bus production, selling the rights to its product line (see below). In 1958, Kenworth became a sister company to Peterbilt , as the latter company was acquired by Pacific Car and Foundry. In 1959, the company further expanded its sales base, establishing facilities in Mexico. For 1961 production, Kenworth underwent

2523-692: The 963 off-road extreme heavy-haul truck (2005-present). Structurally, the W900 shares commonality with a wide variety of Kenworth trucks produced in North America through a wide variety of applications. Introduced in 1972, the Kenworth C500 is marketed nearly exclusively in severe-service configurations. Sharing its cab with the W900 (A or B, respectively), the C500 uses a model-specific chassis, offered with multiple axle configurations (including versions with twin steer axles). Introduced in 2005,

2610-499: The American Bicentennial, the VIT series was introduced in a limited-edition series of 50 (with each truck named after a state). In 1982 and 1984, respectively, the W900 and K100 underwent their most substantial revisions, becoming the W900B and K100E. While visually distinguished by the adoption of rectangular headlamps, the updates were centered around upgrading fuel economy, road handling, and reliability. In 1985,

2697-591: The Class 8 Truck market. During the mid-80's PACCAR was negotiating with the Rover Group , for acquiring its British Leyland truck division . However, Rover management decided to sell the truck division to DAF Trucks which was a Dutch automotive concern. Its Dart Truck Company and Wagner Mining Equipment Company were sold in 1984 and 1989 in order to remain profitable. In 1987, PACCAR acquired Al's Auto Supply and Grand Auto Incorporated which led to its entry into

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2784-463: The ICON900. This model is available in limited production numbers and comes with nearly the entire catalog of chrome "brightwork" as well as unique badges to distinguish itself from the standard W900L. To commemorate the centennial of Kenworth, a 900-unit W900L Limited Edition was offered during 2023 production. Offered with the 86-inch Studio Sleeper, 72-inch Flat Top sleeper, and extended day cab,

2871-617: The K300 replacing the MAN-sourced design with a DAF 45 (Leyland Roadrunner) cab. Following declining demand for Class 8 cabovers, the K100E was quietly phased out after 2002 production in North America; Kenworth Australia continuing production of the model line. In 2006, the company released the K500, the largest COE ever produced by the company. Developed primarily for off-highway applications,

2958-511: The K300, as PACCAR shifted production to Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec . In 1993, Kenworth opened its facility in Renton, Washington, as its third United States assembly plant. In 1994, the T300 was introduced as the first Kenworth medium-duty conventional truck, adapting the T600 to a lower-GVWR Class 7 weight rating. The Aerocab sleeper was introduced, integrating the Aerodyne II sleeper cab and

3045-568: The K500 combined the chassis of the heavy-duty C500 and the COE cab of the DAF XF ; all examples produced from 2006 to 2020 were sold for export. In 2008, Kenworth underwent a modernization of its model line. The T600 underwent a substantial revision to its aerodynamics, becoming the T660. The medium-duty T300 was replaced by the Class 5-7 T170/T270/T370 model family. The low-cab COE made its return, based on

3132-533: The Kenworth 963 is the largest truck ever mass-produced by Kenworth (replacing the 1958-2004 953, the final vehicle of the 900-series). Sharing (only) its cab with the W900, the 963 is a 6x6 vehicle developed exclusively for off-road heavy-haul use (primarily for desert oilfields), with the ability to pull up to 500,000 pounds. Introduced for 1985, the Kenworth T600 is the first semitractor to bring an aerodynamically-enhanced design to production, including

3219-450: The Kenworth T600 was released by the company; in contrast to the W900, the T600 was designed with a set-back front axle and a sloped hoodline. While the latter initially proved controversial, the combination improved aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. Intended as an expansion of the Kenworth model line, the success of the T600 would lead to the introductions of similar designs from multiple American truck manufacturers. In 1986,

