Kenworth's 100-Year Journey: From Dream to Success
Step back in 1923, when Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington faced a daunting task - to help loggers haul those heavy loads. Their dream was to build a truck that could handle any job without backing down. The company sold 80 trucks in the next year. And that was just the beginning.
Today, Kenworth has become one of the leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks in North America, and this year, they are celebrating their 100-year anniversary!
“Kenworth’s storied history over the past 100 years provides much to be proud about. From being the first U.S. truck manufacturer to offer a diesel engine as standard equipment in 1933 to selling Kenworth trucks with an electric powertrain today, it’s been quite a journey,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.
Key Facts:
- Kenworth was founded in 1923 by Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington, originally focused on building trucks for logging operations.
- The company sold 80 trucks in its second year of operation, marking early growth in the heavy-duty truck market.
- Kenworth introduced milestones in innovation, including being the first U.S. truck manufacturer to offer diesel engines as standard equipment in 1933.
- In 2023, Kenworth marked its 100-year anniversary, celebrating a century of heavy-duty truck manufacturing in North America.
- Anniversary releases included the T680 Signature Edition, available in 76-inch sleeper configurations with a redesigned interior.
- Kenworth also introduced a Limited Edition W900L anniversary truck and a 53-foot Great Dane step-deck display trailer showcasing its 100-year history.
Special Edition Trucks
In celebration of Kenworth's 100th anniversary, the company has released special models of two of its flagship trucks.
The T680 Signature Edition is available in 76-inch mid- and high-roof sleeper configurations. It features a black interior with traditional red stitching accents throughout the cab and sleeper, marking it as a Kenworth best truck.
"This Kenworth T680 Signature Edition is an excellent choice for owner-operators and fleets looking for an outstanding reward truck for their top drivers," said Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
This year, the company provided the Midwest Specialized Transportation drivers with a special Limited Edition Anniversary W900L truck. This exceptional truck, considered a Kenworth best truck, was chosen to haul the anniversary trailer on a tour of North America.
This exceptional truck, considered a Kenworth best truck, was chosen to haul the anniversary trailer on a tour of North America.
The special trailer is a Great Dane 53-ft. step-deck van that features an extensive timeline of Kenworth’s history, video presentations, vintage Kenworth badges, and more. On August 25 and 26, it will make its way to Iowa, Oregon, and Kentucky, celebrating the centenario.
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Reflecting on this monumental event, Kevin Baney says: “100 years only comes around once”.
The company is also introducing four new paint colors for Class 8 and medium-duty trucks: Century Platinum, Century Black Red, Century Red and Century Gold.
Bright Night Glow
In August, the 30th Annual Brooks Truck Show will present the "Night Glow" with a display of both old and new trucks. And in honor of the anniversary, the headliner of this year's show will be Kenworth. Like a star, it will represent a century of change and excellence.
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