LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Western Star is rebadging its full line of trucks, following the launch of a new Class 8 vocational truck at the recent 2011 Work Truck Show.

"With the addition of the Western Star 4700 to our product line, we decided to better distinguish between the multiple configurations that are available within the brand," said Mike Jackson, general manager of Western Star. "Our improved nomenclature enables our customers and dealers to easily select the right premium truck model and axle position to suit their needs."

The new naming strategy separates Western Star’s family of trucks into four distinct models: the 4700, 4800, 4900 and 6900. All axle configurations are also represented and include the set-forward (SF), set-back (SB) and twin-steer (TS).

Western Star’s full product nomenclature includes:

* 4700SF and 4700SB, with a 110-inch BBC and power ratings from 260 to 450 hp;

* 4800SF, 4800SB and 4800TS, formally within the 4900 product line, with a 109-inch BBC and power ratings from 350 to 450 hp;

* 4900SF, 4900SB, 4900XD, 4900EX and 4900TS for long-haul and severe duty vocational applications, with BBCs from 123-132 inches and power rates from 350 to 600 hp; and

* 6900XD and 6900TS for extreme duty applications, with a 141-inch BBC and power ratings from 425 to 600 hp.

The full line-up with their new names is now on display at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky.

Also on display is the company’s latest addition to its sleeper product line, the new 34-inch Stratosphere, available on the 4800 and 4900 models.

The new sleeper features a significant amount of additional headroom and greater storage space. According to Ann Demitruk, director of marketing for Western Star, ample room between the front seats enhance sleeper access and overall comfort.

A specially contoured roof fairing improves cab-to-trailer gap while reducing the chance of contact with a refrigeration unit.

The company has also made significant changes to the interior of all its truck models.

Updates include customizable compartments and shelving, and brighter color

options.

John Tomlinson, product manager for Western Star, said the changes were based on feedback and customer input.

“We’ve retained the traditional elements that our customers demand while providing more flexibility, comfort and storage options to suit a variety of needs," he said.

The new interiors include:

* A new interior door design with roomier door panels for log books and maps;

* Larger cabinets and moveable shelving, allowing drivers to tailor their truck’s interior to their own preference;

* New color choices;

* Easy-to-clean vinyl roof panels; and

* An electronic interface prep package with factory-installed mounting and power connections for applications such as navigation systems and Bluetooth enabled cell phones.