Werner Enterprises received the first Kenworth T680 Next Generation production truck on May 21 during a ceremony at the Kenworth manufacturing plant in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Kenworth’s T680 Next Gen premiered in February with a “sleek and sophisticated” new look, including additional fairings for a 6% fuel efficiency improvement and high-tech infotainment display.
Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR VP, presented the keys–and a plaque signifying the delivery of the first production T680 Next Gen–to Werner Enterprises executives Scott Reed, SVP of equipment purchasing and maintenance; and Tony Wahl, director of equipment purchasing.
“We are a company built by a driver for drivers, and our drivers are passionate about the Kenworth T680s that have served as an integral part of our fleet for many years,” Reed said. “The T680 Next Gen’s excellent comfort, styling and performance is highly anticipated among our drivers and we are all eager to see the new model join our fleet.”
The Kenworth T680 Next Gen provides drivers with new features including:
- Customizable 15-inch digital display
- Next generation Kenworth SmartWheel
- Additional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Forward lighting with signature LED headlamps
- Comfortable cab and sleeper
- Aerodynamic design
“It’s always gratifying for our dedicated Kenworth Chillicothe employees to launch a landmark first production truck,” Chris Davis, Kenworth Chillicothe plant manager, said. “Our team worked diligently and enthusiastically to produce this milestone Kenworth T680 Next Gen equipped with a 76-inch sleeper for Werner Enterprises.”
Designed to for linehaul, pickup and delivery, and regional haul operations, the Kenworth T680 Next Generation is available in day cab, 40-inch, 52-inch and 76-inch-sleeper configurations with the proprietary PACCAR Powertrain featuring the 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 drive axle.
“Kenworth and Werner Enterprises have shared a strong relationship over the years,” Baney said. “It is very fitting for Kenworth to deliver the first T680 Next Gen production truck to such a great customer.”
Werner and Kenworth have also teamed up to support veterans. Military veterans and Werner drivers Ivan Hernandez (2020), Quinton Ward (2018) and Troy Davidson (2016) each were respectively awarded a Kenworth-donated T680 with a 76-inch sleeper as America’s top rookie military driver under the annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” program. The program is a partnership of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and Kenworth.
Werner Enterprises offers numerous opportunities for professional drivers through its Operation Freedom program, which especially features its Elite Veteran Driver Program. This fleet, driven by military veteran employees, is comprised of military-themed trucks used to honor, recruit, and retain military community members.
“On behalf of Kenworth and the Kenworth Chillicothe team building the World’s Best trucks, we thank you for your business. We look forward to delivering more T680 Next Gens in the days ahead,” Baney concluded.
