Trucking news and briefs for Friday, March 14, 2025:
Kenworth adds driver-assistance system options to T680
Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors are available with the ADAS Premier package.Kenworth
Kenworth recently announced three packages of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) options and Bendix features available for Kenworth T680s. Kenworth will now offer three ADAS packages for the T680: ADAS, ADAS Pro, and ADAS Premier.
All ADAS packages include the latest version of the Bendix Fusion system, which offers updated Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with ACC Stop and Auto Go, a new Pedestrian Autonomous Emergency Braking (PAEB) feature, and High Beam Assist.
These features are all supported by a new forward-looking camera. The new High Beam Assist feature automatically deactivates high beams based on conditions.
Along with these new features, the Bendix Fusion system includes previously available technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Multi-Lane Autonomous Emergency Braking, Highway Departure Braking (HDB), and Stationary Vehicle Braking (SVB), Lane Departure Warning, and Bendix Blindspotter Side Object Detection.
In addition to the Bendix Fusion system, all ADAS packages include Tire Pressure Monitoring, which provides real-time information about tire health and can alert drivers to potential issues.
[Related: Regulatory update: AEBs, speed limiters, more expected in 2025]
ADAS Pro and ADAS Premier include Lane Keeping Assist, which helps to keep the truck and trailer in its lane, as well as Torque Assisted Steering, which helps to improve the driving experience by reducing the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
ADAS Premier includes everything from ADAS Pro, as well as Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors.
“Driver assistance systems contribute in helping to reduce driver fatigue and enhancing the ease of operating commercial trucks," said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. "These new ADAS offerings will give our T680 customers more options to select features that support safe driving practices and also enhance the overall driving experience.”
[Related: More autonomous trucks in Uber Freight network]
Paccar Parts opens 11 new TRP stores
TRP, Paccar Parts’ exclusive brand of aftermarket parts for all makes and models of trucks, trailers and buses, announced the opening of 11 new stores in North America since early 2024.
Notable store openings include the first TRP locations in Arkansas, Maryland and South Dakota. Included in the list is the 350th store in the TRP global network, TRP Batesville. Located in Batesville, Arkansas, the store is owned and operated by the Larson Group and will offer TRP parts as well as mobile service.
The additional stores offer customers increased access to quality TRP products that support all-makes parts and service needs.
The 11 new locations are:
- TRP Aberdeen, Aberdeen, South Dakota -- TRP Parts and Service
- TRP Batesville, Batesville, Arkansas -- TRP Parts and Mobile Service
- TRP Bay St. Louis, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi -- TRP Parts and Service
- TRP Cuautitlán TUM, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico -- TRP Service
- TRP El Paso, El Paso, Texas -- TRP Parts and Service
- TRP Ellicott City, Ellicott City, Maryland -- TRP Parts
- TRP Frankfort, Frankfort, New York -- TRP Parts and Mobile Service
- TRP Independence, Independence, Missouri -- TRP Parts and Mobile Service
- TRP Sabinas Hidalgo, Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo LeĂłn, Mexico -- TRP Parts
- TRP San Luis PotosĂ ALMEX, San Luis PotosĂ, San Luis PotosĂ, Mexico -- TRP Service
- TRP Smithers, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada -- TRP Parts and Service
“Congratulations to each store on their successful opening,” said Bryan Sitko, Paccar Parts general manager and Paccar vice president. “We’re pleased to partner with the new locations in delivering TRP parts and service to customers where and when they need them.”
[Related: Pricing problems in the parts aftermarket? Owner-operators adapt]
Free drink with two slices: Deal on through May 12
Pilot's network of truck stops and other stores is offering a free 20-ounce Coca-Cola bottle with the purchase of two slices of pizza. The deal is being offered through May 12.
“Pilot’s hot, fresh and hearty pizza is the perfect pick-me-up that will fill drivers up and get them back out on the road in no time,” said Sean Marrero, vice president of food and beverage at Pilot. Last year, the truck stop network sold enough pizza to cover 90 football fields, the company said, including:
- Classic options such as pepperoni and new, limited-time offerings like Buffalo chicken, which features seasoned chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese and ranch on artisan crust, and chicken bacon ranch, layered with Alfredo sauce, chicken, bacon, creamy ranch dressing and a garlic butter crust.
- Options hot and ready by the slice.
- Fresh crust is stretchd and hand-roped 46 times to ensure the perfect pizza canvas for select varieties.
Pilot’s investment in food continues, following extensive store remodels in recent years, with plans to expand pizza offerings to even more locations by the end of the year.
