SEATTLE, Wash. — Dunn Lumber of Seattle has taken possession of Kenworth’s first medium duty hybrid-electric truck to enter the U.S. market.

“Dunn Lumber strives to be an environmental leader and we’re excited to put the new Kenworth medium duty hybrid into service as a step to help reduce emissions and improve fuel economy,” said Rob Dunn, CEO of Dunn Lumber.

“It’s especially appropriate for Dunn Lumber to receive the first Kenworth hybrid medium duty truck as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary in business in the Puget Sound area,” said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The new Kenworth hybrid provides a state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly addition to the Dunn fleet.”

Kenworth’s goal for its new medium duty hybrid is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 percent in start-and-stop applications, such as pickup and delivery and utility trucks. The truckmaker is offering limited production of medium duty hybrid trucks for municipal fleets and utility companies this year with full-scale production expected to follow in 2008.

Above 30 mph, the Kenworth hybrid operates like a standard diesel vehicle with all power coming from the engine during steady driving conditions. Below that mark, it uses a combination of diesel and electricity with the system automatically switching between the two modes of operation. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine.

Dunn Lumber’s new Kenworth Class 7 hybrid, which can carry a payload of up to 16,000 pounds, features a PACCAR PX-6 240 hp engine, integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery, and dedicated power management system.