KIRKLAND, Wash. — Vocational truck operators recently tested the newest Kenworth trucks equipped with the latest options and features, including the extended day cab, at “Kenworth: The Right Choice,” a hands-on, educational program sponsored by Kenworth Truck Company.

This event, designed to show the features of the Kenworth lineup of working trucks, attracted more than 130 customers at two locations: Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio manufacturing plant and Caterpillar’s 6,000-acre Tinaja Hills proving grounds facility near Tucson, Ariz. The programs included supplier trade fairs with representatives from a dozen suppliers, ride and drive demonstrations of Kenworth trucks and a walk-around of a Kenworth T800.

“Each year, we look forward to meeting with our vocational truck customers and prospects to discuss and show the durability, reliability and engineering features of our Kenworth trucks,” said Gary L. Moore, assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “It’s a great setting for vocational users to kick the tires and try out our rugged truck models. We also welcome the opportunity to listen to vocational operators about the specs that help them do their jobs better."

Chillicothe visitor Norm Gerstenslager owns a Kenworth T800 and a Kenworth W900 and intends to buy another T800 in 2004 for his Norm’s Trucking fleet of six tractors in Uniontown, Ohio.

“On the T800, I like the transmission, the suspension and the steer axles we need in complying with ‘bridge laws’ regulating vehicle weights in Ohio,” Gerstenslager said. “We haul all types of construction materials and landscaping materials, so we need the versatility the T800 provides.”

Kenworth is already planning another event in 2004 and customers who are interested in attending should contact their local Kenworth dealer or visit www.kenworth.com