Paccar Names Ahrens as New Kenworth General Manager

Key Details Peter Ahrens will take over as general manager at Kenworth Truck Co. starting July 1, Paccar announced May 27. He replaces Jim Walenczak, who moves to lead Paccar's European DAF truck division as president. Ahrens comes from his role as assistant general manager of operations at Kenworth after 15 years with Paccar. Why It Matters Ahrens arrives as Kenworth pushes hard to grow its North American heavy-duty truck market share. Paccar's two brands - Kenworth and Peterbilt - combined for 30.3% of Class 8 retail sales in 2025, with Kenworth holding 15.1%. The parent company targets 35% market share in the medium term. What's Next Kenworth is rolling out new models to compete harder in the segment. The company introduced the C580 heavy-haul tractor in March, replacing the legacy C500 that debuted in 1972. Production starts January 2027. Kenworth also launched its first Class 8 battery-electric vocational truck, the T880E, and updated its electric T680 tractor to strengthen its EV lineup and appeal to drivers seeking modern equipment options.