Forget what you think you know about Western Star. The proud niche-player that made its name with tough, long-nosed conventional designs introduced its new, aerodynamic 5700XE highway tractor at a press launch Sept. 11 in Las Vegas.
The new truck features a highly sculpted, sleek design that retains the bold styling and robust stance of years past while delivering fuel economy numbers that place the truck firmly in the most aggressive Greenhouse Gas emissions regulation category. In fact, according to Wester Star design engineers, the new truck is already earning the company EPA emissions credits with its fuel efficiency performance — a feat that is unprecedented in the company’s 47 year history.
Ann Demitruk, director of marketing for Western Star, said the concept of the truck arose during focus group conversations at the 2009 Mid-America Truck Show with project approval coming two years later. The truck debuted today after countless wind tunnel tests and over 20,000 hours of performance and functionality testing — by far the most intensive development effort in Western Star’s history;
“XE – which stands for extreme efficiency – summarizes exactly what this new truck is all about,” added Michael Jackson, general manager, Western Star. “By blending legendary Western Star ruggedness together with aerodynamic innovations, and the most fuel efficient powertrain available, we have built a powerful solution that is the best of both worlds – and unlike anything else on the road today.”
Jackson says the Class 8 on-highway truck is ideal for owner-operators and small to medium fleets in truckload/LTL, bulk, refrigerated, long-haul and manufacturing applications. The 5700XE features a 126-inch BBC with a set-back axle, and is available in a range of spacious and lightweight sleeper configurations.
“Some people say we’re late to the aerodynamic trend in trucking,” Jackson noted. “But we think our timing is perfect: We’re now seeing smaller fleets and owner-operators starting to get back into the industry now that the economy is improving. And the 5700XE is perfectly positioned to help them make money while owning and owning a distinctive truck that fits their image and sets them apart from the competition.”
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