Sep 7, 2011 11:08 AM

Kenworth Truck Company announced that the NavPlus is now available for order on its Class 5-8 trucks.

NavPlus, a Paccar proprietary navigation and business technology system, is standard on trucks with all premium interior trim offerings and on Kenworth diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The system is available as an optional upgrade with all other Kenworth interior trim packages.

The factory-installed, in-dash system is designed for life on the road. At the heart of NavPlus is an on-board navigation system that provides drivers with true truck-optimized routes from Garmin, customized to truck and load specifications. The system also offers information about height and weight limits so drivers can avoid restricted roads and streets.

NavPlus integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Drivers can pair it with their compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free. The system, which is voice-recognition-enabled for phone dialing, logs phone calls, imports contact information, and enables text messaging for those using a Bluetooth device. Drivers can hear the calls through the cab’s sound system.

It also offers audio controls (including satellite-enabled radio, AM/FM, CD, MP3, and USB), and camera inputs for up to four optional video cameras for monitoring the truck and trailer. An optional cellular modem allows drivers to connect to Sprint’s mobile connectivity services. That means when the truck is parked and not in motion, the driver can access the Internet to look up favorite websites to search for loads, news and weather updates, and check personal email.

With a touch of the 7-inch, high-resolution color screen, the driver has quick and easy access to all these features. Roadside assistance is available by touching the on-screen “Paccar” pre-programmed button, which automatically dials the Paccar Customer Call Center, which operates 24/7.

Six virtual gauges provide current information on truck operation. Oil temperature, transmission temperature, manifold boost, current and average fuel economy, diesel particulate filter (DPF) status, and percentage of torque come pre-loaded. NavPlus uses the commercial vehicle J1939 SAE standard for communication, full vehicle monitoring (including hybrid system status), and  diagnostics. The system is fully compatible with the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst (ESA), a computer-base diagnostics tool.