Volvo Trucks presented four next generation heavy trucks – FH, FH16, FM and FMX. According to the manufacturer, when developing new models, Volvo engineers paid special attention to technologies that will ensure a high level of comfort, safety and productivity for drivers. Logist.Today learned about this from press releases published on the official website of Volvo Trucks.
Volvo announced the release of the new trucks in a rather unusual way - for the promotional video, the company built a giant 15-meter tower, placing all four new heavy-duty trucks on top of each other, and on top of the 58-ton structure stood the company's president, Roger Alm.
Volvo FM and Volvo FMX: more space and better visibility
Volvo FM and Volvo FMX were equipped with completely new, more spacious cabins. Their internal volume has been increased by approximately 1 m³, which will expand the working space and increase driver comfort.
“The new Volvo FM is the versatile workhorse of our range. Maneuverable, with an emphasis on spaciousness, safety and driver comfort. We also achieved very good visibility thanks to the lowered door line, new rear-view mirrors and a camera installed on the co-driver's side." Karina Byström, Chief Interior Designer at Volvo Trucks
The steering wheel is equipped with a function that allows you to individually adjust your driving position. The lower bunk in the sleeper cabin is now located higher, which will provide increased comfort and create additional storage space. A 40-liter storage compartment was added to the rear wall of the day cabin. Volvo engineers also worked on improved insulation of the cabin from cold, heat and outside noise. And the climate control unit with touch control and carbon filter will ensure good air quality in any conditions.
“The new Volvo FMX combines agility and durability. The front of the new cab features durable, easy-to-replace parts, new V-shaped LED headlights and headlight protectors. To make it easier for drivers to get in and out of the truck, we have developed a new step with anti-slip steps." Ismail Ovacik, Chief Exterior Designer at Volvo Trucks
Modifications
The third generation machines have several modifications. First of all, the model is distinguished by the type of cabin installed:
- Volvo FH16 Globetrotter XL. The highest and most spacious cabin. Equipped with two sleeping places;
- Globetrotter. A cabin with increased dimensions and two berths;
- Standard cab. It is equipped with one sleeping place and has a relatively low height.
In addition, the truck is distinguished by the typical dimensions of the cargo chassis:
- Very low – 810 millimeters;
- Low – 850 millimeters;
- Average – 900 millimeters;
- High – 1000 millimeters.
Depending on the chassis of the car, the purpose of the car is also chosen. For example, an ultra-low chassis is typical for truck tractors.
Volvo FH and Volvo FH16: advanced safety systems
To improve the safety of all road users, the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 models are equipped with adaptive high beam headlights. The system automatically turns off selected LED high beam segments when the truck approaches oncoming traffic or the vehicle in front. And traffic sign recognition technology will automatically read road signs and display them on the instrument display.
“With the new Volvo FH16, we have reimagined and enhanced the most iconic design elements of our previous truck generations. For example, with new high-tech headlights, our powerful lighting technology has been taken to a new level, while the entire front end of the truck has been redesigned to create a lasting impression." Ismail Ovacik, Chief Exterior Designer at Volvo Trucks
All models are equipped with an updated interface for information display and communication, which will simplify the overview and control of various functions without distracting the driver from driving. The fully digital 12-inch instrument display allows the driver to easily select the required information.
An additional 9-inch display was installed next to the driver for infotainment, navigation, transport information and for displaying camera images. These functions can be controlled using the steering wheel buttons, voice control, touch screen or display control panel.
The new Volvo trucks also feature improved Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for speeds up to 0 km/h, as well as downhill cruise control - the system automatically activates the wheel brakes if additional braking force is required to maintain a constant downhill speed. Electronic Braking System (EBS) is now standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering is available as an option.
Logist.Today also recalls that on February 10, in the Spanish city of Bilbao, MAN Truck & Bus presented a new mainline tractor of the next generation, MAN Truck Generation.
The manufacturer promises that the new car will reduce fuel consumption by 8%, and the newly developed cornering assistance system will improve road safety. Fuel consumption is expected to drop further when MAN replaces the exterior mirrors with cameras.
The new model is equipped with simplified but powerful electronics that will control all processes and significantly improve the interaction of all sensors installed in the truck.
Volvo Trucks introduced a new generation of heavy trucks
Volvo Trucks has introduced a new generation of heavy-duty trucks in the FH, FH16, FM and FMX series.
