20 Facts About Peterbilt

The namesake of company founder T A "Al" Peterman, Peterbilt has operated as part of PACCAR since 1958, operating alongside sister division Kenworth Truck Company .

Peterbilt trucks are identified by a large red-oval brand emblem, in use since 1953.

Peterbilt uses a "bird"-style hood ornament on conventional-cab trucks, in use since 1965.

In 1953, Peterbilt introduced its current brand emblem, switching from a rectangular border to the current red oval.

The new owners of Peterbilt began the relocation of the company, keeping it in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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In 1965, Peterbilt introduced the Model 358, largely replacing the 351 .

In 1969, Peterbilt expanded its production capability, opening a facility in Madison, Tennessee .

In 1975, Peterbilt expanded its manufacturing base a second time, introducing Peterbilt Canada in Sainte-Therese, Quebec .

In 1980, Peterbilt introduced the Model 397; the largest vehicle ever designed by the company, the 397 conventional 6x6 was exclusively for off-road use.

In 1986, Peterbilt commenced a series of massive changes within both the company and its product line.

In 1988, Peterbilt introduced a second Class 8 COE, the Model 372 aerodynamically-enhanced highway tractor.

In 1993, Peterbilt ended all operations in Newark, relocating its corporate and engineering headquarters to Denton .

In 2000, Peterbilt introduced the Model 330, its first medium-duty conventional-cab truck.

Alongside the Class 7 Model 340, Peterbilt introduced its smallest-ever conventional, the Class 5 Model 325 .

In 2009, Peterbilt ended production at the Madison, Tennessee facility, consolidating operations between Denton and Sainte-Therese.

Peterbilt introduced a design variant of the Class 8 1100-series cab, introducing an "Extended Ultra Daycab" for non-sleeper; the option included a raised roof and extended rear cab wall.

In 2014, to commemorate 75 years of production, Peterbilt released a 75th Anniversary Edition of the Model 579, which was painted with a two-tone exterior and a matching interior.

In 2018, Peterbilt began testing on its first electric vehicle prototypes, building 12 579s and 3 520s with all-electric powertrains.

In 2021, Peterbilt commenced production of three all-electric model lines, launching the Class 8 579EV tractor, Class 8 520EV low-cab COE, and the Class 7 220EV COE.

From its 1939 founding to 1960, Peterbilt was based in Oakland, California, using the former Fageol facilities.