Kenworth launches new conventional cab

Kenworth revealed its new conventional cab and ‘Business Class' interior at Melbourne's recent 2014 ITTES

Drawing its fair share of attention at the PACCAR World display at Melbourne’s 2014 International Truck, Trailer & Equipment Show (ITTES) was Kenworth’s new conventional cab with ‘Business Class’ interior, which will be introduced across the marque’s entire range of bonneted trucks from May 2014.

Inspired by the positive feedback received after the launch of the cab-over K200’s new interior, the roll-out of the new cab across Kenworth’s entire conventional truck range follows two years of research and development.

The cab features uniform dimensions across Kenworth’s seven bonneted models which, according to the brand’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou, has resulted in an extra bonus for buyers of T359, T659 and C509 models.

“The new T359 cab has a higher ceiling and more depth,” he says.

“This provides more head space and room for seat adjustment, which will benefit larger drivers. The T659 and the C509 cabs also have more seat room and a curved windscreen, which is now standard across the conventional truck range.”

Other highlights of the Business Class interior including Kenworth’s Smart Wheel steering wheel with integrated finger-tip controls, a curved dash and overhead console, a privacy curtain and full-length grab rails.

Hadjikakou says the new layout has many benefits.

“We have relocated items from the console so they are easier to reach,” he says.

“This has allowed us to make room for more storage areas in the console but, most importantly, it has reduced distraction and improved the field of vision.”

Many electrical service items and circuitry are now found behind a panel in front of the passenger seat, aiding maintenance access, while the steering wheel controls include those for vital functions such as the engine brake, cruise control and high beam.

Light contemporary colours add to the feeling of spaciousness, while Hadjikakou says the uniform approach has benefits for fleet operators, too.

“The new cab enables fleet owners, with more than one Kenworth model, to have a uniform look and feel to the cabs,” he says.

“This allows them to standardise their workshop processes and practices, making servicing and repairs more efficient. Also, having a common interior with all essential equipment in the same place means fleet drivers who switch from on model to another will have a dramatically reduced learning curve.”

The static display of the new cab received plenty of attention at the ITTES, while each of the six bonneted Kenworths on display at the show also featured the new cab and interior.

Kenworth models fitted with the new cab can be ordered now and will be available from May.

Kenworth launches new conventional cab

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