Trucks
The entire range of new Volvo models will be built at the Volvo Group production facility, Wacol, Queensland.
“Australia is a big country,” says Tony O’Connell, Vice President, Sales Volvo Trucks Australia.”
“Long haul drivers don’t just drive our trucks; they often live in them, however even in an urban distribution environment driver’s also need a safe comfortable workplace.” “For some it is the modern office with every convenience at hand, for others it is also a home.”
“This new generation of Volvo Trucks has been designed from the inside out with the driver in mind.”
“We all know how hard it can be to attract drivers in this country,”
“These trucks raise the bar in terms of comfort, performance and efficiency,” he continues. “And any driver would be proud to find themselves behind the wheel of any truck in our new range.”
The new Volvo FH will have the option of Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions levels across the range in both 13 litre and 16 litre capacities as well as a complementary range of horsepower options.
The Volvo FM features an all new cab as well as Euro 5 and 6 options in 11 and 13 litre engine capacities.
Emissions, efficiency and safety unsurprisingly feature highly across the Volvo Trucks line-up in addition to a significant focus on the driver environment.
Safety
As before, truck cabs across the range meet the world’s most stringent crash test rating; the Swedish BOF10 cab strength test.
Visibility has been improved by more than 10% on the Volvo FM, and the Volvo FMX which now features similar lines to the Volvo FH cab with a larger windscreen, slimmer A-pillars, slim line mirrors, and a lower door line.
To minimise blind spots the new passenger corner camera activates when the left indicator is used, the corner camera can also be activated at the push of a button enabling the driver to check the area when required. The camera image is displayed on the 9-inch dash mounted touch-screen display. This display can handle input from up to 8 cameras.
FH & FH16 LED headlights feature the Adaptive High Beam function which partially dips the high beam headlights when the headlights or taillights of another vehicle are detected ahead of the truck. This means that the area surrounding the vehicle can remain illuminated by the partial high beam, increasing visibility, without blinding other road users. The system also detects the lights of smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and cyclists.
Other active safety features include, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for speeds down to zero km/h and Hill 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, 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.
Inside, an all-new 12-inch instrument panel minimises driver distraction with clean, clear digital instrumentation while a new larger touch screen display with a simplified menu is now within easy reach of the driver. The functions within can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.
Emissions
Building on the current Euro 6 offerings in Classic Volvo FM11 and FM13 models, the entire range of models now come with options for Euro 6. In the new Volvo FM Euro 6 horsepower ratings include the 11 litre 380, 430 and 460hp options, the 13-litre range includes the 460 and 500hp options.
Comfort
The Volvo FM and FMX interior cab space has increased by up to 1 cubic metre, giving drivers more room to move as well as additional storage space. Day cab models have also had a 40% increase in storage space.
A new ergonomically design I-Shift transmission selector and simplified switch gear across the dashboard adds to the ease of use and comfort from the drivers’ seat.
The previous range of Euro 5 engines with 330hp to 500hp options will still be on offer. The Volvo FMX will also retain the option of a 540hp Euro 5 powerplant.
The Volvo FH will also benefit from the addition of 13 litre Euro 6 variants including the 500hp D13 Turbo Compound engine as well as the 13 litre 540hp rating.
The Volvo FH16 will see the existing Euro 5 range, that covers horsepower ratings from 600 to 700hp, complemented by Euro 6 variants at 550hp and 650hp.
Fuel Efficiency
The addition of the Australian I-Save package to the new Volvo FH is set to create new levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 savings.
The 500hp/2800Nm Euro 6 turbo compound engine, is included in the Australian I-Save package and enables significant fuel and CO2 savings. In long-haul operations, the new Volvo FH with Australian I-Save combines the new Euro 6 D13TC engine into a package that also includes I-See which accesses centrally stored topographic data to optimise transmission performance and engine efficiency.
Other components included in the package are I-Shift with dash mounted gear selector and economy transmission software, I-Cruise with I-Roll, optimised 2.83 rear axle ratio with fuel efficient energy tyres, engine idle shutdown, and variable displacement power steering pump.
“I’m very excited to see the new Volvo Trucks range come to life here on Australia soil,” says Tony O’Connell, Vice President Sales, Volvo Trucks Australia. “Our biggest launch ever with our safest, most productive and most efficient range of transport solutions has been eagerly anticipated by customers.”
“This has been a massive project and we have invested heavily in our manufacturing capability to ensure that these trucks will be built at our Wacol Qld production facility.” “And as always, will continue to be serviced by the largest dealer network in Australia and New Zealand.”
“The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX are intelligent and versatile and continue to support our customers by building on the already formidable reputation carved out by the classic models in the urban streets, the quarries and the regional back blocks of Australia.” He continues.
“The FH and FH16 will continue to power Australian long-haul and heavy haulage businesses with new levels of driver comfort and appointments.”
“These new powerplants, coupled with our unique range of features from dual-clutch transmissions to Volvo Dynamic Steering will allow us to provide our customers with the best transport solution possible, while driver’s will appreciate all the new touches that will make their life on the road easier.”
“And best of all, we are building this entire range right here in Australia.”
The new Volvo Trucks range will be on sale from 30th November 2020.
For further information, please contact:
Matt Wood
Strategic Projects & Communications Manager (Volvo Group Australia)
Mobile: +61 (0)436 681117
Email: matthew.wood@volvo.com
