Kenworth Truck Co. is set to offer the Eaton Vorad Collision Warning System in conjunction with SmartCruise adaptive cruise control as an option on its T600, T800, T2000 and W900 Class 8 truck models.

The Vorad system provides forward and side object detection through a forward-mounted antenna and one side sensor along with two visual displays, said Steve Gilligan, Kenworth’s director of marketing.

SmartCruise adaptive cruise control is controlled via the forward-mounted antenna of the Vorad system, noted Gilligan. It works with the truck’s cruise control to automatically reduce truck speed when vehicles are within a predetermined range. The conjoined system cuts a truck’s speed by reducing fuel to the engine and engaging the engine retarder, he said.

Also, when coupled with an Eaton automated transmission, SmartCruise automatically downshifts to maintain optimal engine RPMs to save on fuel consumption, Gilligan said.

For more information, go to www.kenworth.com/6100_pre_mor.asp?file=1899 or go to www.vorad.com.