Peterbilt Motors Co. announced Monday, June 25, the introduction of the new Model 325, its first vehicle dedicated to the specific needs of the Class 5 market. The company says the Model 325 is suited for the complete range of Class 5 applications, including vehicle recovery and towing, lease/rental, pickup and delivery, and business services such as parcel delivery, landscaping and construction. The Model 325 begins production in mid-July.
“The new Model 325 is the ideal truck for customers seeking a non-CDL, easy-to-operate, reliable and affordable truck in the rapidly growing Class 5 segment,” says Bill Jackson, general manager of Denton, Texas-based Peterbilt and Paccar vice president. “The Model 325 is the best truck to maximize our customer’s profitability and productivity when considering factors like durability, fuel efficiency, serviceability and the cost of ownership, including future resale value.”
The Model 325 is rated at 19,500 pounds in a straight truck configuration. It is equipped with the new fuel-efficient Paccar PX-6 engine available in 200 HP, 240 HP and 300 HP ratings and torque ratings up to 620 lb.-ft. The Model 325 is standard with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with ABS and a 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available as an option.
Peterbilt says the Model 325 is extremely durable, from the all-aluminum cab to the steel bumper and aerodynamic hood and fenders made from Metton, an advanced composite material that can withstand minor impacts, bumps and scratches. A stainless steel grille with chrome surround helps provide added protection compared to plastic grilles and also adds distinctive Peterbilt style to the vehicle.
The Model 325 has the same headlamp system as Peterbilt’s other medium-duty conventional Models 330 and 335. Their advanced forward lighting system provides broad, even light distribution with 40 percent better down-road coverage than conventional sealed beam designs, according to the company. The vehicle also features a fixed rear view window and a right-hand door view window to provide increased visibility.
The Model 325’s in-frame, bundled wiring and hoses, as well as clean frame rails, are clear of obstructions and allow for easier body installation for the wide range of medium-duty applications, Peterbilt says.
The Model 325 also offers drivers a comfortable operating environment, according to the company. Designed for easy entry and egress, a new step configuration allows driver to move in and out of the cab at a more comfortable, safe position. The interior features a high-back driver’s seat in a plush, two-tone fabric, as well as a passenger two-person bench seat with added under-seat storage.
The Class 5 Model 325 joins the company’s medium-duty lineup, which also includes the conventional Model 330, Model 335, Model 340 and cabover Model 220 and Model 210. “Peterbilt and its dealer network are well positioned to serve customers in all the medium-duty markets,” says Scott Pearson, Peterbilt assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “From Class 5 to Class 7, we have a complete lineup of conventional and cabover trucks that exceeds expectations of current and prospective customers.”
Customers will have the opportunity to experience the new Model 325 through the Models of Innovation Tour – Peterbilt’s road show designed to provide existing and prospective customers the chance to test and evaluate the Model 325 in a customers’ operation. The tour features every 2008 Peterbilt model for the aerodynamic, traditional, vocational and medium-duty market segments. The fleet of vehicles is distributed throughout Peterbilt’s dealer network consisting of 238 locations across the United States and Canada.
“Peterbilt’s Models of Innovation demonstration program gives each customer the benefit of actually experiencing our 2008 model vehicles, in their own business operation, prior to purchasing the vehicle,” says Jackson. “That experience allows each customer to witness firsthand Peterbilt’s best-in-class quality, low cost of operation and greater overall performance.”
Customers should contact their Peterbilt dealer for more details and to make arrangements to participate in the Models of Innovation demonstration program. To find the nearest Peterbilt dealer near you, go to www.peterbilt.com.
