Peterbilt makes news on 579 EPIQ, SmartLINQ and Denton expansion

by Truck West

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Peterbilt is set to offer the aerodynamic Model 579 EPIQ day cab, new technology elements to its SmartLINQ remote diagnostics platform and have completed an expansion to its Denton, Texas manufacturing facility.

Making the announcements during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference and Exhibition Oct. 1 in Las Vegas, Nev., Peterbilt general manager Darrin Siver said the fuel efficient 579 EPIQ would feature aerodynamic enhancements that include a multi-piece aerodynamic hood in both 117 and 123-inch lengths, a three-piece collapsible roof fairing, chassis fairings with rubber skirts and kickouts, bumper air dam and bumper-to-hood seals and front wheel closeouts and fender liners.

“Fleets wanting to operate fuel-efficient day cabs have been an underserved market, and Peterbilt is pleased to provide the new Model 579 EPIQ day cab,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “Its comprehensive, optimized aerodynamic package, fuel-efficient powertrain and other technologies can provide customers up to 14 percent improved fuel economy. It is ideal for fuel-conscious day-cab fleet customers in regional, tanker and bulk haul applications, helping lower operating costs and bringing new levels of productivity, uptime and driver satisfaction.”

Customers can choose the full aero package or tailor the vehicle for their specific needs.

The 579 EPIQ day cab is available with the Paccar MX-13 or MX-11 engine.

In addition to enhancements to the SmartLINQ remote diagnostics platform, Peterbilt has also expanded its availability to all Class 8 truck engines.

SmartLINQ offers customers real-time information on fleet health by providing detailed diagnostics and recommended actions through a web-based Paccar Solutions portal. The platform is powered by Decisiv and will be integrated with the Paccar Solutions portal in 2017.

“Peterbilt’s SmartLINQ is providing our customers with greater uptime, as well as cost savings and improved fleet management,” said Siver. “Reasoning engine technology and SmartLINQ Service Management are Peterbilt’s latest innovations to SmartLINQ’s comprehensive connected truck solutions.”

This far, 20,000 Peterbilt trucks are equipped with SmartLINQ, which will also be integrated with reasoning engine technology this December.

“Reasoning engine technology improves truck service and repair efficiencies to get trucks back on the road faster,” said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer. “Using actual field repair data, it provides technicians and customers with the most efficient diagnostic and service procedures.”

In addition to adding to its line of products, Peterbilt has also expanded its Denton facility, which is set to begin operations in January 2017.

“Continuous investment and commitment to excellence keep Peterbilt’s Denton plant a manufacturing leader in quality, efficiency and productivity,” said Siver. “The recently completed improvements and the addition of the new facility will help ensure Peterbilt continues to provide customers with the industry’s top performing, most reliable and greatest value trucks well into the future.”

The expansion includes added east side dock doors, a new area measuring 17,000 square feet for material receiving and an automated storage and retrieval system on the building’s second level.

Construction of a new 102,000-square foot facility just north of the plant also began this year, which will provide more capacity for production and testing.

Peterbilt's Denton, Texas expansion.
Peterbilt’s Denton, Texas expansion.


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