First Canadian-built Peterbilt Class 8 truck rolls off Quebec assembly line

The first made-in-Canada Class 8 Peterbilt 579 day cab tractor has entered the market, rolling off the Sainte-Thérèse, Que., Peterbilt plant in November in what the company says is a milestone for Canada’s trucking and manufacturing sectors.

The Canadian-built trucks are tariff-free, a factor the company says can help fleets manage costs while maintaining quality. The day cabs are designed specifically for Canadian operating conditions and fleet requirements.

“As a Canadian-owned and -operated company, Brandt is excited about what this means for Canadian trucking and manufacturing. We’re proud to provide made-in-Canada solutions for our customers as part of our offerings. Our partnership with Peterbilt gives Canadian companies the opportunity to buy and support local when they’re adding to their fleets,” said Neil Marcotte, chief operating officer at Brandt Peterbilt.

Loblaw Companies Ltd. said it purchased the first Canadian-made Class 8 tractor as a way to support domestic manufacturing and supply chains.

“Buying the first Canadian-made Class 8 tractor is important for us to support Canadian businesses and make our national supply chain stronger,” said Wayne Scott, senior director of transport maintenance at Loblaw Companies Limited. “We’re proud to support Canadian jobs and our economy.”