It’s remained virtually unchanged for many years

AN ICONIC American truck has reached the end of the road – after 65 years.

Commercial trucking giants Kenworth have confirmed that the W900 will cease production in 2026 – bringing to an end the third longest-running mass-market vehicle.

Only the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford F-Series nameplates have outlasted it, with the W900 first introduced in 1961 and becoming a staple for truckers ever since.

The W900, which experienced a major redesign in 1982 that has been virtually unchanged ever since, is instantly recognisable for its long nose, massive chrome grill, square headlights, and hulking chrome bumper.

Truckers generally love the W900 model for its eye-watering power, boasting around 600 bhp from an 18-speed manual transmission, although it is mighty thirsty; consuming a gallon of fuel every six to eight miles.

The decision to discontinue the long-running model comes as the trucking industry is in the midst of major changes.

New, autonomous driving vehicles are being planned to help with a massive trucker shortage in America, while truck producers have invested billions in an attempt at producing greener rigs.

However, these hydrogen or battery-electric powered rigs have been marred by high maintenance costs and a lack of consumer interest.

Kevin Haygood, the assistant general manager for sales and marketing at Kenworth, said: “The W900 is truly historic in that it has helped shape North American trucking culture and tradition as we know it today.

“As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honouring the spirit of these iconic trucks.”

To this end, Kenworth is aiming to produce big rigs with more space for drivers, better tech, and improved fuel efficiency – while also abiding by regulators’ federal emissions targets.

Currently, Kenworth is selling pre-owned versions of the truck between $55,000 and $270,000.

On their website, Kenworth described the long-hood truck as an “enduring symbol of American trucking — a perfect fusion of power, luxury, craftsmanship and traditional styling.”

This comes as another iconic vehicle is reaching the end of its run, as Volvo has hinted they could be scrapping their most iconic model.

The Swedish marque, famed for its sophistication, safety and class, might be ditching all of its wagons for different variants of its new sedan and other SUVs.

Volvo CEO Jim Rowan recently dropped the bombshell at the unveiling of the new ES90 electric hatchback sedan.

Rowan hinted that SUVs and the increased ride height of most modern vehicles has changed the game.

What’s more, Volvo‘s limited production capacity gave it less ability to produce body styles, like wagons, that require significant changes to the design.

That means the brand no longer has room for its famous niche.

But elsewhere, Ram looks set to bring back a very popular TRX variant for 2026 – just two years after it was discontinued.

The V8-powered machine had seemingly reached the end of the road last year, with the final model produced on February 16, 2024.

But according to recent reports, a new TRX is on the cards – with even more power than before.

Rumors of the TRX’s return began to circulate when Tim Kuniskis came back in as Ram’s CEO last year, while last week, there were whispers that the US brand would reenter the NASCAR Truck Series with the iconic nameplate.

Now, Mopar Insiders report that its sources have confirmed the TRX’s revival and confirmed that the new TRX will bring with it the return of the Hemi V8.