Peterbilt, Kenworth to Exhibit at 2017 MATS
Paccar's Peterbilt Motors Co. and Kenworth Truck Co. have become the first truck OEMs to announce they will have an exhibit at the 2017 Mid-America Trucking Show, a decision that is in contrast to the move by several rivals to display their trucks at a new show in Atlanta.
The announcements follow disclosures earlier this year that Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar International and Volvo Group’s two manufacturers have chosen to skip MATS in favor of the North American Vehicle Show in Atlanta in September. That show was designed as a complement in odd-number years to a German vehicle show conducted in even-number years.
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“The Mid-America Trucking Show allows Peterbilt to spend quality time with customers and drivers while exhibiting our latest offerings,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar Inc. vice president. “MATS is an outstanding venue for Peterbilt to thank the industry and interact with the many men and women who own, operate or are champions of our products.”
Mack hasn’t said whether it will show its products at MATS.
Kenworth also said it will attend MATS in 2017.
"Kenworth is excited to be a part of the 2017 Mid-America Trucking Show. It provides an outstanding venue to meet with and thank our customers, while also displaying our industry-leading products and technologies that are focused on supporting the needs of their businesses, as well as the comfort, safety and productivity of the driver,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president.
Dozier said Kenworth would showcase the Kenworth T680 Advantage with new fuel savings options for 2017, as well as the vocational flagship Kenworth T880 and the all-new Kenworth T880S.
The statement by Peterbilt said “will have a significant presence,” including the Model 579 EPIQ, a new day cab configuration and fuel-economy technology.
Also included in the 2017 display at MATS will be a simulator and a tour trailer outside the Kentucky Exposition Center.
While Daimler and Navistar have chosen the Atlanta show, both companies said some of their dealers might choose to have exhibits at MATS as well.