KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth Truck Company has achieved the highest ranking in customer satisfaction among vocational segment Class 8 truck owners, according to the new J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study SM.

"Kenworth is very proud to be selected by its customers as the highest ranked Class 8 vocational truck in the marketplace. We are extremely pleased to be recognized with the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates award," said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. "Vocational applications such as concrete mixers, dump trucks and roll-offs that use Kenworth T800 and W900 models are some of the most diverse and demanding uses of heavy duty trucks. This award recognizes Kenworth quality and reliability. Quality engineering is designed into every Kenworth built whether the truck is vocational, on-highway or medium duty."

According to this year’s J.D. Power and Associates study, vocational customers ranked Kenworth products highest in ride, handling and brakes; engine; and interior. These customers also rated Kenworth highest in all five exterior categories, including ease of serviceability, curb weight of the vehicle, visibility from the cab, ease of entry and exit, and fit and finish. "These benefits are all important factors to vocational operators as they emphasize Kenworths low operating cost, driver comfort and retention, and product quality," Christensen said.

For more details about Kenworth, visit www.kenworth.com