5 Most Popular Semi Trucks in America
5. Volvo
Volvo trucks make up 10 percent of the heavy-duty truck market share in America. That’s pretty substantial when you consider the competition of the American truck brands. Volvo is a Swedish manufacturer that also owns Mack Trucks – known for the Pinnacle truck series and its Granite dump trucks. Although fifth in terms of the American truck market, Volvo is the second largest heavy-duty truck producer in the world. They also happen to be the preferred choice for Jean-Claude Van Damme to practice his splits on! Precision displayed at its finest.
4. International
Navistar International has been producing trucks since it was founded in 1902. The International LoneStar model is known for its unique crosshatch grills (though not shown in the special edition video below). Navistar also has a division called Navistar Defense, which manufactures military tactical vehicles. It holds 11 percent of the market share in America.
3. Peterbilt
Peterbilt is an iconic brand in the American trucking industry. Its popularity has allowed the brand to cross over into everyday fashion. With its red oval-shaped logo and script white lettering, Peterbilt apparel – specifically trucker hats – can found at truck stops, retail stores and various online retailers. Peterbilt makes up 13 percent of the market share in America and is beloved by its owners. The Peterbilt 379 is one of the most popular semi-trucks on the market – just ask Tony Justice and his hit song.
2. Kenworth
PACCAR is the parent company of Peterbilt and Kenworth with an annual revenue of $19.1 billion. Combined the two truck brands sold 154,700 trucks in 2015. The Kenworth W900 is a classic truck model with a distinguished long-nose hood and pumps out nearly 600 horsepower. Kenworth edged out Peterbilt by a slight margin in sales, holding 14 percent of the market share in America for 2015.
1. Freightliner
The top-selling semi-truck in America is Freightliner selling over 190,000 trucks annually. Freightliner is the most popular truck in America making up 40 percent of the market share. In addition, Freightliner is the largest truck manufacturer in the U.S., employing over 3,000 workers at its factories in Cleveland and Mt. Holly. Founded in 1942, Freightliner is a division of Daimler, the German company that also owns Western Star and is responsible for manufacturing Mercedes-Benz.
While the 2007 model is the most popular Freightliner on the market, the company is investing in the future of trucking. Last year Freightliner introduced a SuperTruck which was reported to get 12 mpg, outfitted with cutting-edge technology and a more aerodynamic style.