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Supply Chain by the Numbers

March 27, 2025

Supply Chain by the Numbers for March 27, 2025

Kenworth Finally Retiring the W900. Schneider Electric to Invest in US Factories. Micro Car Start Up Spun Out of Rivian. Giant Judgement against Truck Maker Reduced


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63
That’s how many years the Kenworth model W900 will have been on the market since it was launched in 1963. Now, production of the iconic cab will end in 2026 said Kenworth, a subsidiary of Paccar, late last week. Kenworth stated that their decision comes from the need to embrace cleaner, more efficient solutions, the company said. The transition will pave the way for next-generation trucks better suited to meet modern standards. The W900 known for its classic long hood, conventional design, and rugged durability, and quickly became a favorite among owner-operators and fleet drivers over man decades.

$119.5 Million

That is the level to which a St. Louis area judge reduced an award against truck trailer manufacturer Wabash this week. That is well below the original verdict of $462 million, it is still a huge “nuclear verdict” increasingly common in the trucking sector. But the verdict against a trailer maker was unusual, as nearly always the suit is brought against a trucking firm. In September, a St. Louis jury ruled that two persons died instantly in a 2019 accident when their Volkswagen CC, rear-ended a Wabash-manufactured trailer. The vehicle’s momentum upon impact caused the rear impact guard to give way, allowing the vehicle to ride under the trailer. Wabash was held liable even though the car driver was obviously at fault, and the trailer was compliant with the standards at the time for rear guards.



$700 Million
That is how much electric products giant Schneider Electric plans on investing through 2027 in additional manufacturing sites across the US to support rising demand for automation, digital innovation, and domestic production. The move represents the French company’s largest capital investment in the US since it began operating here more than 135 years ago. We also note the fact this move will certainly make President Trump happy probably was a factor in the announcement. “This level of commitment from Schneider Electric shows how US manufacturing continues to gain strength - driving innovation and new across the country,” said Jay Timmons, CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers.



$105 Million
That is how much “micro car” startup Also is receiving from a combination of regular electric car and van maker Rivian and venture capital company Eclipse, as it is spun out of Rivian. That according to an announcement by the companies this week. Electric bikes apparently may also be part of the Also lineup, though the company has not shared this information yet. However, it did cite coming three- and four-wheel products including neighborhood EVs and micro cars that will be built on its EV platform. Readers may recall several years ago that Rivian received an investment from Amazon, along with an agreement to supply some 100,00 electric delivery vans to the retail giant.

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