ST. LOUIS - Kenworth Truck Company increased the performance, serviceability, driver comfort, and fuel efficiency awareness of its medium-duty models with the introduction of enhanced multiplex instrumentation, Kenworth Driver Information Center and modern dash styling.

"Kenworth is dedicated to providing customers with The World's Best medium duty trucks by finding ways to further strengthen our quality product line," said Jason Skoog, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research. "The multiplex instrumentation increases performance and reliability. The Kenworth Driver Information Center is a cost-effective technology tool to help enhance fuel economy performance and reduce operating costs.  The new dash offers updated modern, clean styling and improved functionality."

Skoog noted that the multiplex system and Kenworth Driver Information Center were first introduced in Kenworth's heavy duty trucks. "They received such overwhelming positive feedback from customers that we decided to introduce these features into our medium duty products," Skoog said.

The new, state-of-the-art multiplex instrumentation system, which can be ordered on all Kenworth T170, T270 and T370 models with 2010 engines, provides increased serviceability and reliability with wiring behind the dash color-coded and numbered for easier servicing, and critical connections maintained with positive locking connectors. The system is supported by the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst, a computer-based diagnostics tool which simplifies troubleshooting.

The multiplex system is incorporated into a more modern, visually appealing and ergonomic dash.  A new speedometer and tachometer cluster features large, 2-inch diameter gauges with chrome bezels, an engine hour meter, odometer, trip odometer, and outside temperature gauge.  A diesel particulate filter (DPF) status indicator lamp, high exhaust system temperature (HEST) warning lamp, and seatbelt reminder light are included. LED back-lighting is used in the face plate and pointers, and the dash rocker switches contain LED indicator lights.

The Kenworth Driver Information Center provides instant trip access information for miles per gallon, engine and idle hours, idle percentage and optimum rpm range. A "sweet spot indicator" offers visual cues when the optimum rpm is reached, while a bar graph displays current mpg against trip average mpg.

The standard medium duty dash panels are a high quality, gray cross-weave, vinyl with silver and black accents. The door trim insert and louver trim remain black.  Available as an option are dash panels which feature a beautiful Trust Walnut colored wood grain on the main dash panels as well as on the door trim insert and louver trim.