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A iconic symbol of American culture is soon leaving the nation’s roadways.

Kenworth, the leading company in commercial trucks, has announced that they will cease producing the W900 model in 2026. This marks the conclusion of what was the third-longest continuously produced mass-market vehicle.

The diesel-driven heavy-duty truck, which debuted in 1961, has become an iconic presence in trucking culture across multiple generations. Only the Chevrolet Suburban and
Ford F-Series
have spent more time traveling.

The W900s had a elongated front end, adorned with a large chromed grille, boxy headlamps, and a robust chromium bumper. This styling gave the vehicle the appearance of a sharp-edged siege weapon.

In 1982, significant changes were made to the almost 60,000-pound semi-truck, enhancing its appearance; however, both its fundamental structure and standing stayed the same.

It has made appearances in American culture, surfacing in well-known movies and TV series such as “American Dad,” “Moonlighting,” and “Desperado.”

“The W900 holds significant historical importance because it has played a crucial role in shaping the trucking culture and traditions of North America as we understand them today,” stated Kevin Haygood, who serves as the assistant general manager for sales and marketing at Kenworth.

‘While moving towards our next generation of vehicles, we stay dedicated to upholding the essence of these legendary trucks.’

The W900s boasted impressive performance with approximately 600 horsepower generated by its 18-speed manual transmission system.

The truck would consume a gallon of gas every six to eight miles as well.

Kenworth now offers an updated range of heavy-duty trucks featuring increased driver comfort, advanced technology, and enhanced fuel economy.

The company also said
regulators forced the decision
with federal emissions targets.

Online discussions have continued to be varied regarding the six-decades-old truck.

Several Reddit users mentioned that the massive semi-truck appeared old and worn out. Others noted that people are buying these nostalgia-inducing tractors quickly before their production ceases.

Even though, everybody seemed to concur that the truck had difficulty turning around.

One trucker commented, “It’s an awful truck with dreadful visibility and the poorest turning radius imaginable.”

However, another person chimed in: “It was an excellent truck, but it had the turning radius of a planet.”

At present, Kenworth is offering certified pre-owned trucks for sale within a price range of $55,000 to $270,000.

Kenworth’s choice to discontinue the enduring truck model follows significant shifts within the trucking sector.

Technologists have been developing
new autonomous driving
vehicles that might help mitigate the impact of an accident
large-scale scarcity of truck drivers in the United States
.

Truck manufacturers have likewise committed billions of dollars in their efforts to develop more environmentally friendly vehicles to tackle the effects of climate change.

However, the trucks, which usually employ hydrogen and battery electric technology, have been
damaged due to costly upkeep
and slumping consumer interest.

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