Volvo Trucks has taken the wraps off a new generation of FH, FH16, FM and FMX heavy-duty trucks with a strong focus on the driver, safety and productivity.
“We are really proud of this big forward-looking investment. Our aim is to be our customers’ best business partner by making them even more competitive and help them attract the best drivers in an increasingly tough market,” said Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks.
The four heavy-duty truck models represent about two thirds of Volvo Trucks’ deliveries.
To help customers recruit and retain the best drivers, Volvo said it has focused strongly on developing the new trucks to make them safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.
“Drivers who handle their truck safely and efficiently are an invaluable asset to any transport company. Responsible driving behaviour can help reduce CO2 emissions and fuel costs, as well as helping reduce the risk of accidents, injury and unplanned downtime.
“Our new trucks will help drivers work even more safely and productively and give our customers stronger arguments when competing to attract the best drivers,” Alm said.
The various truck models in Volvo’s range are available with many different cab variants 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, visibility, 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.
Volvo FM & FMX
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 meter, 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 lower 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.
New driver interface
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.
Enhanced safety systems
Safety has been further improved with functions such as adaptive high-beam headlights in the FH and FH16. The system improves safety for all road users by automatically disabling selected segments of the LED high beam when the truck approaches oncoming traffic or another vehicle from behind.
Driving is also facilitated by an improved Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for speeds down to 0 kmh and descent 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 the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
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 visibility can be improved further by adding a passenger corner camera which provides a complementary view of the side of the truck on the side display.
Efficient engines & alternative drivelines
Volvo said several types of drivelines will continue to exist in parallel for the foreseeable future.
In many markets, the FH and 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 FH can also be tailored with the new efficient Euro 6 turbo compound diesel engine, which is included in the I-Save package and enables significant fuel and CO2 savings. In long-haul operations, the new FH with I-Save combines the new D13TC engine with a package of features and can deliver fuel savings up to seven per cent.
For more information, visit Volvo Trucks UK
