KIRKLAND, WA - Kenworth Truck Company recently received a 2009 Exemplary Innovation Award from the California Economic & Workforce Development program in association with the California Community Colleges.

Kenworth was recognized for its participation in a pioneering partnership to develop the successful Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Heavy Truck Technician Training Program implemented at Long Beach City College (LBCC). Kenworth shares the award with LBCC, the Port of Long Beach, Westport Innovations, Cabrillo (Calif.) High School and Long Beach Unified School District.

"Kenworth is honored to receive this innovation award," said Bill Kozek, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president. "This program is training service technicians and students to service liquefied natural gas vehicles, thus helping to meet the growing need for LNG-certified technicians in California."

Winners of the Exemplary Innovation Award demonstrate strong innovative and responsive contributions to economic and workforce development within a region or statewide in California. The award brings statewide and professional recognition to those projects and programs that have made significant contributions to the field of economic and workforce development through California's community colleges.

Kenworth was the first truck manufacturer to offer an LNG fuel system as a Class 8 factory-installed option. The Kenworth T800 LNG truck offers outstanding performance and efficiency for heavy duty port, freight and vocational applications. A typical Class 8 truck using the cleaner burning LNG fuel may reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and greenhouse gas emissions by up to an estimated 33 percent and 20 percent, respectively, compared to a diesel-fueled truck.  LNG fuel also may cost from 50 cents to $1 per gallon less than the equivalent diesel fuel. Kenworth T800 LNG trucks may qualify for up to $28,800 in IRS tax credits.