021521_TT_AllPages

Equipment February
15-28, 2021 • 21
Peterbilt unveils new, redesigned Model 579 featuring interior and
exterior improvements in aerodynamics, technology and comfort
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt Motors Co.
on Feb. 3 announced the launch of its new
Model 579. The thoroughly redesigned Model
579 boasts improvements in aerodynamics, efficiency,
comfort, technology and uptime.
The new Model 579 is the most technologically
advanced truck Peterbilt has ever built.
The new 579 is also the most aerodynamic and
fuel-efficient Peterbilt available, thanks to the
new exterior design featuring a new sloped
hood and optimized aero components, as well
as the new 2021 PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11
engines and PACCAR transmission.
Highlighting the new 579’s innovative technologies
is a state-of-the-art 15-inch digital
dash display, which features a fully customizable
user interface (UI). Operators control the
digital UI through one of three different Drive
View Zones, allowing for a variety of combinations
of digital gauges on the main screen
at any one time. The driver can customize the
display through controls found on the all-new
steering wheel.
Prior to trip departure the digital display can
run through a Visual Systems check, inspecting
13 systems and providing a green checkmark
with each passed test. Post-trip, a detailed Trip
Information screen provides a breakdown of
important metrics of the most recent journey.
The Peterbilt Digital Display fully integrates
with electrical and safety systems found
on the new 579, including the Bendix Fusion
Advanced Driver Assistance System with integrated
camera and radar technology-enabled
advanced features, including collision mitigation,
overspeed alerts and lane keep assist to
be displayed prominently in the center of the
display.
“The clear and precise information relayed
to drivers through the Peterbilt Digital Display,
combined with the advanced safety systems
Photos courtesy of Peterbilt Motors Co.
Top left: The new Model 579 is the most technologically advanced truck Peterbilt has ever
built and features the Peterbilt Digital Display, which fully integrates with electrical and safety
systems. Bottom left: The 579 UltraLoft with an integral sleeper provides 70 cubic feet of
space. Above: Key exterior features of the new 579 include a redesigned Metton hood that
is narrower and more resistant to damage.
found throughout the truck, provide a much
higher level of awareness of the truck and its
surroundings,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general
manager and PACCAR vice president.
Developed over a five-year span, Peterbilt
set out to provide a great look and aerodynamic
shape of the new 579. Over 1,000 hours of
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis
and over 7.8 million CPU processing hours
were spent evaluating the exterior design of the
new 579. This research resulted in an enhanced
aerodynamic profile and a 7% improvement in
fuel economy.
See 579 on p22 m
Daimler to split truck segment into separate company, focus on zero emissions
Courtesy: Daimler Truck North America
The proposed spin-off of Daimler Truck into an independent company is designed to allow
the manufacturer to focus on the development of zero-emissions vehicles, as well
as the advancement of automated technology.
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
STUTTGART, Germany — Daimler on
Feb. 3 announced plans to split its passenger
car and commercial truck/bus segments into
two independent “pure-play” companies. An
announcement from Daimler calls the split a
“fundamental change” in the company’s structure,
adding that the division will “unlock the
full potential of its businesses in a zero-emissions,
software-driven future.”
A significant majority stake in Daimler
Truck will be distributed to Daimler shareholders.
The truck business will operate under fully
independent management and have stand-alone
corporate governance, including an independent
chairman of the supervisory board, and is targeted
to qualify as a DAX company.
The passenger-car segment will be renamed
as Mercedes-Benz “at the appropriate time,”
the announcement notes.
“This is a historic moment for Daimler. It
represents the start of a profound reshaping of
the company. Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans and
Daimler Trucks & Buses are different businesses
with specific customer groups, technology
paths and capital needs,” said Ola Källenius,
chairman of the board of management of Daimler
and Mercedes-Benz.
“Daimler Truck supplies industry-leading
transportation solutions and services to customers,”
Källenius noted, adding that both the
car and commercial truck industries are on the
brink of “major” changes. “Given this context,
we believe they will be able to operate most effectively
as independent entities, equipped with
strong net liquidity and free from the constraints
of a conglomerate structure.”
As part of a more focused corporate structure,
both Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz will also
be supported by dedicated captive financial and
mobility service entities, driving sales with tailormade
financing, leasing and mobility solutions.
In this process, the company plans to assign resources
and teams from today’s Daimler Mobility
See Split on p22 m