Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende officially opened a state-of-the-art DAF Engine Test Centre in Eindhoven in The Netherlands. The engine test facility has 20 advanced test cells and isaid to be one of the most modern in the world.

“The Test Centre will play an important role in the future development of more efficient and cleaner engines, and enable DAF to build on its leading position in engine development,” said Aad Goudriaan, president of DAF Trucks.

“The investment of over $85 million in this ultramodern Test Centre also underlines the importance our parent company Paccar. attaches to the knowledge and experience that DAF has built up in more than fifty years of engine development and production.”

Apart from engines for DAF, the company also develops engines for Peterbilt and Kenworth, the other truck marques of Paccar.

Paccar Australia have announced a recall for some Kenworth models. The recall covers some K108 and K104B models.

The number of truck effected is 189 vehicles built in 2007 and 2008. The VIN Range affected is: 6F50000007A433195 to 65F0000008A438755 (not inclusive).

The clip that holds the Variable Valve Actuator (VVA) oil supply line is missing. The omission of the VVA oil line clip could result in premature wear of the line causing an oil leak and potential fire hazard

Paccar say cutomers affected will be notified via registered mail.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines made by Westport, as seen at the recent Melbourne Truck Show in the Innovation Kenworth, are starting to make progress in the US market with a sale of 20 HPDI LNG engines to a single customer in California.

HayDay Farms of Blythe, California has ordered 20 heavy duty liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks featuring Westport’s High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology. Fitted to Kenworth T800s and based on the Cummins ISX diesel engine with cooled EGR, the LNG version of the engine offers the same horsepower, torque, and efficiency as the base diesel engine rating it is replacing.

LNG tank system on Kenworth Innovation Truck

“At over US$4 per gallon for diesel and the natural gas equivalent at approximately US$3 per gallon, purchasing LNG trucks delivering the same torque and efficiency just makes sense,” said Dale Tyson, Vice President of HayDay Farms. “Running LNG trucks with Westport’s HPDI technology can help reduce fuel costs and harmful emissions providing economic and environmental drivers in line with HayDay’s core business values.”

“Providing a highly efficient, low-emission Westport ISX G 15 litre engine with a comprehensive support program for customers like HayDay Farms gives Westport a distinct competitive advantage,” stated Michael Gallagher, President & Chief Operating Officer of Westport Innovations. “The economic drivers in concert with environmental benefits for customers like HayDay Farms are now creating unprecedented interest in our new natural gas fuel systems for heavy duty trucks.”

The Westport LNG system comprises LNG fuel tanks, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, cryogenic fuel pumps and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation.

The Westport LNG system for North American markets is available with 400 and 450 horsepower ratings and up to 1,750 lb-ft torque for heavy-duty port, goods distribution and other commercial truck applications. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer range requirements. Trucks are eligible for federal tax credits in the United States and may be eligible for other state-specific emissions credits.

No photos are available before the unveiling at the Melbourne Truck Show of Kenworth’s ‘Innovation Truck’, a peek into the future of Australian trucking. Powered by one of the first natural gas engines currently being trialed in Australia, the vehicle features dozens of other major innovations to improve environmental performance and increase productivity, performance and safety at the same time.

The Australian manufacturer spent 12 months developing the vehicle in collaboration with leading edge suppliers in Australia, North America and Europe, some of which have invested years researching and refining advanced componentry and prototype systems.

“Kenworth’s Innovation Truck is a lot more than a concept vehicle,” said PACCAR Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou “It’s a highly practical vehicle, combining the latest technological innovations that may one day be available in every truck.”

Hadjikakou said that, when the company began the project, it had three major objectives in mind. “We wanted to build a vehicle that was environmentally-friendly, employed the highest safety standards and used the latest technological innovations for more pleasant and productive transport.”

The Innovation Truck is based on Kenworth’s new flagship prime mover, the T608, which was released earlier this year. Rated at 97,000 kg GCM, the vehicle is powered by a 15-litre Cummins ISX engine, producing 550 hp (@1800 rpm) and 1850 lb/ft (@1200 rpm). The engine has been customised with a HPDI (high pressure direct injection) liquefied natural gas (LNG) system. It performs with the same horsepower, torque and high efficiency as diesel, while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and particulate matter and also producing impressive fuel cost savings.

The vehicle features Australia’s first Eaton 18-speed UltraShift Electronic Clutch Actuation (ECA) automated transmission which, for the first time in the world, has been coupled with a LNG engine.

