Kenworth Truck History
Kenworth trucks have a rich history that dates back to 1912 when brothers George and Lewis Bourlingueur founded the company. Initially, they built their own truck with a powerful engine in 1915, and by 1916, the company had moved to Tacoma, Washington.
Early Years and Name Change
In 1919, Edgar K Worthington and his business partner Frederick Kent purchased Motorcar Works and renamed it Ger Six Motor Company. After Kent’s retirement, his son Harry became Worthington’s partner in 1923, and the company was renamed Kenworth, a combination of their last names. The company moved to Seattle and began producing trucks with six-cylinder gasoline engines, with 78 built in the first year.
Kenworth became known for customization, building vehicles to satisfy customer needs, and introduced innovative features such as all-steel frames, pneumatic tires, and 7-speed transmissions, leading to continued growth throughout the 1920s.
Growth and Innovation
Kenworth experienced steady growth, leading to a new factory in Seattle in 1929, but the Great Depression slowed production. The company remained aggressive, developing new markets and strategies, producing fire trucks and buses, and introducing innovations like diesel engines and sleeper cabs, including the 500 series in 1939.
During World War II, Kenworth’s production shifted to support the war effort, manufacturing bomb bay doors and bulkheads for planes and producing M1 wreckers with special combat equipment. After the war, the company was purchased by Pacific Car and Foundry, and Kenworth utilized its experience with aluminum aircraft parts to pioneer lightweight chassis, introducing the first post-war cab-over-engine truck in 1948.
Post-War Innovations
Kenworth maintained its reputation for satisfying customer needs, releasing the 853 model in 1951 for oil field use, and later introducing the radical cab beside engine design in 1955, which became an instant hit. The company continued to innovate with the introduction of the 900 series in 1956, the W900 conventional in 1961, and the K100 cab over engine model in 1963, with the W900 being extremely successful among owner operators.
- The K100 trucks were designed to maximize cargo capacity within state length restrictions and were well-liked for their unique frame and cab.
- The W900 underwent significant changes in 1967 and 1972, including a wider hood to accommodate larger diesel engines and updated doors with larger windows.
- The C500 model was introduced in 1972, featuring a severe service configuration and a model-specific chassis with multiple axle options.
Modern Innovations
Kenworth introduced several innovations, including the raised roof Aerodyne sleeper in 1976, which set a new industry standard for driver comfort. The same year, they released the limited-edition “Very Important Trucker” W900L K100 trucks to commemorate the American Bicentennial.
In 1982, the W900A was replaced by the W900B model, distinguished by its rectangular headlamps. The company continued to evolve with the release of the T600 in 1985, the first aerodynamically enhanced semi tractor featuring a radical sloped nose design.
The T600’s radical sloped nose design improved aerodynamics by 40% and saved up to 22% on fuel, leading Kenworth to debut various sloped hood trucks, including the T800, W900, and T400, with features like extended hood options and limited-edition packages, such as the double-oh-seven package and the W900L.
Recent Developments
The W900L became a highly popular production vehicle after its release in the early 90s, dominating the show truck community and becoming one of Kenworth’s most popular trucks. The company continued to innovate, unveiling new facilities, cab designs, and models, including the T300, T2000, and T660, which set new standards for performance, comfort, and style.
Kenworth refined its line of aerodynamic trucks with the T660 and later the T700, which was the most aerodynamic and spacious at the time. The company continued to exceed standards with the release of the T680, known for its smooth ride and improved aerodynamics.
Kenworth celebrated its 90th anniversary with the launch of the T880 vocational truck and marked the 25th anniversary of the W900L with the limited edition Icon 900, featuring extensive chrome detailing.
In 2018, Kenworth introduced the W990, a controversial truck that replaces the W900, featuring a more aerodynamic shape and cosmetic changes.
