Once thought to be synonymous only with owner operators, brand enthusiasts and smaller fleets, Peterbilt Motors Co. continues its push into the fleet market with the recent introduction of the Model 579 UltraLoft sleeper cab.
The introduction of the Model 579 in early 2013 placed a focus on fleets with steps to improve fuel economy. The UltraLoft is another option now available to this 579 product family.
“We’ve made significant investments over the last several years to improve the efficiency and performance of the powertrain, and to meet greenhouse gas regulations,” Kyle Quinn, General Manager, Peterbilt Motors Co. says. “In addition to that, we’ll continue to invest in every one of our vehicles across the line to improve the way they function, to add features that make drivers more efficient and comfortable, and overall improve the product line.”
Product portfolio introductions
Peterbilt's Model 579 UltraLoft 80” integral sleeper features a double bunk with 48” clearance on the lower bunk and 39” clearance on the upper bunk, 70 cu. ft. of storage, and a closet space with 42” hanging height.
“One of the ways fleets solve the driver shortage is to bring less experienced drivers into their fleets and put them through the driver programs," Quinn says. "The 579 is exactly what’s needed for these solutions to train the driver over time."
Designed for both single drivers and teams, Scott Newhouse, Chief Engineer, Peterbilt Motors Co. says development focused on driver experience.
“We visited truck stops, rest stops, we listened to what they had to say," Newhouse says. "We watched as they interacted with our products. We worked with them on what did work, and what didn't, and what we can do to make their jobs easier."
A subsequent result of the SuperTruck One program, the introduction of the EPIQ package available to spec on all Peterbilt 579 models - including the UltraLoft -- provides features such as better aerodynamics, predictive cruise control and a more efficient integrated PACCAR powertrain providing larger fleets the performance they look for to improve operating costs.
Offering the EPIQ package on the recently launch 579 UltraLoft reaffirms the company’s continued commitment to providing more fuel efficient trucks. Spec'd on the 579 UltraLoft, the EPIQ package provides 2 percent improvement on aerodynamics and 1 percent better fuel economy than discrete sleeper models.
“Fuel efficiency is very important to our customers,” Newhouse says. “You need to have the lowest cost of ownership, and fuel cost plays a big part of that.”
Peterbilt is taking orders currently for the 579 UltraLoft, with units available for delivery beginning in July .
For the vocational market, Peterbilt remains committed to clean energy with the discussion on an all-electric refuse truck.
The Model 520 all-electric provides an 80-mile range on one six-hour charge, with 400 hp electric motor and four battery modules with 315 kWH capacity. Peterbilt is currently testing 16 trucks in LA County.
Recent company achievements
In 2017, Peterbilt produced 43,000 vehicles - about 150 vehicles per day, which includes a 70 percent Model 579/567 mix.
The company established a benchmark record 15.3 percent Class 8 market share in 2017 - up from 14 percent in 2016. Peterbilt also held 30 percent of the refuse market.
“We've seen steady growth of adoption through 2017 and expect that momentum to continue this year,” Quinn says.
Quinn adds the company anticipates sustained economic growth and business investment growth looking toward 2018.
Other notable highlights from the company include:
An expanded dealer network. An additional 25 dealer locations were added in 2017, bringing the total to 372.
Plant upgrades and expansion. The Denton-based manufacturer added 100,000 sq. ft. to its test facility, and added an automated paint facility.
Production milestones. On Jan. 8, Peterbilt brought it’s 1 millionth truck off the line. This achievement will be highlighted at this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show, with the SuperFan Search, where the company plans to give away this truck.
Continued advancements in vehicle technologies. This includes the introduction of the PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission and the opening of the PACCAR Innovation Center, which will aid in improvements to the SmartLINQ remote diagnostics platform.
With continued development focused on vehicle safety and improved fuel economy, Peterbilt and PACCAR will look to Level 4 autonomy, in addition to other advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.
Active vehicle safety technologies such as traffic stop lane assist will be integrated sooner, while features such as fully autonomous docking and platooning are on the horizon and being tested.
