Kenworth’s KW55 Truck Comes to Mexico

Kenworth and DAF aim to connect Mexican cities using the new KW55 truck. Currently, there are 100 units within Kenworth’s dealer network and the company expects to sell 350 units by the end of 2022. 

“Trends in motor transport have shown an upturn in the vehicle segment for “last mile” deliveries worldwide, and Mexico has not been the exception. For this reason, Kenworth, leader in the tractor segment for more than 60 years in the country, has relaunched the new KW55 model in its product offering, a highly versatile cab-over-engine truck, designed to operate both within the city, as well as in long journeys between cities,” saidKenworth. 

The KW55 offers one of the most competitive turning ratios in this sector, making it a good choice for intensive distribution work in urban regions. The unit offers a loading capacity of 11.5 tons and a 7-meter frame, characteristics beneficial for the transportation of dry or refrigerated boxes and platforms. Before launching the KW55 in Mexico, Kenworth offered technical tours and driving tests to potential buyers. The truck was launched in 2020 in Australia and was awarded the Good Design Awards, one of the most prestigious design and innovation recognitions in the industry. 

Heavy vehicle manufacturers are increasing their sustainable offerings as trucking poses threats to the environment through noise and air pollution and contributes to land-use related environmental issues, according to the OECD. In April 2022, Kenworth announced the T680 NextGen, an environmentally friendly truck designed to optimize performance in long-distance operations. “The Kenworth T680 NextGen is total evolution, it allows fluent road displacement thanks to its innovative and integral design,” said the company.

Other heavy vehicle OEMs are also introducing sustainable alternatives. Scania Mexico, for example, will introduce its electric truck to the country, making Mexico the first in Latin America to receive this technology. The launch of this truck aligns with the Swedish heavy-vehicle OEM’s Science-Based Targets, which aim to boost decarbonization around the world through electrification.

Volvo, the market leader in heavy vehicle trucks in 2021 in the EU, recently announced that Maersk ordered 110 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The OEM will present the new generation of this model at the upcoming Expo Advanced Clean Transportation. “Our electromobility solutions are on the way now and we continue to develop and deliver innovative technology to drive sustainable freight forwarding,” said Peter Voorhoeve, President, Volvo Trucks North America.