The Innovation Truck includes a wide range of advanced safety features to protect both the driver and the community as a whole such as:

• An advanced anti-lock braking system that incorporates automatic traction control with ESP and Adaptive Cruise Control to help manage a potential jackknife or rollover.
• A speed limit management system that warns and can automatically reduce vehicle speed to conform with the current speed limit.
• A Lane Departure Warning System that alerts the driver when they unintentionally leave their lane or begin to drive erratically.
• Side and rear navigation cameras which eradicate blind spots.
• A newly-designed dashboard, featuring two LCDs which replace the clutter of conventional gauges and dials, and display video from the navigation cameras.
• An ultrasonic sensor that detects small objects in front of the vehicle while operating in restricted spaces, such as a service station.
• GPS-based tracking and recovery system that can pinpoint the vehicle’s location and download vital data, including faults, for remote diagnosis.
• Side airbags and advanced seat belt technology.

The Innovation Truck’s cabin is not only a safe working environment, it’s also a pleasant home away from home, which features:

• Bluetooth technology for wireless connection to various electronic and telecommunication devices, all of which can utilise the inbuilt stereo system.
• A 50-inch integrated sleeper, incorporating a 19-inch LCD for entertainment.
• Keyless entry and start-up, using secure Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
• Electroluminance ambient lighting for improving distance and depth perception while driving at night.
• High output, low power High Intensity Discharge (HID) exterior and LED interior lights, replacing all incandescent globes.

Other innovative features include:

• Next generation, wide-based single drive axle tyres
• Tyre pressure monitor
• A military-grade ultra capacitor battery
• Head-up display
• Auto-wiper controls
• Auto headlight sensor
• Cornering driving lamp
• Disc brakes, front and rear
• Solar panels for recharging batteries and powering appliances.

A number of these innovations will soon filter through to the marketplace. The capacitor, HID headlights and LED interior lighting as well as the Lane Departure Warning System and Object Detection System are expected to be introduced to some Kenworth models in the near future.

“Kenworth has learnt a great deal from developing this truck,”Hadjikakou said. “We opened ourselves up to a new way of thinking outside of conventional trucking and, having consulted a large number of experts in various fields, we have become aware of new and exciting innovations.

“Some were originally developed for a home or entertainment environment but, as home and work converge, they become more applicable, especially for transport operators. All in all, Kenworth’s Innovation Truck is designed to show what is possible, a vehicle that is built for rugged conditions and yet is environmentally-friendly; a vehicle that is highly productive and yet is comfortable and safe to drive.”

Previewed together for the first time at the Melbourne Show, Kenworth say they are proud to announce the introduction of the T3 Series of truck models comprising the T358 and the all new T388.

The all new T388 complements the already comprehensive T358 range and provides the ideal truck for applications requiring up to 470 horsepower and 1650 lbft

The T3 Series is now available in a range of models with vocational specs tailor-made to suit their intended niche markets. There are now a total of six models available T358P, T358R, T358A, T388P, T388R and T388CC; representing Prime Movers, Rigid Trucks, Agitator and Car Carrier applications.

“At Kenworth we constantly refine and develop our product range to remain abreast of evolving customer needs and the changing road freight task. Our continuing conversation with our customers remains a major part of our dynamic product range development process as evidenced by the new T3 Series,” says Paccar Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou.

The T3 model range extensively covers metropolitan and intrastate applications from 260 horsepower metro delivery T358 rigid trucks through to 470 horsepower T388 intra-state prime movers.

Visually, the T3 family resemblance is obvious with the aerodynamic T358-style hood evident on the T388 with its rise in frontal hood profile to accommodate the larger cooling package. Bumper to front axle dimensions on all T3’s are identical.

Likewise, they all have a 106” bumper to back of cab (day cab) dimension offering maximum capacity and being suited to a wide variety of applications. Sleeper options of a 28” IT or 36” flat roof/recessed back are also available, depending on the model. Dependant on the model, configurations are available in 4 x 2, 6×4, 8×4 and 10×4.

The T358 now includes three purpose built models – T358P, T358R and T358A.

All T358 models are ideally suited to applications requiring horsepower from 260 hp through to 350 hp and up to 40 tonnes GCM. These trucks offer good forward visibility, egonomics and a tight turning circle, making light work of high density and congested spaces.

Suited to short haul or metro delivery single trailer applications, the T358P is a low tare weight prime mover. Options including Caterpillar C9 350 hp, Autoshift Fuller transmissions and features such as the 28” IT Sleeper allow customer’s specific needs and preferences to be met.

The T358R is the solution for rigid truck applications up to 350 hp. Available in 6×4, 4×2 and 8×4 configurations, there is a T358R for every job from flatbeds and water trucks to dry vans and curtain sided body trucks.

The ready mixed concrete market is well catered for with the popular T358A aimed specifically at 6×4, 8×4, and now 10×4 agitator business. Allowing for bowl sizes up to 9 cubic metres, the T358A is the perfect low tare weight, highly productive and driver friendly alternative. The T358 can be tailored with Allison Automatic transmission and rubber block rear suspension options.

