Buyers of Kenworths can now get its new on-board satellite navigation system which was introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Available on all Kenworth on-highway conventional models, the Alpine DVD-based system provides visual as well as verbal directions to delivery points across the United States and select points in Canada. The driver or passenger can view the swivel-mounted, flat-panel display which offers easy-to-use, push-button selection controls. Kenworth says it is the first OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to offer an on-board satellite navigation system as an option. The builder has already delivered trucks equipped with the system to Joplin, Mo.-based Contract Freighters (CFI) and Frock Brothers of New Oxford, Pa.

Features of the system include include natural sounding voice for verbal directions; close-up mode to show great detail, even what lane to proceed in; interchanges shown accurately, including off-ramps that do not allow for re-entry; "miles to destination" and "arrival time" for tracking ETA; programmable "beep points" to inform drivers they are approaching landmarks and points of interest; a GPS clock, which automatically adjusts itself to the correct time, even across different time zones; and an "address book" to record and recall destinations.