3306-606: The Kenworth T950 Legend, inspired by the Kenworth T950 that was in production from 1992 - 2007. This model of Kenworth Legend had 75 produced and sold out in 48 hours. The T950 Legend also came with a special edition Cummins ISXe5 engine which was painted in Cummins Heritage Beige. 2017 Saw the second truck in the Kenworth Legend Series released, that being the Kenworth T900 Legend inspired by

3393-730: The T600 facing competition from the Ford Aeromax, International 9400, and Peterbilt 377 by the end of the 1980s, along with the Peterbilt 372 and Freightliner Argosy cabovers. Following the T600, Kenworth debuted a wide variety of sloped-hood trucks based on the T600 and W900, including the T400 regional tractor, T800 heavy-duty truck, along with medium duty trucks (the T300, followed by the T170/T270/T370/T470). While featuring changes to its front bodywork, suspension, and frame,

3480-538: The T680 FCEV with a 10 vehicle demonstration fleet in California . The T680 FCEV is powered with a Toyota hydrogen fuel cell , has six hydrogen tanks and a driving range over 300 miles (480 km) at a full load weight of 80,000 pounds (36,000 kg). In 2022, Kenworth announced a new T680. The T680 Next-Gen was redesigned with the future in mind. The new Next-Gen model has a skinnier, but taller grill than

3567-794: The T800 was introduced, adapting the sloped hoodline and set-back front axle for a heavy-duty chassis; the shorter-hood T400 was introduced in 1988 as a regional-haul tractor. In 1987, Kenworth introduced the Mid-Ranger COE, its first medium-duty truck. Shared with Peterbilt, the Brazilian-produced Mid-Ranger was derived from the MAN G90 (a wide-body version of the Volkswagen LT ). In 1992, the Mid-Ranger became

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3654-550: The United States and third in production numbers globally in "big rig" truck production; behind Mercedes-Benz Group in the US market. Other major heavy-truck competitors include International Motors and Volvo . In December 2011, the organization Public Campaign criticized PACCAR for spending $ 0.76 million on lobbying and not paying any taxes during 2008–2010, instead getting $ 112 million in tax rebates, despite making

3741-623: The United States military. As the war drew to an end Kenworth shifted attention to production of commercial trucks for the postwar market. In 1956 Kenworth lost independent status and became a division directly under Pacific Car and Foundry. In 1954, Pacific Car acquired the Dart Truck Company of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Peterbilt Motors Company , of Oakland, California. Dart built primarily heavy off-highway dump trucks and specialty vehicles. Peterbilt had been

3828-586: The W900 conventional was introduced alongside the K100 COE. As the Kenworth model line was expanded, the W900 became its flagship conventional, with its cab structure used across other model families. Through its production, the W900 has competed against a wide variety of model lines; among owner-operator drivers , the W900 created a rivalry with the Peterbilt 379 (from Paccar sister division Peterbilt) and its successor Peterbilt 389. The model line also remains

3915-512: The W900. To meet increased demand for the new product lines, Kenworth opened a new assembly facility in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1964. From 1964 to 1966, Kenworth nearly doubled its yearly truck sales. In 1968, the company established Kenworth Australia; in place of importation and conversion, right-hand drive trucks were produced and developed in Melbourne, Australia. In 1969 Kenworth hired Gary Ridgway , who worked in their paint department for

4002-400: The W900L (long-hood) was introduced, adding 10 inches of length to the hood. In contrast to the 900-series and 500-series Kenworth conventionals, the cab introduced "bulkhead-style" doors (with full-length hinges). In another change, the roof panel was changed from metal to fiberglass. While functionally different, the W900 retained the wide-style vent windows, with door handles mounted below

4089-590: The World Trade Center towers. In 1970 PACCAR created an overseas manufacturing facility at Bayswater, Melbourne Australia producing Kenworth Trucks to serve the growing developing local and S.E Asian Markets which still trade strongly today, with the first completed locally built truck rolling off the production line in March 1971 with the Australian made vehicle exports commencing in 1975. Despite

