Why is Kenworth using Paccar if their reputation is so bad?

Same as why International held tight with the Maxxforce for so many years, Paccar is the parent company of both Peterbilt and Kenworth, so they are going to use their own engine over Cummins whenever they can. This is part of the change in truck design that is happening worldwide, the manufacturers are getting away from sourcing outside parts and going with a process known as "vertical integration", meaning they are becoming more like car manufacturers using only their own designs and parts, reducing choice in the name of efficiency.

 

based on what I'm hearing no, not really..

Cummins is the lesser of two evils IMO, and I'm no Cummins fanboy by any stretch....Our Cummins are in the shop regulary for emmissions related crap, codes, and harness's...

 

It all comes down to the same reason you can't get a "Buick" motor in a Buick anymore,,, cost. It is just much cheaper for these large company's to streamline things, I'm sure they save a TON of money on engineering.

Bottom line is these companies can service 95% of there customers with one product, or I should say, variations on that one product. I just don't think they really worry about the other 5% it isn't in the profit/cost wheel.

What the industry really needs is another Marmon, but I think those days are long gone, if you think new trucks are expensive now, I would hate to think what a custom hand built truck would go for.

On top of that mix in all of the Gov. regs and red tape, that is probably a big reason. Doesn't mean I wish someone would build exactly what you want, just don't see it happening.

 

No I don't think the quality is improving on any of the new engine options yet. They have become better but not by much. I operate a car haul company but also work with a few local towing companies and they are towing these new trucks mostly for emissions related issues, doesn't matter the brand of truck or engine, it is all the same. Just last week I had a 2015 rental that broke down 3 times for emissions problems within 300 miles, this truck only had 58k on it, total junk.

As for Paccar vs. Cummins in the KW, the dealer may give a priority to the Paccar motor since it is their own design, but on the other hand, they are relatively new to the US so not as many techs are very familiar with them nor can you get service at as many places as you can with a Cummins.

 

It's all becoming very proprietary, the OEM's don't want to share any info. Like Volvo is and Mack used to be years ago, from the Cab and Chassis to the Powertrain and Drivetrain.

 

I know that freightliner doesnt have the reputation of KW
but i have leased a KW with paccar and had much more trouble then I have had in this Cascadia
the warranty with KW is like pulling teeth
the DD15 in the cascadia is realitivly trouble free
and after dealing with KW I find Freightliner extended warranty to be amazing

the 12 speed auto by mercedes hooked to the DD15 is another animal too
this isnt your mothers automatic

 

Bright side to a 3rd party motor like Cummins and Cat is you can have them worked on #### near anywhere.. Where getting a Paccar motor worked on is like having a prostate exam.

 

Glider kits are the new Marmon, IMO. Lots of specialized labor and a limited market due to the regs and red tape. But where they do work, they work well.