Kenworth, Sprint partner for mobile connectivity in Class 5-8 trucks

The Kenworth NavPlusThe Kenworth NavPlus

Kenworth Truck Company and Sprint are involved in a partnership to provide mobile connectivity for the revolutionary Kenworth NavPlus, a PACCAR proprietary navigation and business technology system for Kenworth Class 5-8 trucks.

As the core development partner, Sprint says it is “proud to integrate our advanced network connectivity into Kenworth NavPlus, which will also offer telematics, navigation, diagnostics and business system features,” said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, who addressed the Detroit Economic Club on Jan. 14. “Our machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless technology helps companies reduce emissions, cut costs and raise performance.”

“Sprint is a technology leader and we look forward to offering its outstanding mobile connectivity service as a benefit to customers in Kenworth trucks factory-equipped with Kenworth NavPlus,” said Bill Kozek, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.

The in-dash, NavPlus technology system utilizes a high-resolution, 7-inch color screen and 8 gigabytes of memory. Together, navigation and business systems will be provided with vehicle connectivity services for drivers to easily and safely use while traveling. When a truck is not in motion, the driver will be able to access the Internet and send and receive e-mails to enhance communications with dispatchers, logistics providers and shippers. The Sprint connectivity service is available as an option.

NavPlus also includes hands-free phoning with Bluetooth, back-up camera options, vehicle data, and audio controls, including satellite radio, AM/FM, CD, MP3 and USB. When launched in 2011, Kenworth NavPlus will become standard on Kenworth trucks with all premium interior trim offerings and on diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The system also will be available as an upgrade on any Kenworth standard trim package. NavPlus was developed on the award-winning Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive 7 software platform.