Kenworth Truck Co. announced that its NavPlus navigation and business technology system is now available for order on its Class 5-8 trucks. NavPlus is standard on Kenworth trucks with all premium interior trim offerings and on Kenworth diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The system is available as an optional upgrade with all other Kenworth interior trim packages.
“The Kenworth NavPlus system comes at a good time for the trucking industry,” says Judy McTigue, director of marketing planning and research. “With high diesel fuel prices, truck operators and fleets must be even more productive while still meeting more stringent regulations. Kenworth NavPlus provides truck operators and fleets a more productive and smarter way to travel down the highway.”
The factory-installed in-dash system features an onboard navigation system that provides drivers with truck-optimized routes from Garmin, customized to truck and load specifications. The system also offers information about height and weight limits so drivers can steer clear of restricted roads and streets.
NavPlus also integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Drivers can pair it with their compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free. The system, which is voice-recognition-enabled for phone dialing, logs phone calls, imports contact information and enables text messaging for those using a Bluetooth device. Drivers can hear the calls through the cab’s sound system.
Kenworth NavPlus also offers audio controls (including satellite-enabled radio, AM/FM, CD, MP3 and USB) and camera inputs for up to four optional video cameras for monitoring the truck and trailer. An optional cellular modem allows drivers to connect to Sprint, which provides mobile connectivity services; when the truck is parked and not in motion, the driver can access the Internet to look up favorite Websites to search for loads, news and weather updates, and check personal e-mail.
With a touch of the 7-inch high-resolution color screen, the driver has quick and easy access to all of these features. In addition, roadside assistance is available by touching the on-screen “Paccar” preprogrammed button, which automatically dials the 24/7 Paccar Customer Call Center.
Six virtual gauges provide current information on truck operation. Oil temperature, transmission temperature, manifold boost, current and average fuel economy, diesel particulate filter status and percentage of torque come preloaded. Kenworth NavPlus uses the commercial vehicle J1939 SAE standard for communication, full vehicle monitoring (including hybrid system status) and diagnostics. The system is fully compatible with the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst, a computer-base diagnostics tool designed to simplify troubleshooting.
Developed on the Windows Embedded Automotive software platform, Kenworth NavPlus can be updated and its features and functionality set expanded over time. “Kenworth NavPlus can make driving a more enjoyable and less stressful experience, a key consideration for truck carriers and fleets interested in keeping their good drivers,” McTigue says.
