Kenworth NavPlus Now Available For Order On Kenworth Class 5-8 Trucks

KIRKLAND, Wash., Aug. 25, 2011 — Kenworth Truck Company announced today that the revolutionary Kenworth NavPlus® is now available for order on Kenworth Class 5-8 trucks.

Kenworth NavPlus, a PACCAR proprietary navigation and business technology system, is standard on Kenworth trucks with all premium interior trim offerings and on Kenworth diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The system is available as an optional upgrade with all other Kenworth interior trim packages.

“The Kenworth NavPlus system comes at a good time for the trucking industry,” said Judy McTigue, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research. “With high diesel fuel prices, truck operators and fleets must be even more productive while still meeting more stringent regulations. Kenworth NavPlus provides truck operators and fleets a more productive and smarter way to travel down the highway.”

The factory-installed, in-dash system is designed for life on the road. At the heart of Kenworth NavPlus is an on-board navigation system, which provides drivers with true truck-optimized routes from Garmin, customized to truck and load specifications, McTigue said. The system also offers information about height and weight limits so drivers can steer clear of restricted roads and streets.

But Kenworth NavPlus is much more than just navigation. NavPlus integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Drivers can pair it with their compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free. The system, which is voice-recognition-enabled for phone dialing, logs phone calls, imports contact information, and enables text messaging for those using a Bluetooth device. Drivers can hear the calls through the cab’s sound system.

Kenworth NavPlus also offers audio controls (including satellite-enabled radio, AM/FM, CD, MP3 and USB), and camera inputs for up to four optional video cameras for monitoring the truck and trailer. An optional cellular modem allows drivers to connect to Sprint, which provides mobile connectivity services. That means when the truck is parked and not in motion, the driver can access the Internet to look up favorite websites to search for loads, news and weather updates, and check personal email.

With a touch of the 7-inch, high-resolution color screen, the driver has quick and easy access to all of these features. In addition, roadside assistance is available by touching the on-screen “PACCAR” pre-programmed button, which automatically dials the PACCAR Customer Call Center, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Six virtual gauges provide current information on truck operation. Oil temperature, transmission temperature, manifold boost, current and average fuel economy, diesel particulate filter (DPF) status and percentage of torque come pre-loaded. Kenworth NavPlus uses the commercial vehicle J1939 SAE standard for communication, full vehicle monitoring (including hybrid system status) and  diagnostics. The system is fully compatible with the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst (ESA), a computer-base diagnostics tool which simplifies troubleshooting.

Developed on the award-winning Windows Embedded Automotive software platform, Kenworth NavPlus can be updated and its features and functionality set expanded over time. With the potential to add new applications and services, Kenworth can continue delivering new and fresh experiences to its customers.

“Kenworth NavPlus can make driving a more enjoyable and less stressful experience, a key consideration for truck carriers and fleets interested in keeping their good drivers,”  McTigue said.

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. Kenworth is the only truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. In addition, the fuel-efficient Kenworth T700 equipped with the low-emission PACCAR MX engine was named the 2011 Commercial Heavy Duty Truck of the Year by the American Truck Dealers. Kenworth is also the recipient of J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for both 2011 Heavy Duty Truck Dealer Service and 2010 Medium Duty Truck Dealer Service. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.