Today is the official kick off of Peterbilt’s Diamond Anniversary Tour at JX Peterbilt in Indianapolis. For more than 75 years, Peterbilt has been a preferred and trusted brand for drivers. Peterbilt’s new Model 579 Anniversary Edition and exhibition trailer will be touring the country, making stops at dealerships and industry events.
Peterbilt History:
Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman manufacturing specialized, heavy-duty trucks out of Oakland, Calif. Largely a regional brand in its early years, the company experienced steady growth, quickly going from producing dozens to hundreds of vehicles. The company was acquired by PACCAR Inc, then called Pacific Car & Foundry, in 1958, and the manufacturing was relocated to Newark, Calif. in 1960. That decade the company’s truck output, market share and distribution network grew significantly. Peterbilt opened a new, second plant in Madison, Tenn. in 1969 to meet demand and better serve its customers from coast to coast.
In 1980, a new manufacturing facility opened in Denton, Texas, a city where the company eventually consolidated its entire operations and is now its headquarters. Today, the state-of-the-art plant can produce more than 160 vehicles daily in numerous custom-built configurations for on-highway and vocational markets.
“Throughout its history, Peterbilt strove to serve the needs of customers with a diverse lineup of custom built trucks that served specific business and market needs,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. “Today our comprehensive offerings of Class 5-8 vehicles help our customers achieve success in the on-highway, vocational and medium duty markets. Our focus on designing vehicles with superior fuel efficiency, low maintenance requirements, leading longevity and unparalleled performance sets Peterbilt apart from the competition. It’s part of a proud tradition we carry on today stronger than ever.”
Sproull notes that Peterbilt’s two newest vehicles – the aerodynamic Model 579 and the vocational Model 567 – represent the company’s most rigorous, significant investment in product development in its 75 year history.
Limited Edition Model 579:
“It’s a truly unique tribute to both Peterbilt past and future,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt Director of Sales and Marketing. “It combines the Model 579’s advanced technologies, distinctive styling and state-of-the-art aerodynamics with numerous accents and detailing honoring the Original 1939 Peterbilt.”
The Model 579 Anniversary Edition tractor will be pulling a custom-built, double-expandable, 53-foot trailer with educational and entertaining displays. The museum is a converted trailer filled with displays, historic artifacts and interactive kiosks. The tour schedule includes 80 stops throughout the US and Canada, and will run into November.
ExpressTruckTax congratulates Peterbilt for 75 years of making the industry’s most iconic vehicles. Can’t wait for the tour to reach Charlotte July 14 at the Rush Peterbilt.
