CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — More than 100 fleet executives learned more about Kenworth truck models and engines available for 2007 at an event titled Kenworth: The Right Choice.

Customers were able to tour Kenworths plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, meet with Kenworth executives and personnel from engine manufacturers, attend a trade fair, and test drive the latest Kenworth models.

Customers learned more about Kenworths quality products, state-of-the-art plant assembly, outstanding customer support and technology, and especially enjoyed the ride and drive featuring Caterpillar and Cummins 2007 EPA engines, said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

Jeff Hall, a third generation owner of J&R Hall Transport, which runs close to 70 Kenworth T600s, says he feels confident in the new engine technology. I realize there is added cost, but there is also new technology to take advantage of, he said. We plan to replace 20 trucks with Kenworth T660s next year. We run mostly Studio Sleepers, so were happy to see that the T660 has a full fairing package to meet our long wheelbase. And you cant underestimate the importance of the T660s new lighting system (Kenworths optional High Intensity Discharge configuration provides 75% more light than sealed beam lamps). We see a lot of wildlife on the highway, but now well see them a lot better which should help our drivers tremendously.

It was a tremendous event, added Claude Cronin, president of RCT Transportation, a 50-truck operation based out of Bradley, Mich. It was my first time seeing how Kenworths were built. The truck-building process was seamless. You could just see the quality that goes into building these trucks.

Cronin, whose company runs primarily T600s with a few W900Ls, says the new trucks and technology that Kenworth is offering give him confidence going into 2007. Weve ordered a T660 with 2007 engine and feel comfortable with the technology. Were also very interested in the Kenworth Clean Power System and it is great that there will be a factory-installed idle reduction system available from Kenworth.

On the vocational side, Al Koenig, chairman of Midwest Specialized Transportation in Rochester, Minn., and his son, Chris, attended the event to see how Kenworth and its engine and component manufacturers are doing with the latest models and 2007 engines. It appears as Kenworth has answered our operational and performance questions, Koenig said.

Koenig, whose fleet primarily runs Kenworth T800s, rode with his son in a Kenworth T660 and came away impressed. It’s a great-looking truck with impressive features. We’ve reduced our idling time from 60% to below 20% and would expect to do even better with the Kenworth Clean Power System.