New Volvo FH challenges the truck industry and boosts haulage firms’ profitability
premium truck can offer.
Fuel economy, reliability, ergonomics, superior handling, active and passive
safety, and time-saving features. The Volvo FH is a truck built with the driver
in mind and with the focus on improving the haulage firm’s profitability.
There is no doubt that fuel economy is one of the highest priorities for haulage
firms today. So it was naturally also in firm focus during the development of
the new Volvo FH. The already fuel-efficient Euro 5 driveline is now even more
economical. At the same time, Volvo’s first Euro 6 engine sees the light of day,
significantly reducing emissions. Moreover, the new I-See function makes it
possible to cut fuel consumption still further – by up to 5 percent. And in
autumn 2013 a new driveline will be launched, Volvo I-Torque, setting a new
technological benchmark and delivering even lower fuel consumption and further
improved driveability: features that will benefit both haulage firm and driver.
I-See cuts fuel consumption on hills
I-See is an example of technology that makes life easier for the driver and
saves fuel.
“I-See is a software package for the I-Shift transmission. It stores information
about hills as the truck drives along. The next time the truck uses the same
route, I-See operates the accelerator, gears and brakes to ensure that progress
is as economical as possible,” explains Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Truck
Corporation.
“Thanks to I-See the haulage firm can cut fuel consumption by up to 5 percent
per vehicle,” he continues.
An additional fuel saving of up to 5 percent is possible with Volvo Trucks’ new
Fuel Package. This package encompasses training and monthly assistance – Fuel
Advice – and its aim is to cut fuel costs by changing driving styles and
increasing knowledge of how to drive for maximum fuel-efficiency.
Efficient new driveline with the new Euro 6
With Volvo Trucks’ new I-Torque Euro 6 driveline – production of which for the
European market will get under way in autumn 2013 – the savings are even
greater.
“Volvo I-Torque reduces fuel consumption by up to 4 percent. Together with I-See
and other minor improvements, the result is that fuel consumption drops by up to
10 percent. This corresponds to 4100 litres of fuel a year for the average
truck,” comments Claes Nilsson.
Wireless connection maximises uptime
A truck is only profitable when it is working. Volvo now offers maximum uptime.
This promise is based on Volvo Trucks’ new technology for remotely monitoring
component wear and the vehicle’s overall condition.
“The workshop can remotely check the actual wear of various truck components via
the computer. As a component approaches the end of its service life, the
workshop can get in touch with the haulage firm well in advance to schedule a
service when it is most convenient,” explains Claes Nilsson.
Superior handling in the truck world
You don’t need to read the manual to discover that the new Volvo FH represents a
major step forward. It’s enough just to get behind the wheel.
“The new Volvo FH offers exceptional handling – pretty much like a car’s. To put
things into perspective, we even offer individual front suspension. This world
-first takes handling to unsurpassed levels in the truck world,” says Claes
Nilsson.
An entirely new truck
Superior handling is a major benefit, but when Volvo Trucks unveils an entirely
new Volvo FH series, there are many new features in other areas too.
“The Volvo FH series represents a paradigm shift. This becomes evident for
instance when you look at how we use remote online communication to connect the
truck directly to the workshop,” says Claes Nilsson.
New technology further increases onboard safety, creates a more economical
driveline and transmission, and is used to keep uptime at high levels.
“Having said all that, we haven’t just packed in technology for the sake of it.
In order to reap the full benefits of innovative technology, it’s important that
the people using it know how to use it and actually do so. That’s why we’ve
worked hard to develop a truck that puts the driver firmly in focus,” explains
Claes Nilsson.
Ergonomically designed and intuitive to use
The driver’s work-place is a good example of this focus. From the improved
driver’s seat, the driver has a better view of the road, not least owing to the
increase in the cab’s usable window area and to the innovative rear-view mirror
design. Stalks and controls are arranged in priority so that the most important
ones are closest to the driver. All in all, these various changes give the
driver far better visibility.
The driving position is better and offers greater flexibility. For instance, the
steering wheel now has a neck tilt function, a world-first in the truck world. A
better driving position means the driver is less likely to get tired – and of
course an alert driver does a better job.
Safety in a variety of ways
An all-new cab structure makes the new Volvo FH an even safer truck. Never
before has a Volvo truck passed the comprehensive collision tests as well as the
new FH cab. The improved visibility, not least thanks to the slimmer rear-view
mirrors, also contributes to the safer work environment.
More upright A-pillars have given the cab an additional one cubic metre of
interior space. This means an extra 300 litres of storage capacity, as well as
greater comfort on board.
“The cab is optimised both for work and free time. A better bed, integrated
parking cooler, new lighting, low noise level and other features all increase
the chance of pleasant relaxation and a good night’s sleep, which in turn means
drivers are less tired and more alert,” says Claes Nilsson.
Attracts the best drivers
Good drivers who have the opportunity to work as efficiently as possible
increase the haulage firm’s profitability. A truck built for the driver also
improves the haulage firm’s ability to attract the very best drivers.
“There’s already immensely tough competition over good drivers in Europe; that
competition is going to get even tougher. I’m convinced that trucks which are
popular among drivers will push them to apply for jobs with haulage companies
that operate these models. That is why the new Volvo FH will increase the
haulage firm’s profitability in many different ways in the future,” says Claes
Nilsson.
Production of the Volvo FH will start in spring 2013 for the European market.
See the film about the new Volvo FH on www.youtube.com/volvotrucks