4176-573: The automotive parts & accessories retail market that gave the company greater ability to weather periods of national economic downturn. Paccar Parts was created in 1992 in Renton, Washington . The building it was housed in occupied part of the company's historic Pacific Car and Foundry site. In the same year, PACCAR purchased a 21 percent stake in Wood Group ESP which added to its oil field equipment manufacturing. In 1993, PACCAR acquired

4263-407: The bonneted conventional models and the C for heavy haulage, mining, off-road and road train use, and the K range covers the cab over models. As of July 2020 the only models that do not have Twin-Steer configurations are T410 SAR, T610 SAR, T900, C510, C540. Kenworth Australia started building the new range of trucks tying in their 2008 release with the model range being the '08 Series'. This includes

4350-542: The cab of its COE product line, later nicknamed the "Bull-nose" 500-series. By 1950, Kenworth had grown outside the Pacific Northwest, marketing vehicles across the western half of the United States and across nearly 30 countries worldwide. In 1951, the company received an order for 1,700 Model 853s from ARAMCO in the Middle East. The Model 801 was introduced as an earth-moving dump truck, adopting one of

4437-434: The cab was completely redesigned, raising the height of the cab roof and windows and mounting the two windshield panes together. To better allow for engine cooling, the radiator was widened slightly, with the tilting hood made standard. While the headlights remained fender-mounted, the housings were faired into the fenders. For over 60 years, Kenworth has produced three basic versions of the W900 model family, making it among

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4524-846: The company from American Car and Foundry Company in 1934. During the Great Depression in 1930 despite the stock market crash, the company's earnings rose; but as the Great Depression deepened, Pacific Car and Foundry became one of the most depressed businesses in the Northwest. During the late 1930s, Pacific Car and Foundry received government contracts for steel fabrication for construction of Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge as well as orders from other companies. During World War II , Pacific Car and Foundry's sales grew due to an increased demand for steel used in airplanes, airports, bridges, naval ships, highways and other equipment that helped build America's infrastructure to support

4611-404: The company was a car and truck dealership owned by brothers George T. Gerlinger and Louis Gerlinger, Jr. In 1914, the brothers expanded into vehicle manufacturing, marketing a truck named the Gersix. Deriving its name from its inline six-cylinder engine (one of the first trucks equipped with the type), the Gersix was framed in structural steel, intended for commercial use. While the first vehicle

4698-437: The company was renamed Gersix Motor Company. In 1919, Captain Kent retired, with his son Harry Kent replacing him as partner in the company. In 1922, Gersix produced 53 trucks in its final year located at its factory on Fairview Avenue at Valley Street. Following continued strong demand of the model line, the company found itself with $ 60,000 to reincorporate and relocate its headquarters. In January 1923, Gersix Motor Company

4785-417: The doors and changed from a lever-style to a pull-style configuration. In 1973, the Kenworth badging was changed, with a redesigned grille emblem and hood badging. In 1974, a 60-inch flattop double sleeper was introduced as a factory option. In 1976, Kenworth introduced the Aerodyne sleeper cab for the W900A. Distinguished by its twin skylight windows, Aerodyne was the first factory-produced sleeper cab with

4872-748: The drivers' cab as a single unit. In 1996, Kenworth introduced the T2000 as its next-generation aerodynamic conventional. While not directly replacing the T600 and W900, the T2000 was a completely new design (the first from Kenworth since 1961). The first "wide-body" Kenworth conventional, the model shared its cab with Peterbilt, distinguished by its bumper-mounted headlamps. The T2000 was discontinued in 2010. In 1998, parent company PACCAR purchased British truck manufacturer Leyland Trucks, two years after Dutch manufacturer DAF Trucks (the two had been merged as Leyland DAF from 1987 to 1993). Within PACCAR, DAF would develop COE trucks for Kenworth and Peterbilt. In 2000, Kenworth redesigned its medium-duty COE range, with

4959-424: The end of World War II; to accommodate the extensive increase in production, Kenworth introduced an assembly line to produce the vehicle. In 1944, company president Phil Johnson died, leaving ownership split between his wife, and the surviving wife of Harry Kent and another company director. Uninterested in owning the company, all three initially planned to offer their ownership to company employees, but financing for

