Over the last century, more than 1.3 million trucks have traveled across the US and Canada with a Kenworth badge. In 2023, Kenworth begins a year-long celebration, commemorating its 100th anniversary and contributions to the transportation industry.
The history of Kenworth began in 1923 when Harry W. Kent and Edgar K. Worthington incorporated the Gersix Motor Company as Kenworth. The company received its name from a combination of letters from the founders’ last names; the world-renown Kenworth “bug” logo originated from the K in Kent and W in Worthington.
That first year, the small Seattle truck manufacturer produced 78 six-cylinder, gasoline-powered trucks. Since then, Kenworth has produced more than a million Class 5 to Class 8 models and super heavy-duty trucks. This includes the C500 6×6 with its gross combination weight rating of 1 million pounds. Kenworth is also now producing medium- and heavy-duty battery electric vehicles.
“Kenworth’s storied history over the past 100 years provides much to be proud about,” says Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. “From being the first US truck manufacturer to offer a diesel engine as standard equipment in 1933 to selling Kenworth trucks with an electric powertrain today, it’s been quite a journey. We’re also especially proud of our leadership in truck aerodynamics with the Kenworth T600 introduction in 1985. That model began the revolution in fuel-efficient trucks, and its evolution has tremendously advanced in the new flagship T680 that sets industry standard today in truck aerodynamics.”
CORE VALUES LED TO SUCCESS
One could trace Kenworth’s success in a competitive business back to a philosophy established early in the firm’s history. The goal was to build the right Kenworth truck for each customer’s application and build that truck to last. That philosophy resulted in Kenworth establishing a solid reputation for its quality, innovative, and durable trucks driven by state-of-the-art technology.
“Kenworth has remained true to its core values since its founding,” Baney says. “We’ve achieved many amazing accomplishments in our first 100 years. But there’s more work to be done at Kenworth as we drive the next 100 years and continue our mission of producing The World’s Best trucks.”
Find out more about the Kenworth 100th anniversary celebration, visit www.kenworth100.com or www.kenworth.com.
