Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/328695
W hen Peterbilt set the bar at best-in-class for mul- tiple performance critieria with the new Model 579, the company demanded plenty from not only its own engineers and specialists, but from its supplier partners as well. So in order to achieve their goals, Peterbilt officials knew their search for supplier partners would have to be global, and would demand a sterling track record of innovation and performance. And more than ever before, they found their partners came from automotive backgrounds, according to Peterbilt Assistant General Manager Mike Dozier. "What we're seeing is a blurring of the boundaries between automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers, as customers demand increasingly higher — and in some ways, automotive- like — performance from Class 8 trucks," says Dozier. "And what we found is that those capable of delivering world- class innovation for the automotive industry are highly capable of doing so in a heavy-duty commercial vehicle environment as well. From the beginning, when we shared our vision for the Model 579, these are the companies that stepped forward and made clear that they were willing and capable to offer best-in-class con- tributions in each of their own areas of expertise." "They helped make the Peterbilt Model 579 the best it could possibly be." The following are 12 of the major suppliers of systems or componentry of the new Peterbilt Model 579. More than 30 component supplier partners have contributed to the new truck, according to company officials. The Behr Group, Stuttgart, Germany. Behr services the inter- national automotive industry with innovative HVAC solutions, which it designed for the Peterbilt Model 579. CK Technologies, Brownsville, Texas. This leader in engi- neered composite systems and components designed and built the hard trim for the cab interior. Comau, Troy, Mich. This leader in advanced production systems for full vehicle body manufacturing built and tuned the 18 l FIRST CLASS "These were the companies able to offer best- in-class contributions to the Model 579." Only the Best SUPPLIER PARTNERS Headlights, supplied by German innovator Hella, provide the best down-road coverage and visibility in the industry. World-class supplier partners met Peterbilt's high standards