Western Star Trucks has been awarded the 2024 Truck of the Year Australasia (ToYA) title for its X-Series model, presented at the Technology Maintenance and Safety (TMS) conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Launched in late 2022, the X-Series range was made available for local orders at the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2023 where it was also used in the National Apprentice Challenge across two days of competition.
“I am thrilled to receive the 2024 Truck of the Year Australasia award on behalf of our Australia and New Zealand Western Star teams,” said Penske Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Hamish Christie-Johnston.
“Since we launched the all-new X-Series in late 2022, we’ve received outstanding feedback from everyone who has driven the trucks.
“From customers to media personnel, the response has been unanimous that the X-Series is a seriously premium package,” he said.
The X-Series is a bonnetted heavy-duty prime mover that was designed from the ground up to offer timeless Western Star aesthetics, trusted durability and modern safety features.
Powered by a range of Cummins or Detroit engine options, mated to a choice of Detroit, Allison or Eaton Fuller transmissions, the X Series range is versatile with high levels of customisability.
The range consists of 47X, 48X and 49X variants with a GCM of up to 200+ tonnes available in the top-spec model, making it a serious highway contender.
“This is the most tested Western Star ever,” said Head of Western Star Trucks in Australia, Kurt Dein.
“Designed from the ground up, the 47X, 49X, and ANZ-exclusive 48X are engineered specifically for our local market.
“Over several years, the team at Penske worked closely with Daimler Trucks North America to deliver a product that is lighter, safer, stronger, and more spacious than any Western Star before.
“Thinking back to 2015 when I joined the development process to bring X-Series to market with DTNA, I am so proud to be at the TMS Conference today to accept the award on behalf of the whole team,” he said.
