Volvo launches new generation of heavy-duty trucks

Volvo Trucks is introducing four new trucks, with a strong focus on the driver environment, safety and productivity. The four heavy-duty trucks are the Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX which, we’re told, represent about two thirds of Volvo Trucks’ deliveries.

Volvo says that to help customers recruit and retain the best drivers, the company has focused on developing the new trucks to make them safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.

The various truck models in Volvo Trucks' range are available with many different cab models and can be optimised for a wide range of applications. In long-haul trucks, the cab is often the driver's second home. In regional transport trucks it often serves as a mobile office, while in construction the trucks are robust, practical work tools.

Therefore, vision, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, manoeuvrability and safety were key focal points when developing all the new truck models.

The truck exterior has also been upgraded to reflect the new trucks' properties and create an attractive overall design.

The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX have a brand new cab, as well as many of the same instrument display functions as their larger Volvo counterparts. Their interior volume has been increased by up to one cubic metre, providing better comfort and more working room. The visibility is now even better due to larger windows, a lowered door line and new mirrors.

The steering wheel is equipped with a neck tilt function allowing the driving position to be individually adjusted to a greater extent. The bed in the sleeper cab is positioned higher up than previously, affording higher comfort and creating additional storage space underneath. The day cab has a new 40-litre storage compartment with interior lighting on the back wall.

Cab comfort is further enhanced through reinforced insulation that helps shut out cold, heat and noise disturbance, while a sensor-controlled climate unit with a carbon filter promotes good air quality in all conditions.

The driver's area now has a completely new interface for information and communication, aimed at making it easier to overview and manage different functions, creating less stress and distraction. The instrument display is fully digital, with a 12-inch screen that makes it easy for the driver to choose the information needed at any time.

Within easy reach of the driver there is a supplementary 9-inch side display available for infotainment, navigation, transport information and camera monitoring. The functions can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.

Safety has been further improved with functions such as adaptive high beam headlights in the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16, adaptive cruise control (ACC) for speeds down to 0 km/h and downhill cruise control that automatically activates the wheel brakes when extra brake force is needed to maintain constant downhill speed.

The Electronically controlled brake system (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option, while a road sign recognition system detects road traffic signs, such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits, and displays them in the instrument display.

The vision can be improved further by adding a passenger corner camera which provides a view of the side of the truck on the side display.

In many markets, the Volvo FH and Volvo FM are available with the Euro 6 compliant gas-powered LNG engine that offers fuel efficiency and performance on par with that of Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks, but with a far lower climate impact.

The gas engine can run on either biogas, which cuts CO2 by up to 100 per cent, or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent when compared with Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank to wheel.

The new Volvo FH can also be fitted with a new efficient Euro 6 diesel engine, which is included in the I-Save package that enables significant fuel and CO2 savings. In long-haul operations for instance, the new Volvo FH with I-Save combines the new D13TC engine with a package of features and can deliver claimed fuel savings of up to seven per cent. There have also been improvements for the Euro 3 and 5 versions with features like Volvo Torque Assist.

Just when we'll see the new trucks here in Australia hasn't been revealed but we'll keep you posted.