Improved ergonomics, contemporary styling, an improved HVAC system and additional storage are key features of Kenworth's new cab interior for its T600, T800, W900 and C500 models announced today.

"Kenworth places a great deal of emphasis on building trucks that are comfortable and convenient for drivers," said Ed Caudill, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. "Our engineers continually strive to enhance Kenworth's premium products to provide even greater driver comfort.

In designing this new cab interior, we listened closely to suggestions and recommendations from fleet customers and Kenworth Drivers' Board members to help hit their customer satisfaction target."

To enhance driver ergonomics and convenience, Kenworth's new interior design features a standard wrap-around instrument panel, easy-to-reach dash location for placement of an AM/FM radio, and rotary controls for the heater/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system.

"The wrap-around design makes the cab almost like being in a jet cockpit," said Steve Gilligan, Kenworth general marketing manager. "This set-up enables the driver to easily reach all the controls and read all the gauges. We selected rotary dials because customers told us that they're easier to use."

Paying close attention to detail, Kenworth further enhanced the dash by installing rocker-style switches in the key-switch panel, a dedicated light-switch panel, and a flush-mounted knob for the wiper switch. Driver survey results had a significant impact on switch selections.

Under-dash trim and a steering column shroud provide an additional level of noise dampening. Soundproof insulation is placed underneath the trim and shroud.

To help make driving more comfortable, Kenworth added an under-dash console. The standard console comes complete with driver and passenger cup holders, storage compartment, ashtray, lighter and 12-volt power outlet.

The "premium console" upgrades the standard package by offering an extra ashtray and power outlet, plus a premium soft-touch vinyl surface. The lighter and ashtrays are also backlit for driver convenience in this package. When drivers exit the vehicle, the steering column can be easily elevated by an optional foot pedal release.

On the road, drivers will especially appreciate an improved HVAC system that features new louvers and ducting.

"We added split ventilation between the defrost and floor modes, so that the driver can get heat coming up from the floor while defrosting the windows at the same time," Gilligan said. "We also now have two floor vents per side, which improves heating and cooling at floor level. In addition, we improved the side-window defrost. All told, we believe that drivers will enjoy the new HVAC system as it reflects what they told us was most important to them."

When it comes to styling, new interior colors are available and seat coverings have been improved. "As an option, we're now offering Mordura(TM) fabric which is very durable and stain resistant," Gilligan said. "The new colors and fabric give the Kenworth cab a very contemporary look, and many drivers prefer the fabric seats over leather."

First production of Kenworth models with the new cab interior will begin during the first week of March. See your Kenworth dealer for more details.

The new cab interior also will be displayed in the Kenworth booth at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville on March 22-24.

Kenworth Truck Company, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com.

Kenworth New Cab Interior Summary

New Standard Features

• Improved Ergonomics
• Wrap-around instrument panel
• Radio location in dash
• Rotary HVAC controls
• New throttle pedal
• Rocker style switches in key switch panel
• New dedicated light-switch panel
• New wiper switch flush-mounted knob

Improved Driver Convenience

• Driver and passenger cup holders
• Ashtray
• Lighter
• 12-volt power outlet
• Storage compartment
• New HVAC Features for Improved Driver Comfort
• New louvers and ducting
• Rotary HVAC controls
• Floor / defrost mixed mode
• Improved floor air flow for driver

Contemporary Styling & New Colors

• Under-dash trim and steering column shroud provide a more finished look and additional noise barrier.
• New interior upholstery colors present a more contemporary look.
• Vinyl replaces fabric as the standard Splendor headliner material.

New Options

• Mordura(TM) fabric replaces vinyl/fabric seat covering
• Premium soft-touch under-dash console which includes:
• Driver and passenger cup holders
• Two ashtrays with backlighting
• Lighter with backlighting
• Two 12-volt power outlets
• Storage compartment
• Foot pedal release on adjustable steering columns
• Glove box door bracket for use with Qualcomm tracking system