WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently presented Kenworth Truck Company with a 2008 EPA Clean Air Excellence award during a special ceremony in Washington.

Kenworth submitted entries on its T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrids, T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks, and Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system, and received the EPA award in the Clean Air Technology category in recognition of all three major environmental efforts. Kenworth became the first truck manufacturer to capture EPA Clean Air Excellence honors since the inception of the awards in 2000, according to the company.

"The EPA Clean Air Excellence Award is a tremendous honor for Kenworth Truck Company and its employees," said Bill Kozek, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.

Kenworth received the environmental honor at the EPA's Ninth Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards, which recognizes and honors outstanding innovative efforts in the progress of achieving cleaner air. Kenworth received the award based on the selection criteria by directly reducing emissions, demonstrating innovation, and offering sustainable outcomes. Awards were presented in five categories, including clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, regulatory/policy innovations and transportation efficiency innovations. The Clean Air Excellence Awards Program is open to both public and private entities. More information is available at www.epa.gov/air/caaac/clean_award.html.

Kenworth is also the recipient of the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over the Road and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks.