Peterbilt Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Jan. 21, 2014
Peterbilt is celebrating its 75th anniversary with commemorative events throughout the year that include a North American tour with a specialized anniversary trailer, a limited-edition Model 579 and numerous other activities.

Peterbilt is celebrating its 75th anniversary with commemorative events throughout the year that include a North American tour with a specialized anniversary trailer, a limited-edition Model 579 and numerous other activities.

“Peterbilt consistently sets higher standards for its products and services. It’s a 75-year tradition of excellence and innovation that has established expectations with an uncompromising focus to deliver the highest levels of quality, customer satisfaction and reward on investment,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “This is a milestone event for our company and its customers, employees, dealers and suppliers.”

Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman manufacturing specialized, heavy-duty trucks out of Oakland, Calif. Largely a regional brand in its early years, the company experienced steady growth, quickly going from producing dozens to hundreds of vehicles. The company was acquired by PACCAR Inc, then called Pacific Car & Foundry, in 1958, and the manufacturing was relocated to Newark, Calif. in 1960. That decade the company’s truck output, market share and distribution network grew significantly. Peterbilt opened a new, second plant in Madison, Tenn. in 1969 to meet demand and better serve its customers from coast to coast.

In 1980, a new manufacturing facility opened in Denton, Texas, a city where the company eventually consolidated its entire operations and is now its headquarters. Today, the state-of-the-art plant can produce more than 160 vehicles daily in numerous custom-built configurations for on-highway and vocational markets. Additionally, Peterbilt Class 6-7 trucks are manufactured in Ste. Therese, Quebec, and the proprietary PACCAR Engine lineup is produced in Columbus, Miss. Vehicles are distributed through a network of Peterbilt dealerships with more than 290 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Throughout its history, Peterbilt strove to serve the needs of customers with a diverse lineup of custom built trucks that served specific business and market needs,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. “Today our comprehensive offerings of Class 5-8 vehicles help our customers achieve success in the on-highway, vocational and medium duty markets. Our focus on designing vehicles with superior fuel efficiency, low maintenance requirements, leading longevity and unparalleled performance sets Peterbilt apart from the competition. It’s part of a proud tradition we carry on today stronger than ever.”

Sproull notes that Peterbilt’s two newest vehicles – the aerodynamic Model 579 and the vocational Model 567 – represent the company’s most rigorous, significant investment in product development in its 75 year history.

One of those new vehicles will be offered as a special anniversary truck. The 75th Anniversary Edition Model 579 will be available for order through all full-service Peterbilt dealerships.

“It’s a truly unique tribute to both Peterbilt past and future,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt Director of Sales and Marketing. “It combines the Model 579’s advanced technologies, distinctive styling and state-of-the-art aerodynamics with numerous accents and details honoring the original 1939 Peterbilt.”

Throughout 2014 Peterbilt will celebrate its anniversary with thousands of customers. A special edition Model 579 with a museum on wheels will visit Peterbilt dealerships and industry events. The museum is a converted trailer filled with displays, historic artifacts and interactive kiosks.

A coffee-table style book will be published and available for sale online during the first quarter. At nearly 250 pages, the hardcover book provides readers with a comprehensive overview on the evolution of the company, photos and facts about landmark models, profiles of customers and a section on Peterbilt’s leading brand. The book includes many photos preserving Peterbilt’s past and showcasing its present and future.