5046-421: The exterior. Alongside the W900L Limited Edition, a T680 Signature Edition was also created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kenworth. Through its half-century of production, the Kenworth W900 and its many variants have appeared numerous times on film and television. One of the most famous appearances of the model line is in the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit ( alongside the Pontiac Trans Am ). Of

5133-414: The first cab-beside-engine configurations. In 1955, Kenworth began the redesign of its COE product line, launching the CSE (Cab-Surrounding-Engine); in line with the Bull-nose, the CSE shared its underpinnings with the 500-series trucks and did not have a tilting cab. In 1956, Pacific Car and Foundry revised its ownership of Kenworth, changing it from an independent subsidiary to a division. The same year,

5220-417: The first time. In 2020, Kenworth began to pare down the model line, ending production of the W900S (replaced by the W990 and the T880S). Sharing its wider cab with the T680/T880, the W990 is an all-new design distinct from the W900. The extended-hood W900B and W900L remain in current production. Alongside the W900B and L, the B-cab models remaining in production are the C500 (Brute) severe-service truck and

5307-465: The following conventional (bonneted) models; in approximate order of smallest to largest: the T358/A, T408SAR, T408, T608, T658, T908 and C508. The only cab over truck built was the K108, which was very popular in the B-Double market segment owing to its shorter length. The Kenworth "Legend" Series is a limited production truck based on a previous models styling with modern improvements such as safety and environmental. Originally commencing in 2015 with

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5394-409: The hoodline was raised, requiring the cab to be mounted higher on the frame. New modular electrical components were introduced, a completely new cab and sleepers, new frame, and many other features replaced or updated features from the A model. Since its 1982 introduction, the W900B has been expanded a three-vehicle series. In 1987, the W900S was introduced as a severe-service conventional, adopting

5481-478: The interior was automatically upgraded to the Limited Edition Diamond VIT trim (in all-black). On the glovebox, each unit featured a special badge and their sequential build number. The option package included "Kenworth 100" badging on the sleeper exterior, sofa bed, seats, sun visor, and exhaust shields. A "Centennial" paint striping design was offered as an option (on sleeper cabs ), with red frame rails and special-design "Kenworth 100" wheels included as part of

5568-403: The introduction of the W900S and W900L variants, several functional changes have been made to the W900B (along with changes to the powertrain to comply with upgraded emissions standards). In late 1994, the W900B/900L received the AeroCab/Aerodyne 2 as an option (shared with the T600B). The Aerocab featured a raised roof and a full-width curved windscreen (in one-piece or two-piece configurations);

5655-449: The longest-lived automotive designs ever produced. The "narrow-hood" W900 was produced from 1961 to 1964; the "wide hood" W900A was produced from 1965 to September 1982. From late 1982 to the present day, the third-generation W900B has been produced (the "B" was later dropped). A heavy-duty W900S (sloped hood) was introduced in 1987; it is similar in appearance to the T800, except for its set-forward front axle and raised chassis. In 1990,

5742-584: The next 32 years, during which time he murdered 48 women as the "Green River Killer" During the 1970s, the company underwent further expansion, adding an all-new facility in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1974. The W900 and K100 underwent their most substantial revisions, becoming the W900A and K100C. Kenworth added two new product lines in 1972, adding the C500 6x6 severe-service conventional and the Hustler low-cab COE (developed jointly with Peterbilt and produced in Canada). The same year, parent company Pacific Car and Foundry adopted its current name PACCAR . Coinciding with

5829-400: The offer was never completed. In 1945, ownership of the company changed as Pacific Car and Foundry Company negotiated its purchase of Kenworth as a wholly owned subsidiary. By the end of 1946, Kenworth relocated again, following the purchase of a former Fisher Body factory by Pacific Car and Foundry; this would house all Kenworth manufacturing under a single roof. In 1948, Kenworth redesigned

