KENWORTH TRUCK COMPANY BRINGS NEW LOOK HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK TO MARKET.

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1996--Kenworth Truck Company, a Kirkland-based manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, reports motorists will soon see a startling new companion on the road.

According to Barry Langridge, Kenworth's general manager, the company's just-introduced T2000 is a significant departure from any truck the motoring public has ever seen before. "Its styling is quite unique, and we're sure it will turn heads on the freeway," said Langridge, noting that the T2000's styling means more to the trucking industry than just good looks. "This vehicle represents Kenworth's most aerodynamic vehicle ever, and it sets new standards in weight, performance and driver comfort -- all while being designed to reduce operating costs for the truck operator."

The trucking industry got its first glimpse of the T2000 today at the International Trucking Show in Las Vegas, and initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. "Kenworth is pushing truck design to the next level," offered Joe Pradovic Sr., director of maintenance for Millis Transfer, a Black River Falls, Wis. company that specializes in beverage transport. "The T2000's width and its sleek lines -- with its composite body and smooth finish -- are what I really like about it."

According to Langridge, in addition to offering truck operators a more productive vehicle, the T2000 will be a motorist-friendly truck. "With the sloped hood and aerodynamic design of the T2000, we've reduced splash and spray while improving the truck driver's line of vision in front of the vehicle," said Langridge. "The T2000 is very easy to share the road with," he said, adding that Kenworth design engineers also chose to lower the placement of the T2000's headlamps -- closer to the level of automobile headlights. "We didn't just think of our own industry in the design process. We felt the truck must be accepted by the motoring public."

The new truck is also expected to be friendlier at the fuel pump, said Langridge. "The T2000 is over 30 percent more fuel efficient than the traditional, straight-hooded trucks produced just 10 years ago," he said. "Fuel represents the largest operating cost for truck operators and every tenth of a mile-per-gallon translates into extra revenue per year."

While economical at the fuel pump, the T2000's design allows for one of the roomiest, most comfortable Kenworths ever, with many features that rival luxury automobiles.

"A long-haul truck driver may spend 10 hours a day behind the wheel and often travels more than 120,000 miles per year," said Langridge. "We worked very hard to make the T2000 as comfortable as possible."

Kenworth designers accomplished this by widening the cab, creating a roomier working environment. Behind the wheel, access to driver controls are improved with a wraparound dash -- tested to accommodate drivers of various sizes. Gauges are large and well lit, while the dash console integrates space for a stereos, radios and other electronic equipment -- all within easy reach. Air-ride seats come standard on the T2000. Other amenities include cupholders, a secure place for the driver log book, plus an optional dash console that can accommodate satellite communication system keyboards.

Since long-haul truck drivers require a sleeping compartment behind the cab, the T2000 is equipped with a 75-inch (front to back) sleeper, available with lower and upper bunks. A modular cabinet system, optional fold-out desk, refrigerator and TV package help make the sleeper a comfortable living environment.

CONTACT: Michael Wasem, 206/392-2611