Kenworth’s W900 to Reach End of Road in 2026 After 63 Years

Production of T800W and C500 to Also Halt

Source: Kenworth Truck Co. 

Kenworth Truck Co. announced on March 19 that it will cease production of three of its legendary Class 8 trucks in 2026, including the W900, which first rolled off the assembly line in 1963. Also affected are the T800W (wide-hood) and C500 models.

Final orders in 2025: Kenworth has confirmed that the last orders for these models will be accepted later in 2025 before production ends in 2026.

Regulatory and technological shifts: The company cited evolving emissions regulations and component constraints as key factors in its decision, as the trucking industry moves toward more integrated and efficient technologies.

A difficult but necessary decision: “We know these legacy Kenworth models are an integral part of our history, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking,” said Kevin Haygood, assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

An Icon of the Trucking Industry

The W900 debuted in 1963, four years after the 900 series was introduced in 1959. The “W” in its name pays tribute to Kenworth co-founder Edgar Worthington.

•1965: The W900A was introduced with a longer hood.

•1982: The W900B replaced the A-model, featuring a larger radiator for improved cooling.

•1990: The W900L long-hood version debuted with an extra 10 inches of hood length.

•2002: A new extended day cab version was introduced.

The Future: W990 and T880

Kenworth stated that the W990 and T880 will cater to W900 customers moving forward. Earlier this month, the company unveiled a new T880S Performance Hood option, allowing for a Cummins X15engine (up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 lb-ft of torque).

Additionally, the T800, introduced in 1986 as a heavy-duty truck for the construction sector, will also see the end of its production run alongside the T800W.