MATS Report: Kenworth offers new suspensions and interior enhancements

Avatar photo

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kenworth announced several product upgrades at the Mid-America Trucking Show, amongst them a series of new front and rear suspensions for medium- and heavy-duty models.

The proprietary Kenworth AG130, AG210L and AG400L were unveiled at this year’s show. The AG130 is a front axle air spring suspension, the AG400L is a tandem rear suspension and the AG210L is a single axle rear suspension for medium-duty models.

Mike Dozier, chief engineer for Kenworth, said each of the new suspensions has its own benefits. The AG130 provides better handling and road feel, the AG400L offers increased torque management capabilities which makes it ideal for air disc brakes, and the AG210L offers improved performance for Class 6 and 7 applications, he explained during a press conference here.

The AG130 features a four-bag air spring configuration, which is two more air bags than most offerings, Dozier pointed out.

“Four air bags help reduce road inputs and vibration to provide the best riding suspension we’ve ever offered. Drivers will definitely feel the difference,” Dozier said. It is also about 20 lbs lighter than other 12,000-lb.-rated front-end suspensions and like the AG400L, is well-suited for use with air disc brakes.

Kenworth also showcased some interior improvements to several of its trucks, including the T2000. Upgrades to this aerodynamic model include the addition of the Kenworth Driver Information Center as well as new standard multiplex instrumentation.

Company officials said the driver info center will improve driver productivity, by providing drivers with real-time trip information such as mpg, engine and idle hours, idle percentage and optimum RPM. It also features a “sweet spot indicator” which allows drivers to measure their own performance in real-time.

“Fuel economy performance has never been more important with today’s high diesel prices, and these features really can help drivers maximize their potential in getting the best fuel economy possible,” said Kenworth’s Dozier. “The Kenworth Driver Information Center option for the Kenworth T2000 provides a cost-effective technology tool to help enhance fuel economy performance and reduce operating costs.”

The new T2000 dash has been redesigned to provide a more ergonomic and visually-appealing layout. Highlights of the new dash include a new speedometer and tachometer cluster, featuring large two-inch diameter gauges with chrome bezels, an engine hour meter, odometer, trip odometer and outside temperature gauge. The multiplex design allows for easier serviceability, Dozier added.

Beyond the T2000, Kenworth also announced interior enhancements on its other Class 8 and medium-duty models. They include new finish trim accents for cabs and sleepers. Also announced was a new seat insert material called Marathon, which is more stain-resistant than previous materials, company officials claimed.

“The high-quality, durable material for Kenworth’s proprietary seats, and attractive wood finish trim accents for our cabs and sleepers offer modern styling and provide a quality environment for customers,” said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*