Paccar Unit’s T800W and C500 Models Also Set for Discontinuation. Kenworth Truck Co., a prominent subsidiary of Paccar Inc., has announced it will cease production of three of its legendary 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks in 2026. This decision marks the end of an era for the W900 series, which first emerged from the production line as early as 1963, alongside the T800W and the C500.
In a statement released on March 19, Kenworth confirmed the discontinuation of the W900 models, which include the W900L and W900B variants, as well as the T800W wide-hood model and the C500, a heavy-duty truck tailored for extreme vocational applications. The company expects to finalize truck orders by late 2025, providing customers with ample time to place final orders.
The company, headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, cited “evolving emissions regulations and component constraints” as key reasons for retiring these models. This decision aligns with the industry’s ongoing transition towards more efficient, integrated, and environmentally friendly technologies.
Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing, acknowledged the challenging nature of the decision. “We know these legacy Kenworth models are an integral part of our history here at Kenworth, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking. As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks by delivering innovation, efficiency, and the same level of craftsmanship that our customers and drivers have trusted for generations.”
Historical Evolution of the W900
The W900 was launched four years after the original 900-series debuted in 1959, with the “W” designation serving as a tribute to Edgar Worthington, co-founder of Kenworth. The model quickly established itself as a flagship product synonymous with long-haul trucking.
In 1965, Kenworth introduced the W900A, which featured a longer hood to accommodate larger engines. The W900A would eventually be replaced by the W900B in 1982, incorporating enhancements such as a larger radiator to meet stricter cooling requirements. In 1987, the W900S mixer truck was added to the lineup, catering to the construction and concrete industries.
The W900L, the long-hood configuration of the W900, made its debut in 1990, providing 10 additional inches of hood length. To further accommodate customer needs, an extended day cab version was launched in 2002.
“The W900 is truly historic in that it’s helped shape North American trucking culture and tradition as we know it today,” Haygood noted. “Often seen at truck shows, featured in movies and on TV, and showcased at other events, it’s an iconic truck cherished for its classic styling by our customers and truck aficionados. While production of these trucks is coming to an end, we look forward to seeing them on our roads and at truck shows for many years to come.”
Transition to Newer Models
Looking ahead, Kenworth expects the W990 and the Class 8 T880 vocational truck to fulfill the needs of customers who previously relied on the W900 models. The company continues to expand its offerings, unveiling a new hood option for the T880 the T880S Performance Hood in early March.
The T880S Performance Hood is the only T880 configuration that allows customers to choose the Cummins X15 engine, providing up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 pound-feet of torque, particularly valuable for high gross combined weight rating applications. The most significant adoption is expected within heavy haul, logging, high-horsepower stationary, and various vocational sectors.
Currently, the T880 series offers three other hood options: the T880, T880 MX-Optimized Hood, and T880S MX-Optimized Hood. The variety ensures adaptability to a wide range of demanding applications.
Retiring Additional Heritage Models
Kenworth’s decision to retire the W900, T800W, and C500 follows a broader trend by Paccar to phase out heritage models across its brands. Over the past 18 months, Peterbilt Motors Co., another Paccar subsidiary, has also retired its Model 389 tractor. The Model 589, which commenced production in January 2024, now serves as its replacement. Notably, Oklahoma-based dump truck fleet owner Jennifer Best won the last Model 389 produced through a raffle organized to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
As Kenworth prepares to say goodbye to some of its most legendary trucks, the company remains committed to preserving the spirit of these models by continuing to innovate and refine its product lineup. Despite their discontinuation, the W900, T800W, and C500 will likely remain celebrated icons within the trucking community for years to come.
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