WHITBY, Ont. — Peterbilt Ontario Truck Centres’ Whitby dealership held an open house Saturday, to celebrate the arrival of the new Models 567 and 579, as well as the launch of a new trailer line.

The dealership underwent a change of ownership in 2008, and since that time Peterbilt Ontario Truck Centres has invested about $1 million into the operation. The company on Saturday announced it is now offering a full line of Cross Country live-bottom trailers and dump bodies, as the Canadian trailer manufacturer looks to break into the Ontario market.

Based in Morden, Man., Cross Country has purchased a 150,000 sq.-ft. plant in Blenheim, Ont., from which it will serve the Ontario market. It currently builds between 650 and 1,000 trailers per year. Peterbilt Ontario Truck Centres, with its 10 locations, will serve as its Ontario dealer network.

David Climie, president of Petebrilt Ontario Truck Centres, said the live-bottom trailer features a heavy-duty chain system, with heavy cross-members and framework for maximum durability. He added Cross Country’s dump bodies are a great fit for the new vocational Model 567.

As the two companies forge their new partnership, Jeffrey Climie, regional manager for Peterbilt Ontario Truck Centres’ Whitby location, said he’s impressed with the level of customization available from Cross Country.

“If you need any type of option, they’ll talk to their design team and get back to you with a price within 24-48 hours, even with some of the more complex customizations,” he said.

Live-bottom trailers represent a growing segment in Ontario, with many roadbuilding contractors making them a requirement on business tenders. David Climie said they are less prone to rollovers and alleviate concerns about making contact with overhead wires or bridge structures.

The real stars of the day, however, were the new truck models, which attracted plenty of attention throughout the festivities.

“There has been a ton of buzz about the 579 and the 567,” Jeff Climie said. The trucks feature a 2.1-metre cab and are available with either the 13-litre Paccar MX or Cummins ISX15 engine. Two hood styles are available, and the 579 can be spec’d with up to a massive 80-inch bunk.

“That’s the largest we’ve offered in a fairly long time,” Jeff Climie said.

David Climie was quick to add the classic-styled long-nose design that Peterbilt is famous for won’t be going away any time soon, even with more stringent emissions standards slated to be phased in between 2014 and 2018. The new emissions rules focus on greenhouse gases, and Climie said the dealership is working hard to educate customers on the implications of the new rules.

“We’re going to see some spec’ing restrictions,” he warned. “We’re trying to get the message out to the Ontario base that we serve, that customers are going to have to start paying attention to that really closely.”

The Whitby open house was a family affair, featuring a customer show’n’shine, music, face-painting, a barbecue and other activities.