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Peterbilt, Kenworth revamp connectivity options. Paccar Connect overhaul includes factory-installed touchscreen. Staff Reporter October 19, 2026 11:00 AM, EDT Peterbilt and Kenworth Class 8 trucks will be available with larger factory-installed digital touchscreens and a revamped connectivity platform. (Peterbilt) Key takeaways: Peterbilt and Kenworth Class 8 trucks will be available with larger factory-installed digital touchscreens and a revamped connectivity platform starting in early 2027, parent company Paccar said Oct. 19. The expansion of the Paccar Connect platform includes a voice assistant, camera integration, an applications portal, connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth compatibility, Paccar revealed at American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition. The touchscreen, which sits on a vertical axis in Peterbilt vehicles and horizontal axis in Kenworth trucks, includes physical rotary controls. The Kenworth version has three rotary controls, while the Peterbilt version has one. "The display was designed around the driver. So, as you look at it, you touch it, feel it. All the commands, the features, the buttons, everything on the display is designed to be easily and ergonomically accessible," Peterbilt Marketing Segment Manager Chase Wolf said during a preview in Sonoma, Calif. The touchscreens are also designed to be used with gloves on. The voice assistant responds to more than 250 commands in English, Spanish and French. The Peterbilt and Kenworth versions are activated by the phrase "Hey, Peterbilt" or "Hey, Kenworth" in a similar fashion to other automotive or household assistants. On launch, the truck-specific application store will be linked to Apple Marketplace and Platform Science's marketplace. Wolf said extensive market research led the truck makers to offer Apple connectivity first rather than or alongside Android capabilities. Drivers and fleets will be able to connect third-party applications or carrier applications. Camera integration supports four analog and four digital camera inputs. Cabs will be wired to connect to upfitted cameras, Wolf said. Drivers also will have access to applications offering a digital operator's manual, driver tutorials, vehicle health information and a dealer locator. For fleet managers, the enhanced Paccar Connect provides tools including improved vehicle health monitoring, remote diagnostics, mileage, location, warranty status and idle time capabilities. Documentation can be uploaded at job sites. "Paccar Connect advances our connected vehicle strategy," said John Rich, Paccar chief technology officer. "By creating a future-ready technology foundation, it enables us to continuously expand capabilities, integrate new technologies and enhance the driver experience." Earlier phases of the strategy include integrating Platform Science's Virtual Vehicle technology with the Connect telematics system. The strategy also includes Paccar's partnership with Aurora Innovation to produce factory-built autonomous Class 8 trucks.

PACCAR reported Q2 revenues of $7.55 billion, flat year on year and in line with analysts' expectations. The heavy transportation equipment manufacturer had a mixed quarter overall, beating earnings per share estimates. The stock declined 6.7% following the results and currently trades at $124.50. The heavy transportation equipment sector saw satisfactory Q2 results overall. The 12 stocks tracked beat revenue consensus estimates by 2.2%, whilst next quarter's guidance came in 8.6% above expectations. Wabash emerged as the quarter's strongest performer, reporting revenues of $417.2 million and surpassing analysts' expectations by 3.6%. The company's shares rose 7.5% after earnings. Greenbrier recorded the sector's weakest performance. Share prices across the sector have fallen an average of 6% since earnings announcements.

PACCAR shares have risen 13.9% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 12.8% return. The Bellevue, Washington-based truck manufacturer, with a market cap of $65.6 billion, has gained 27% over the past 52 weeks compared to the S&P 500's 18.7% advance. The stock climbed 3.6% on 28 July after reporting second-quarter earnings per share of $1.43 and revenue of $7.55 billion, both exceeding expectations. Strong customer orders and resilient demand for fuel-efficient trucks drove results, whilst parts business revenue increased 1.5% to $1.75 billion. PACCAR operates through three segments — Truck, Parts, and Financial Services — selling under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF brands. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with a mean price target of $142.60.