Peterbilt Motors Company showcased its Model 587 Technology Truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show, including several emerging technologies that focus on advanced aerodynamics, fleet maintenance efficiency, personal connectivity, and next-generation energy storage. The interior of the truck is a study on human centered design, and will be used for obtaining feedback for future features.

“The forward-thinking interior showcased in Peterbilt’s technology truck is the result of hundreds of hours of immersion studies with customers to gain an understanding of what features are important to them and their business,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. “Their feedback, combined with our innovative engineering, created unique ideas such as a sliding rear wall sleeper, a flexible floor plan, and a driver’s workstation.”

Highlights of the technology truck include:

• Aerodynamics: An innovative aero package, when combined with an aerodynamically optimized trailer, has demonstrated over 9 miles per gallon pulling 63K lbs. using current engine technology. Low drag mirrors contain NHTSA compliant flat glass with convex functionality available through hood-mounted cameras.
• Fleet Maintenance Efficiency: The Model 587 Technology Truck expedites turnaround time of the truck between loads by wirelessly transmitting the status of the truck (mileage, tire pressure, diagnostics, etc.) using 5.9 GHz connectivity.
• Connectivity: Connectivity can be established with the use of any wireless-enabled device, such as a tablet PC. The tablet PC is integrated into the dash yet can be removed for use both inside and outside the vehicle. This interface allows the driver simple access for inspection, diagnostics, live video, tire pressure and temperature monitoring, and onboard scales.
• Energy Storage: A Lithium-Ion Power Pack stores enough power to start the truck and provide 10 hours of engine-off hotel loads / air conditioning. The system has the unique ability to do this with a 250 lb. weight savings over lead-acid batteries.

“The integration of these technologies illustrates how the vehicle is quickly becoming the hub for supporting useful devices with practical application in the trucking environment,” said Sproull. “The Model 587 Technology Truck is just one example of the many innovative developments underway at Peterbilt that fuse technologies across industries and provide value to our customers.”

About Peterbilt Motors Company

Based in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt Motors Company combines a global reputation for industry leading design, innovative engineering and fuel efficiency solutions, with superior quality to engineer a truck that stands as the "Class" of the industry. Through its 250-plus North American dealer locations, Peterbilt also provides a comprehensive array of aftermarket support programs to complement its full lineup of on-highway, vocational and medium duty products, including alternative fueled vehicles. Customers enjoy industry leading service and support, including preventive maintenance plans, expedited QuickCare services, automated parts inventory replenishment and 24/7 complimentary Customer Assistance through 1-800-4-Peterbilt. For more information about Peterbilt, visit www.peterbilt.com.

Peterbilt is a PACCAR Company, traded publicly on the NASDAQ as PCAR. (NASDAQ:PCAR)

http://www.google.com/finance?q=NASDAQ:PCAR

http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=PCAR