Kenworth discontinuing W900, T800 and C500 models

The sun will soon set on a Kenworth icon. The company announced Wednesday it will end production of its legacy 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks, which includes Kenworth’s W900 (W900L and W900B models), T800W (wide-hood), and the C500 in 2026.

As first reported by TPS sister publication Overdrive on Tuesday, Kenworth says the decision is due to evolving emissions regulations and component constraints as the industry moves forward with new, more efficient and better integrated technologies and products.

A final call for truck orders will be announced later in 2025, the company says.

“We know these legacy Kenworth models are an integral part of our history here at Kenworth, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking,” says Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

“As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks by delivering innovation, efficiency, and the same level of craftsmanship that our customers and drivers have trusted for generations.”

Kenworth says its W990 and T880 are well-positioned to continue supporting customers familiar with the W900 and T800 models. The company specifically notes the T880's newly designed performance hood is compatible with large displacement engines including the Cummins X15, rated up to 605 hp and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque, making it a viable option for T800W applications.