5916-430: The onset of World War II, Kenworth converted to war production, supplying the Army with 4-ton 6x6 M-1 recovery vehicles. In 1943, the company became a supplier for Boeing, manufacturing components for the B–17 and B– 29 bombers. To maintain its government contracts, Kenworth commenced production of the M-1 wrecker at a temporary facility in Yakima, Washington. In total, the company would supply the Army with 1,930 wreckers by

6003-692: The original T680. It has a completely all-new front bumper. Like the 579 Next-Gen (See Peterbilt ), it has an all-new interior and steering wheel. As of current production, Kenworth offers the following vehicles in North America. The headquarters for Kenworth Australia is located in Bayswater, Victoria where all Australian models are assembled. The first Kenworth model in Australia was the KWS925, imported fully built in 1962. Soon later, Kenworths were imported in complete knock-down kits and assembled in Preston, Victoria . Australian built Kenworth models are also exported to nearby RHD markets in New Zealand, Japan, Thailand and Papua New Guinea. The T range includes

6090-448: The price of gasoline. In another design innovation, Kenworth introduced the first factory-produced sleeper cab. In 1935, the Motor Carrier Act was passed, introducing new size and weight regulations for the trucking industry in the United States; to comply with the legislation, Kenworth underwent an extensive redesign of its truck line. To match weight regulations, the new trucks received aluminum cabs and axle hubs; four-spring suspension

6177-441: The sloped hood of the T800. In 1990, the W900L was introduced as an extended-hood variant of the W900B (increasing the BBC from 120 to 130 inches). Initially produced as a limited edition (to commemorate the W900B model's appearance in Licence to Kill ), the W900L became a full-production vehicle. Competing against the Peterbilt 379 and International 9300, the W900L became one of the most popular Kenworth models. Following

6264-406: The three W900s, driven by Jerry Reed , one example is a 1973; two are from 1974. The W900B was prominent in the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill ; initially offered as a limited edition commemorating the film. Several W990s, along with some T680s, are seen in the 2021 movie The Ice Road . In television, the W900 was centrally featured in a number of appearances. Claude Akins appeared in

6351-452: The two-piece flat windshield remained available on standard-configuration day cabs. As an option, an extended-BBC configuration was introduced for day cabs (resulting from the design of the raised roof). The 86-inch Studio Sleeper was introduced in 1998; at the time, one of the largest factory-produced sleeper cabs ever designed. In 2006, the W900S received a curved windshield as an option for

6438-405: The universal trailer which could be pulled by a truck. The company also manufactured structural steel that was finished by hand that was used to create columns and girders that went into many Seattle-area buildings. In 1924, the founder, William Pigott sold a controlling interest in the company to American Car and Foundry Company . However, his son, Paul Pigott reacquired a significant interest in

6525-560: The war effort. Pacific Car also sub-contracted for Boeing, building aluminum wing spars for B-17 bombers. During 1942 and 1943 the company also built M4A1 Sherman tanks for the U.S. Army. The company was able to cast almost all the parts for the tanks at its own foundry. Other notable vehicles that were built included the M25 tank transporter , known as the "Dragon Wagon," and the T28 super-heavy tank . Everett-Pacific Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company

6612-457: The wide-body T700. The T700 was discontinued in 2014 while the T660 was discontinued in 2017 (32 years after the introduction of the T600). Sharing the same cab as the T680, the T880 was introduced as the first wide-body Kenworth for vocational applications, alongside the W900S and the T800 model family. In 2018, the W990 was introduced as the flagship conventional of the Kenworth model line. Sharing

6699-457: The wide-body cab of the T680 and T880, the W990 is the longest-hood conventional ever produced by Kenworth. As of current production, the W900 remains part of the Kenworth model line (six decades after its introduction). For 2021 production, Kenworth introduced three model lines of electric vehicles, with the K270E, K370E, and T680E powered by battery-electric powertrains. In 2021, Kenworth launched

