Volvo announces Dynamic Steering

Volvo Trucks has introduced a new range of driver support systems based on Volvo Dynamic Steering – an award-winning innovation that assists steering of heavy trucks in an all-new way.

By integrating Volvo Dynamic Steering with other comfort- and safety-enhancing systems, Volvo Trucks has developed two accident prevention driver support systems: Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist and Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist.

Volvo says that its Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist counters skidding before it occurs. Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks explains: “Imagine you’re driving on a wet, slippery road and you suddenly notice that the rear of the truck is starting to lose its grip on the asphalt. Before this develops into a skid, you steer gently in the opposite direction until the danger is over.

“That’s exactly the way Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist works. The big difference is that the system can discover the risk and help stabilise the vehicle before you’ve even noticed that something is about to happen,” he said.

Lane Keeping Assist
The next safety innovation, Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist, gives the driver a helping hand when the system detects that the truck is showing signs of edging towards the lane marking.

With a slight turn of the steering wheel in the appropriate direction and gentle vibration in the steering wheel, the driver is notified and is helped to steer the vehicle back into the lane.

In addition to the two new driver support systems, Volvo Trucks is introducing a function that makes it possible to adjust steering wheel resistance individually in trucks equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering.

“Each driver has a different perception of how light or heavy the steering system should be. Now every driver can adjust the steering wheel resistance exactly as he or she wants for comfortable, relaxed and safe driving. This is a very practical feature, not least for trucks that often have different drivers,” says Almqvist.

Volvo Dynamic Steering has been developed to automatically compensate for unevenness in the road surface and to eliminate vibration and kicks in the steering wheel.

When driving at low speed, steering wheel resistance is reduced by about 75 per cent – a major benefit when reversing and in close-quarter manoeuvring. The steering wheel automatically self-centres as soon as the driver’s grip on the wheel lightens.

At higher speeds, the truck confidently maintains its direction even on poor surfaces and in strong side-winds. This technology is based on the truck’s hydraulic power steering being assisted by an electronically regulated electric motor that continuously adjusts steering and provides added turning force when needed.

“Volvo Dynamic Steering has truly revolutionised the driver’s job behind the wheel. Better directional stability, easier manoeuvring and higher comfort have reduced the risk of road accidents and strain-related injuries.

"Now we are building further on our success with new functions that help make the traffic environment even safer. This is all in accordance with our vision that no accidents involving Volvo trucks should ever occur. These functions were developed to help drivers avoid some of the most common accident scenarios identified via our accident research programme,” said Almqvist.