
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has unveiled the brand new Western Star platform in the United States.
Western Star Trucks Australia and New Zealand distributor Penske says it has worked closely with DTNA over several years throughout the development process of the new trucks and will continue to do so in the lead up to the launch in local markets which it expects to see by 2022 or early 2023.
The 49X next-generation model features a stronger, lighter chassis and equipped with an all-new X-series cab.
Also featured is the new Detroit DT12 Vocational series of transmissions and Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems.
The design of the Western Star 49X enables total weight savings of over 150 kilograms versus the current Western Star 4900.
Clear back-of-cab packaging for the 49X allows for easier upfit with features that include: forward mounted DEF tanks; standard in-cab battery box; multiple air tank mounting locations; air dryer mounted under hood (SBA) or under cab (SFA), optimized fuel tank sizes; a compact Detroit aftertreatment system; and functional dual vertical exhaust stacks.

All models come with all-metal exterior brightwork and a standard interior with upscale appointments including metal accent.
An optional premium trim package includes woodgrain and diamond-stitched seating.
In all models, a wrap-around dash puts the driver command center and B-panel in easy line of sight of the operator.
On the B-panel, a flex panel can be prepped for a tablet or configured for an additional 12 switches or 10 gauges.
Along with a QuickFit Dash Access designed for telematics or other device integration, equipment control and device access is placed within easy reach for the operator.
Under the hood, the Detroit DT12 Vocational series of automated manual transmissions are available as either the DT12-V or the DT12-VX validated in over 56 million kilometres of testing.
Safety features include Side Guard Assist (SGA), Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5), Tailgate Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to 0km/h, Lane Departure Warning, Video Capture, Intelligent High-Beam and Automatic Wipers and Headlamps.
With optional SGA, radar technology detects moving objects and pedestrians on the passenger side of the 49X that may otherwise fall in the operator’s blind spot and alerts them with both auditory and visual warnings.
ABA5 detects distance and speed to moving and stationary objects in the driving path of the 49X and determines if warning or automated braking is necessary.
Western Star also designed ergonomic ingress and egress for the 49X to tackle slips, trips and falls as a common type of workplace injury.
With applications like a concrete mixer where an operator may enter and exit the truck fifty times in a shift, Western Star’s door opening angles of 70 degrees, five hand holds, and step treads widened by half an inch and constructed as a staircase help facilitate safer entry and exit from the cab. The steps start closer to the ground and use a volcano tread for confident footholds with high traction, added toe clearance, and mud, dirt and debris pass through.
“We are thrilled to see the brand new Western Star platform unveiled today in the United States,” said Randall Seymore, President of Penske Australia & New Zealand.
“Here in Australia and New Zealand, Western Star has amassed a loyal customer base over the decades and we are confident our customers will be just as excited by today’s launch.
“We will be rolling out a testing program next year ensuring the new trucks are a perfect fit for our local conditions and applications.
“We will continue to support our current Western Star truck portfolio which has been proven to thrive in our tough and unique conditions, and Penske is committed to continuing to provide our customers with the service excellence they have come to expect.

“Our launch plans for the new trucks will be revealed in due course, however we expect to see the trucks enter our local markets in late 2022 or early 2023.”
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has unveiled the brand new Western Star platform in the United States.
Western Star Trucks Australia and New Zealand distributor Penske says it has worked closely with DTNA over several years throughout the development process of the new trucks and will continue to do so in the lead up to the launch in local markets which it expects to see by 2022 or early 2023.
The 49X next-generation model features a stronger, lighter chassis and equipped with an all-new X-series cab.
Also featured is the new Detroit DT12 Vocational series of transmissions and Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems.
The design of the Western Star 49X enables total weight savings of over 150 kilograms versus the current Western Star 4900.
Clear back-of-cab packaging for the 49X allows for easier upfit with features that include: forward mounted DEF tanks; standard in-cab battery box; multiple air tank mounting locations; air dryer mounted under hood (SBA) or under cab (SFA), optimized fuel tank sizes; a compact Detroit aftertreatment system; and functional dual vertical exhaust stacks.
All models come with all-metal exterior brightwork and a standard interior with upscale appointments including metal accent.
An optional premium trim package includes woodgrain and diamond-stitched seating.
In all models, a wrap-around dash puts the driver command center and B-panel in easy line of sight of the operator.
On the B-panel, a flex panel can be prepped for a tablet or configured for an additional 12 switches or 10 gauges.
Along with a QuickFit Dash Access designed for telematics or other device integration, equipment control and device access is placed within easy reach for the operator.
Under the hood, the Detroit DT12 Vocational series of automated manual transmissions are available as either the DT12-V or the DT12-VX validated in over 56 million kilometres of testing.
Safety features include Side Guard Assist (SGA), Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5), Tailgate Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to 0km/h, Lane Departure Warning, Video Capture, Intelligent High-Beam and Automatic Wipers and Headlamps.
With optional SGA, radar technology detects moving objects and pedestrians on the passenger side of the 49X that may otherwise fall in the operator’s blind spot and alerts them with both auditory and visual warnings.
ABA5 detects distance and speed to moving and stationary objects in the driving path of the 49X and determines if warning or automated braking is necessary.
Western Star also designed ergonomic ingress and egress for the 49X to tackle slips, trips and falls as a common type of workplace injury.
With applications like a concrete mixer where an operator may enter and exit the truck fifty times in a shift, Western Star’s door opening angles of 70 degrees, five hand holds, and step treads widened by half an inch and constructed as a staircase help facilitate safer entry and exit from the cab. The steps start closer to the ground and use a volcano tread for confident footholds with high traction, added toe clearance, and mud, dirt and debris pass through.
“We are thrilled to see the brand new Western Star platform unveiled today in the United States,” said Randall Seymore, President of Penske Australia & New Zealand.
“Here in Australia and New Zealand, Western Star has amassed a loyal customer base over the decades and we are confident our customers will be just as excited by today’s launch.
“We will be rolling out a testing program next year ensuring the new trucks are a perfect fit for our local conditions and applications.
“We will continue to support our current Western Star truck portfolio which has been proven to thrive in our tough and unique conditions, and Penske is committed to continuing to provide our customers with the service excellence they have come to expect.
“Our launch plans for the new trucks will be revealed in due course, however we expect to see the trucks enter our local markets in late 2022 or early 2023.”