The T388 is the latest addition to the Kenworth Model Range, offering all of the advantages for which Kenworth is renowned, in a compact package providing for markets requiring up to 470hp.

Available in three model specifications with Caterpillar C13 ACERT engines to 470 hp and 1650 ft lb, Eaton transmissions up to RTLO18918 speed including Autoshift and Ultrashift options and 46,000Lb axles, there is a T388 ready for every application.

T388P is a prime mover aimed at metro and intrastate 50 to 60 tonnes GCM applications but still requiring the same advantages of short BBC, good forward visibility and tight turning circle. Available in day, 28”IT and 36” sleeper configurations it is well suited to a variety of single trailer and 19M B-Double combinations such as tankers and tippers.

The T388R complements the rest of the T3 series by offering a number of options specifically targeting the rigid truck and tipper markets. These include an under-rail exhaust with side discharge, split fuel and oil tank as well as wheelbase and rear cut-off options to suit a variety of applications up to 60 tonnes GCM. The T388 is well suited for rigid and dog or crane truck applications.

The final model in the T3 range is the T388CC aimed specifically at the Car Carrier market. Based on a proven specification offering application specific day and sleeper cab and factory built gantry mounts the T388CC is factory built to deliver in the Car Carrier industry.

Paccar Australia will showcase its range of products and services at the inaugural 2008 Melbourne Truck Show), which will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds on 8-10 May.

The showgrounds’ Town Square Hoecker, temporarily renamed ‘PACCAR World’, will be among the largest exhibits at the show. It will host more than 15 of the latest models from the market leading range of Kenworth and DAF Trucks. The 2500-metre display will also include the ALLRig parts and service range as well as representation from Paccar Financial

PACCAR World will preview the all-new Kenworth T3 Series and latest DAF models in various configurations. Also on display will be Kenworth’s technological marvel, the prototype ‘Innovation Truck’, plus the DAF safety vehicle and test bed trucks designed to push the boundaries of current commercially available technologies.

Paccar Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Hadjikakou, says the Melbourne ITTES event promises to be an exciting showcase of the road transport industry for local,
interstate and international audiences.

“This also is an excellent opportunity to see not only the latest vehicles but also gain an insight into advanced trucking technology, including the Kenworth Innovation Truck, a preview of what may one day be incorporated in all trucks,” he said.

Kenworth will present its new T3 Series. The new range caters for a wide range of applications, from low-horsepower metro delivery and concrete agitators through to higher-performance intrastate prime movers, rigid tippers and car carriers.

Kenworth will display a mix of models in both prime mover and tipper applications, including heavy-duty haulers, such as the T408 and T408SAR, the long-bonneted T908, plus two K108 cab-overs, configured with a 2.3 metre cab and the spacious 2.8 metre cab. Also the popular T358A high-volume agitator and the all new T388P and T388R will also be on show.

The star of the show will be the Kenworth Innovation Truck, which boasts new and emerging technologies from more than 30 suppliers around the world. Based on Kenworth’s flagship T608, the Innovation Truck incorporates dozens of leading-edge features, such as a natural gas-powered engine, a new automated transmission control, solar panels to charge the electrical system, low roll-resistant tyres and an array of automatic safety and information systems.

“This will be the crowd-stopper, not just at ‘PACCAR World’, but for the entire show,” Hadjikakou said. “This is, without doubt, one of the most advanced vehicles ever designed and built in Australia. It’s already creating industry buzz ahead of the official unveiling at the show – and for good reason. This is the first time these advanced componentry and systems have been brought together in the one truck,” he added.

DAF, the premium European range, will be on display with a new series of urban, regional and intrastate vehicles designed for a wide range of applications.

DAF will display eight vehicles from its new metro LF Series and regional and intrastate CF series presented in a variety of applications. Inside will be five DAFs including a LF55 FA E18 rigid tautliner, a CF75 FAT rigid with tilt tray and a CF75 FT prime mover configured as a safety truck. Also on show will be two flagship CF85s, one with the roomy Space Cab, configured as a tandem drive prime mover.

As part of the PACCAR Technology Display, DAF will showcase a fully-featured CF-85 FT 4×2 prime mover. The vehicle is fitted with an Eaton Roadranger transmission and advanced electronics, including a Lane Departure Warning System, Electronic Braking System (EBS) with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a Fleet Management System interface with GPS navigation as well as a Bluetooth-compatible hands-free telephone kit integrated into the dashboard and steering wheel controls.

In addition, DAF will have three exhibits demonstrating the intricacies of its advanced engineering. This includes a cut-cab from a CF85 Space Cab as well as the new high-performance PACCAR MX engine and AS-Tronic automated transmission, which can be found in its higher-end models.