6786-410: The windows. In 1965, the W900 underwent its first major change and was renamed the W900A. To accommodate larger diesel engines, the long hood was lengthened several inches to further increase radiator size. For 1972, the doors of the W900 were changed, with the model adapting larger windows, and correspondingly narrower vent windows; for ease of use, the door handles were re-positioned to the bottom of

6873-634: Was a prime contractor during the Korean War for producing tanks. Pacific Car chose to subcontract many of the necessary parts, boosting smaller businesses in the state. In 1945 Pacific Car purchased the Kenworth Motor Truck Corporation which was named after the stockholders Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington. Kenworth had been producing trucks in Seattle since it was incorporated in 1923. During World War II , Kenworth produced trucks, airplane assemblies and sub-assemblies for

6960-608: Was completed largely as a side project, the heavy-duty construction of the Gersix found itself in demand by loggers in the Northwest. In 1916, Gerlinger Motors relocated from Portland to Tacoma, Washington , leasing a building from Seattle businessman Edgar K. Worthington. In 1917, Gerlinger Motors filed for bankruptcy and was put up for sale, with E.K. Worthington acquiring the company with business partner Captain Frederick Kent. To emphasize its connection to truck manufacturing,

7047-770: Was disbanded. In 1983 the Paccar Rail Leasing Inc subsidiary in Renton WA and the RAILEASE Inc subsidiary in Bellevue WA were disbanded. In 1986 the Pacific Car and Foundry subsidiary in Renton WA was renamed to Paccar Defense Systems Division. In 1984 PACCAR posted record sales in its history of $ 2.25 billion. In the mid-1980s, PACCAR share of Class 8 trucks dropped to about 18% owing to aggressive competition from Freightliner Trucks , which

7134-597: Was established in 1942 that built ships and other marine products for the US Navy in Port Gardner Bay in Everett. It was bought by Pacific Car and Foundry in 1944. After World War II ended, Pacific Car was a part of the federal government's Mobilization Planning Program, which meant that it promised to devote 100 percent of its facilities to military production in the event of a national emergency. The company

7221-705: Was established in 1980 in Mount Vernon, Washington , as a research and testing facility. The facility included test tracks, engine test cells, materials test laboratories and structural laboratories. The tech center conducts an Open House event every April that coincides with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival . In 1983 the International Car Co Division in Kenton Ohio, which had been acquired on December 1, 1975,

7308-453: Was increased from two vehicles a week to three; the same year, manufacturing began in Canada (to avoid import taxes). In 1929, E.K. Worthington retired, with Harry Kent becoming company president. In another change, to accommodate increased demand, Kenworth relocated to a larger factory within Seattle. The onset of the Great Depression hit the company hard; initially in good financial health,

7395-547: Was introduced, with torsion bars for the rear axles. In 1936, Kenworth introduced the Model 516, its first cabover (COE) truck; the tandem-axle 346 was introduced for 1937. In 1937, Harry Kent died, with Philip Johnson becoming company president. In 1939, Kenworth introduced its 500-series trucks, which would form the basis of its commercial truck line into the mid-1950s. By the end of the 1930s, demand for trucks began to recover, with Kenworth producing 226 trucks in 1940. Following

7482-463: Was one of the world's largest manufacturer of industrial winches by 1994. Paccar International marketed trucks to more than 40 countries, and was one of the largest exporters of capital goods in North America by 1995. Kenworth truck factory in Renton, Washington , was opened on June 4, 1993. In 1997 Mark Pigott assumed PACCAR's presidency as Charles Pigott retired in 1997. In 1996, the company spent $ 543 million to acquire DAF Trucks N.V. based in

7569-658: Was reincorporated as the Kenworth Motor Truck Company, combining the names of partners Ken t and Worth ington. Under the new name, the company relocated within Seattle to 506 Mercer Street, and later to 1263 Mercer Street. In contrast to car manufacturers, Kenworth abstained from assembly lines, instead constructing vehicles in individual bays. The company also introduced a practice of building vehicles to customer specification (a practice still offered by Kenworth today). In 1926, Kenworth expanded its product line, introducing its first bus. In 1927, production

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