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Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | The process of modifying or building vehicles to meet specific customer needs. | Kenworth became known for customization, building vehicles to satisfy customer needs. |
| All-steel frames | A type of vehicle frame made entirely of steel for added strength and durability. | Kenworth introduced innovative features such as all-steel frames, leading to continued growth throughout the 1920s. |
| Pneumatic tires | Tires filled with compressed air, providing a smoother ride and better traction. | Kenworth introduced innovative features such as pneumatic tires, leading to continued growth throughout the 1920s. |
| 7-speed transmissions | A type of transmission that allows for seven different gear ratios, providing improved performance and fuel efficiency. | Kenworth introduced innovative features such as 7-speed transmissions, leading to continued growth throughout the 1920s. |
| Diesel engines | A type of internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel, providing improved fuel efficiency and performance. | Kenworth introduced innovations like diesel engines, leading to continued growth and development. |
| Sleeper cabs | A type of truck cab that includes a sleeping compartment, providing drivers with a place to rest during long trips. | Kenworth introduced innovations like sleeper cabs, leading to continued growth and development. |
| Aerodynamics | The study of the interaction between air and solid objects, such as vehicles, to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency. | The T600’s radical sloped nose design improved aerodynamics by 40% and saved up to 22% on fuel. |
| Cab-over-engine design | A type of truck design where the cab is located over the engine, providing improved visibility and maneuverability. | Kenworth introduced the radical cab beside engine design in 1955, which became an instant hit. |
| Lightweight chassis | A type of vehicle chassis made with lightweight materials, providing improved fuel efficiency and reduced weight. | Kenworth utilized its experience with aluminum aircraft parts to pioneer lightweight chassis, introducing the first post-war cab-over-engine truck in 1948. |
| Vocational truck | A type of truck designed for specific industries or applications, such as construction or agriculture. | Kenworth celebrated its 90th anniversary with the launch of the T880 vocational truck. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. What does the term ‘customization’ mean in the context of Kenworth trucks?
A) Building vehicles with only standard features
B) Producing trucks with six-cylinder gasoline engines only
C) Building vehicles to satisfy customer needs
D) Manufacturing trucks with aluminum aircraft parts
2. Which of the following innovations was introduced by Kenworth in 1976?
A) The W900 conventional model
B) The raised roof Aerodyne sleeper
C) The T600 model
D) The C500 model
3. What was the result of the T600’s radical sloped nose design?
A) Improved fuel efficiency by 10% and aerodynamics by 20%
B) Improved fuel efficiency by 22% and aerodynamics by 40%
C) Improved fuel efficiency by 15% and aerodynamics by 30%
D) Improved fuel efficiency by 22% and aerodynamics by 40%
4. In what year did Kenworth introduce the W990, a truck that replaced the W900?
A) 2015
B) 2018
C) 2020
D) 2022
5. What was the name of the limited-edition truck released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the W900L?
A) Icon 900
B) W900L Anniversary Edition
C) T880 Vocational Truck
D) Kenworth 90th Anniversary Edition
Answer Key:
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. A
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Use of the Past Simple and Past Perfect Tenses to Describe Historical Events
Grammar Quiz:
1. By the time Kenworth introduced the 500 series in 1939, the company ________ its experience with aluminum aircraft parts.
A) had utilized
B) utilizes
C) was utilizing
D) will utilize
2. Kenworth ________ its reputation for satisfying customer needs by releasing the 853 model in 1951.
A) maintains
B) maintained
C) was maintaining
D) had maintained
3. The W900 conventional ________ significant changes in 1967 and 1972, including a wider hood to accommodate larger diesel engines.
A) undergoes
B) underwent
C) was undergoing
D) will undergo
4. By the time the T600 was released in 1985, Kenworth ________ several innovations, including the raised roof Aerodyne sleeper.
A) had introduced
B) introduces
C) was introducing
D) will introduce
5. Kenworth ________ its 90th anniversary with the launch of the T880 vocational truck and marked the 25th anniversary of the W900L with the limited edition Icon 900.
A) celebrates
B) celebrated
C) was celebrating
D) will celebrate
Answer Key:
1. A) had utilized
2. B) maintained
3. B) underwent
4. A) had introduced
5. B) celebrated
