Iconic American truck axed after 65 years on the road
A rolling piece of classic Americana is about to exit US highways.
Kenworth, the commercial trucking giant, has confirmed that production of the W900 will stop in 2026, bringing an end to the third longest-running mass-market vehicle still in production.
The diesel-powered big rig, introduced in 1961, has been a fixture in trucking culture for generations. Only the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford F-Series have been on the road for longer.
W900s featured a long nose, a massive chrome grill, square headlights, and a hulking chrome bumper. The design aesthetic made the truck look like an angular battering ram.
A major redesign to the nearly 60,000-pound semi in 1982 refined its look, but the truck’s bones — and its reputation — remained unchanged.
It's been featured in American culture, finding its way into popular movies and television shows like American Dad, Moonlighting, and Desperado.
'The W900 is truly historic in that it’s helped shape North American trucking culture and tradition as we know it today,' Kevin Haygood, the assistant general manager for sales and marketing at Kenworth, said.
'As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks.'
Kenworth drivers are scooping up nostalgic trucks after the company said it would stop production soon
W900s featured blistering power figures: it had around 600 horsepower coming from the 18-speed manual transmissions.
The truck also belched through a gallon of fuel every six to eight miles.
Kenworth has a new slate of big rigs with more space for drivers, better tech, and improved fuel efficiency.
The company also said regulators forced the decision with federal emissions targets.
Internet chatter has remained mixed about the six-decade-old truck.
Some Redditors said the enormous semi was long in the tooth. Others said they're scooping up the nostalgic tractors before they go defunct.
Though, everyone seemingly agreed the truck struggled to turn around.
'It's a terrible truck with horrible vision and the worst turning circle possible,' one trucker said.
American highways are about to lose an iconic American truck
Kenworth announced it will stop producing the truck by 2026
PACCAR, which owns Kenworth Trucking, is led by CEO Preston Feight
The trucking industry is going through major revamps as regulators fight to make rigs more efficient and less driver-reliant
But another added: 'It was a great truck with the turning radius of a planet.'
Currently, Kenworth is selling certified pre-owned versions of the truck between $55,000 and $270,000.
Kenworth's decision to axe the long-lasting truck comes amid some major changes in the trucking industry.
Technologists have been developing new autonomous driving vehicles that could help soften the blow of a massive trucker shortage in America.
Truck producers have also invested billions of dollars as they attempt to produce greener rigs to combat climate change impacts.
But the trucks, which have typically used hydrogen and battery electric technology, have been marred by high maintenance costs and slumping consumer interest.
