“By anticipating the terrain ahead, Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control ensures that the PACCAR MX-13 engine and the transmission are in the most efficient operating mode to increase fuel economy,” said Kevin Baney, Kenworth chief engineer.
Kenworth Predictive Cruise Control is available with Eaton UltraShift® and Eaton Fuller Advantage automated and manual transmissions.
“Kenworth actively develops technologies that will help customers achieve high fuel economy,” Baney said. “In addition to Predictive Cruise Control, we offer the Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant, Kenworth Driver Shift Aid, and Kenworth Driver Reward systems. All these technology advancements are important in delivering best in class fuel economy.”
The Kenworth Driver Performance Assistant is now standard on Kenworth T680s and T880s spec’d with the PACCAR MX-13 engine. The system is a built-in virtual driver’s coach and a tool to improve driver performance for fleets and owner operators. Drivers receive real-time coaching based on coasting and braking as a means to improve fuel economy. A point system gives drivers, and fleets, the visual feedback they need to impact improvement. The ‘assistant’ may calculate if they performed at a very high level – 80 percent or more – or it may give them a low score to help indicate where improvement may be made.
Available on Kenworth models utilizing the PACCAR MX-13 engine with manual transmissions, the Kenworth Driver Shift Aid provides a visual cue – “shift now” light – for when to shift. With engine peak torques at lower RPMs, the system is an excellent tool to help drivers hit the sweet spot in shifting. It even checks for drivability after the shift – which is based on the PACCAR MX-13’s unique engine torque curve and internal fuel map. Shift Aid also recommends skip or split shifting. By keeping the engine in the optimum RPM range, fuel economy is enhanced.
Driver Reward is used by fleets to reward good driving performance with speed adjustments. When a fleet sees positive fuel economy results from a driver, the vehicle’s cruise speed can be increased. The system uses fuel economy and percent idle time and the rewards program can be customized by the fleet.
For more information, contact your Kenworth dealer.
*Individual fuel economy improvement will vary depending on use, road conditions and other factors.
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at Kenworth.com. Kenworth is a PACCAR company.