Peterbilt is preparing to make its new PACCAR Connect system standard equipment on heavy-duty trucks beginning in 2027, bringing vehicle diagnostics, driver resources and fleet management tools together in a single 13-inch touchscreen display.
The factory-installed system, which includes hands-free voice controls, navigation, telematics and Apple CarPlay compatibility, was among the technologies Peterbilt showcased during the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE), held Oct. 17-20 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to Peterbilt, PACCAR Connect is designed to help drivers access information more easily while giving fleets additional tools to monitor vehicle performance and manage operations.
Putting information within drivers’ reach
PACCAR Connect includes four standard applications:
- Digital operator’s manuals;
- Driver tutorials;
- Vehicle health information; and
- A dealer locator.
During MCE, Chase Wolfe, Peterbilt marketing segment manager, demonstrated the system for Greg Thompson, contributing writer for The Trucker and executive producer of PodWheels.
Wolfe explained that the digital manuals are searchable, allowing drivers to find information without sorting through printed materials. The tutorial application provides short instructional videos covering truck functions and other features.
The vehicle health application provides information about fault codes, including possible causes and troubleshooting guidance. Drivers can also use the dealer locator to find nearby service locations, contact information and operating hours.
Wolfe told Thompson the information can help drivers better understand a vehicle problem and determine what steps may be necessary before continuing a trip or seeking service.
The display also supports up to eight camera inputs — four analog and four digital — including cameras positioned along the sides or rear of a truck. Camera views can be programmed to appear automatically when certain vehicle functions, such as turn signals, are activated.
Designed to reduce distractions
The system includes voice-activated controls that respond to the command “Hey Peterbilt,” allowing drivers to perform certain functions without navigating through the touchscreen.
According to Wolfe, the display was developed with an emphasis on driver ergonomics and ease of use.
The upper portion of the screen displays applications, navigation and other information, while frequently used controls for climate settings, audio and phone functions remain accessible along the lower portion.
Wolfe said the arrangement was influenced by driver feedback gathered during development and testing.
Peterbilt has spent several years developing the technology, including testing components under extreme temperatures and evaluating the system in hundreds of vehicles operating on the road.
The system also integrates with the Virtual Vehicle App Marketplace, giving fleets access to third-party applications and the ability to manage which applications are available to drivers.
According to PACCAR, the connected platform includes tools for fleet managers to monitor vehicle health, remote diagnostics, mileage, location, warranty status and idle time.
Two Class 8 models on display
In addition to PACCAR Connect, Peterbilt highlighted its Model 579 UltraLoft and Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 during the MCE conference.
The Model 579 UltraLoft features an 80-inch integral sleeper and a range of customizable fleet specifications. The model displayed at MCE was equipped with a PACCAR MX-13 engine, TX-12 transmission, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and an electronic parking brake.
Peterbilt also displayed its Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589, featuring patriotic styling and premium finishes. The special edition truck was equipped with a PACCAR MX-13 engine and an Eaton 18-speed manual transmission.
Podwheels podcast: Hear more from Peterbilt
For a closer look at PACCAR Connect, listen to the PodWheels Destinations podcast, featuring The Trucker contributing writer and PodWheels executive producer Greg Thompson’s on-site interview with Peterbilt’s Chase Wolfe during MCE.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
