As Volvo Trucks continues to innovate, the focus is on building value for trucking fleets and enhancing efficiency and productivity for drivers.
This is evident in the new line of trucks announced by the company’s global operations in Europe on February 27, and was evident in a conversation FreightWaves had in Atlanta this week with Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) representatives Allison Athey, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks at North America (VTNA). VTNA’s VNL off-highway tractor, and Ash McKee, product marketing manager with a focus on connectivity solutions.
“Fuel efficiency is a topic that is always at the forefront of our customers’ minds,” Athey told FreightWaves.
To that end, VTNA will make FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit aerodynamics system a factory option. AeroKit, which includes wheel covers and steering wheel rims, has been shown to provide up to 2.23% in fuel economy based on third-party SAE J1321 fuel economy testing using EPA SmartWay guidelines, FlowBelow said. The product has been an aftermarket option since 2017.
They noted that more fleets are looking to fill trailer gaps and that using skid fifth wheels for this purpose remains popular. Add to that Volvo’s Turbo Compounding engine and the Xceed Fuel Efficiency Package, which was made available on trucks for the first time in January 2019, and fleets have plenty of options to boost performance.
Volvo said the Xceed Fuel Efficiency Package, available for the Volvo VNL 760 and VNL 860 models, improves fuel efficiency by up to 11% compared to Volvo’s Fuel Efficiency Plus specification. The company said the Xceed is 3.5% more efficient than the advanced fuel efficiency spec.
Truck drivers remain key
However, drivers play a crucial role in the equation, and the work done inside the cab is equally important.
“Keeping good drivers is always a challenge,” Athey said. “So, we continue to see (fleets request) more driver convenience features.”
This includes specifying specifications for Volvo’s iShift automatic transmission, which is included in 90% of VNL orders today. The inclusion of automated transmissions is part of the overall driver comfort features fleets are interested in, Athey said.
“It’s not just about how easy it is to drive (the truck), we’ve made the driving experience (more fun),” she said.
Athey pointed to a car-like steering wheel with controls at the driver’s fingertips, the ability to adjust the steering wheel column for added comfort, and the introduction of Volvo’s Dynamic Steering System (VDS) last year. First announced in September 2019, VDS has arrived in the US from Europe. The system analyzes inputs from sensors throughout the vehicle to continuously monitor drivers’ actions, environmental factors and road conditions, and provide assistive guidance when needed.
One of Athey’s favorite driver amenities is the reclining bed, which changes position so drivers don’t have to squirm to watch TV or read during a break.
Other driver-focused features introduced by Volvo last year include:
A new workstation, optional on 70-inch VNL and VNX models, with a more comfortable seating area and a folding table that lowers to provide a base for mattress pads that can be unfolded to create a bed. Seats offer a Pre-Trip Assist upgrade that features an Exterior Light Check switch, located to the left of the ignition switch, to make it easier for drivers to perform an Exterior Light Check during the pre-trip check.
Vehicle operating time affects driver productivity
On the connectivity side of the equation, driver productivity is also a big part of the equation, Makki said, and vehicle uptime factors into that.
“Our goal is always to minimize downtime,” he added.
This is evidenced by the new over-the-air (OTA) remote diagnostics change that VTNA announced last week. Activating Driver View gives drivers the ability to complete OTA updates at a time that is most convenient for them. According to Mekki, once the customer – referred to as the “decision maker” by Volvo – requests the update, an authorized Volvo Readiness Center will send that update to the requested vehicle or vehicles and a symbol will flash on the instrument cluster display. The driver can activate the update via the truck’s instrument cluster at his next planned stop or at a convenient time – for example during a mandatory break.
“We’ve reduced the process with this next generation by about 50% because we’ve eliminated the conversation,” McKee said, noting that time is spent delivering the download to the driver, and then the driver stops to allow the download to occur simultaneously. A time that may be inconvenient for the driver.
If the driver does not complete the download within a specified time period, the decision maker will be notified and can handle the matter through the appropriate fleet protocol for such a situation. Makki said that the decision maker is responsible at all times for the process. Makki compared it to a phone update, where the final download occurs when the phone owner presses the button.
Europe takes the lead
In the case of a global company like Volvo Trucks, innovations can come from many places. This was true with the VDS, and can be true again with driver comfort features. Volvo introduced four new trucks in Europe today with a major focus on driver comfort and features.
“Drivers who handle their truck safely and efficiently are an invaluable asset to any transport company. Responsible driving behavior can help reduce CO2 emissions and fuel costs, as well as helping to reduce the risk of accidents,” said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. injuries and unplanned downtime. “Our new trucks will help drivers work safer and more productive and give our customers a stronger case when competing to attract the best drivers.”
Volvo has introduced new versions of its European models, the Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX, which represent about two-thirds of its deliveries in Europe. On long-haul trucks, the cab is often the driver’s second home. In regional trucking, it often serves as a mobile office, the company said. Therefore, visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, maneuverability and safety were the focal points when developing the new trucks.
In terms of driver comfort, Volvo has introduced new cab designs for the FM and FMX models with improved ergonomics and displays. Its internal volume has been increased by up to one cubic meter to provide more work space, and larger windows improve visibility. The steering wheel is equipped with a neck tilt function, allowing the driving position to be individually adjusted and the lower bed raised, increasing the storage space under the bed. The day cab has a new 40-litre storage compartment with interior lighting on the rear wall. Cab comfort is further enhanced with enhanced insulation that helps keep out cold, heat and noise, while a sensor-controlled climate unit with carbon filter promotes good air quality in all conditions.
The new driver interface includes a 12-inch full digital display, and an additional 9-inch side display is available for the infotainment, navigation, information and camera monitoring system. Functions can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, via voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.
Whether it’s in Europe or the US, Volvo continues to design not just for fleets, but also for their drivers.
