May 1, 2009 12:00 PM

The Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system has qualified for an exemption from the 12 percent U.S. Federal Excise Tax (FET). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program has long recognized Clean Power as a certified idle reduction device. The Internal Revenue Service now recognizes such EPA-approved systems as qualifying for the FET exemption.

Clean Power is available as a factory-installed option for the Kenworth T660, T800, and W900 models equipped with the 72-inch AeroCab sleeper. The system may enhance fuel economy as much as 8 percent for customers with high-idling times. Among the benefits are factory installation, Kenworth warranty coverage, no-idle features, and full compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) idling regulations for sleeper trucks with 2007 and later model engines.

In other news, purchasers of certain Kenworth medium-duty diesel-electric hybrid trucks in the United States are eligible for a tax credit of up to $12,000, under a qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit available from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS recently certified the tax credit eligibility of Kenworth T370 Class 7 and T270 Class 6 hybrid trucks in both pick-up and delivery and utility boom applications, when equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and an Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system. The T370 qualifies for a $12,000 credit, the maximum for Class 7 hybrids. The T270 qualifies for a $6,000 credit, the maximum for Class 6 hybrids. Credit applies to Kenworth hybrid trucks built in 2009.