Kenworth Radios Now Offer Bluetooth Capability

To help truck fleets and drivers meet the new hands-free cell phone law, Kenworth now offers customers two Bluetooth capability choices ― factory-installed radios and Kenworth NavPlus ― for Kenworth trucks.

“While Kenworth NavPlus is the ultimate do-all, hands-free cell phone system married to true-truck navigation, iPod and MP3 integration, diagnostics, gauges and a host of other features, some drivers just want basic Bluetooth capability, and that’s what we now offer with our two high-quality radios,” says Michelle Harry, Kenworth’s special projects marketing manager.

 According to Harry, Kenworth’s AM/FM/CD radio, available with and without satellite radio capability, provides outstanding clarity and functionality. A small Bluetooth microphone is mounted in the A-pillar trim above the driver, which is said to allow excellent sound for those receiving calls from the driver.

 Up to eight cell phones can be synchronized to the radios and contacts can be automatically loaded. A contact screen is said to make calling easy while parked, but drivers can also take advantage of Voice Command mode to make calls while on the move.

When incoming calls are received, the radio displays the name of the caller and phone number. Pushing the OK button accepts the call, while the ESC button rejects the call.

 “What’s more, if the driver’s cell phone is also an audio source with music, stored songs can be played through the radio,” says Harry.