Peterbilt Motors Co. commemorated its 70th anniversary Friday recently by hosting customers and dealers at its Denton, TX, headquarters.

“Since our first truck was produced in 1939, Peterbilt has become one of the most widely recognized and respected brands in the world-- a universal symbol of pride, quality and class,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt gm & vp of Paccar, Peterbilt’s parent firm. “This significant milestone could not be accomplished without the support of Peterbilt’s dedicated employees, a superior dealer network, committed suppliers, as well as our valued customers and the community we serve.”

In its first year, Peterbilt manufactured just 14 trucks.  Over the past 70 years, nearly 700,000 trucks have been produced. The OEM noted that since Coast Counties Truck and Equipment in San Jose, CA first began selling Peterbilt trucks in 1949, the Peterbilt dealer network has experienced remarkable growth of its own.  Now at a record 247 North America locations, the network itself is celebrating 60 years.

“Peterbilt has always responded to the demands of the market with an ever-evolving product line,” noted Larry Reding, Peterbilt assist. gm of sales & marketing  “Our customers can trust that the same level of innovation, quality and commitment will be dedicated to the next 70 years of product developments and we will continue to exceed customers’ expectations.”

According to Peterbilt, there have been nearly 100 different Peterbilt truck model configurations in the firm’s history. “Peterbilt’s product history is a roadmap of revolutionary engineering solutions that continue to surpass customers’ requirements and set the bar for the industry,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt chief engineer.  “For seven decades our engineers have dedicated themselves to developing products that improve customer productivity, maximize payloads, and increase aerodynamic performance.”