The new trucks, according to the company's press service, were designed with an emphasis on safety, productivity and improving the driver's working environment.
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The cars received updated cabins, modernized power units, as well as modern electronic safety and driver assistance systems.
According to the manufacturer, visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, maneuverability and safety were at the forefront when developing cabs for new trucks.
Volvo also retouched the appearance of the cars - the trucks in the new line, as the company notes, will be united “through related and modern design.”
In the driver's work area in the cabs of the new trucks, a new interface for data output and communication has appeared. The operation of various functions is simplified.
The dashboard on new cars is completely digital, with a 12-inch diagonal display, the information from which, as the manufacturer assures, is easy to read at any time of the day and in any weather.
An additional 9-inch information display has also appeared in the cabs for displaying data from multimedia and navigation systems, receiving data on the cargo being transported and images from cameras. These functions can be controlled using the steering wheel buttons, voice control, or the touch screen.
New Volvo FH
The new Volvo FH and FH16 have adaptive high beams, adaptive cruise control, and an electronic braking system (EBS), which provides collision warning systems with emergency braking and stability control. EBS is now standard on new vehicles. Dynamic steering, traffic sign recognition and a side camera on the passenger side are available as options.
The new Volvo FM and FMX are equipped with new cabins, the internal volume has been increased by almost a cubic meter. Visibility is improved due to a larger glass area, lowered door lines and new mirrors. The steering column on new cars is adjustable.
The lower bunk in the sleeping compartment is located higher than in previous generation cars, and there is additional storage space underneath it. On the rear wall of the day cab there is a new 40-litre storage compartment with interior lighting. The climate control unit has touch control and a carbon filter.
New Volvo FM (left) and FH16 (right)
All new cars are equipped with diesel engines adapted to various emission standards, as well as an I-Shift gearbox with joystick selector. The new Volvo FH, in particular, can be equipped with a D13TC diesel engine with the I-Save package, which, according to the manufacturer, provides fuel savings of 7%. In some markets, the new FH and FM can be equipped with a liquefied natural gas engine.
“Drivers who operate vehicles safely and efficiently are an invaluable asset to any transportation company. Responsible driving reduces CO2 emissions and fuel costs, and helps reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and unplanned downtime. Our new trucks will help drivers work even safer and more productively,” said Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm.
Volvo FH16 chassis
| Characteristics | Indicators |
| Weight | 44 t; |
| Rear axle load | 26 t; |
| Front axle load | 9 t; |
| Trailer weight | 9 t; |
| Wheelbase | 3-6.2 m; |
| Speed limit | 90 km/h. |
The car is equipped with several types of reliable rear axles. They are equipped with a single-stage gearbox, which minimizes internal power losses when the truck moves on roads with good surfaces.
The machine is equipped with a disc brake system. Some truck modifications may have disc brakes. To increase braking efficiency, the car uses auxiliary braking systems (exhaust brake, as well as the VEB+ engine braking system). Their operation allows you to increase the speed of the car without threatening the safety of the driver and passengers. The truck is equipped with a Blending system that automatically selects the type of braking system depending on the driving situation.
The car is equipped with an independent suspension with electronic control. Automation independently adjusts the height, which ensures high driving comfort and safety of transported goods. The height of the loading platform is also adjusted manually.
Engine and gearbox
| Characteristics | Indicators |
| Engine | Volvo D16G 700 |
| Power | 700 horsepower |
| Fuel | diesel |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Torque | 3.15 kNm |
| Unit volume | 16 l |
| Shaft rotation speed | 700 l |
| Tank capacity | 700 l |
The truck is equipped with several types of engines, depending on the modification of the vehicle. The power of power plants is from 420 to 750 horsepower. The car is equipped with a 14-speed manual gearbox. Some truck modifications are equipped with an automatic transmission.
Attention! The truck's transmission is equipped with a set of electronic systems that improve the driving dynamics of a heavy-duty vehicle and more stable gear shifting.
Purpose and scope of application
In a practical sense, this is a vehicle for transporting significant volumes of cargo, intended for large transport companies. In their reliable hands, it is able to demonstrate its high efficiency as efficiently as possible, capable of towing a road train with a total weight from 44 tons to 85 tons (in versions with top-end engines). Naturally, the use of such a large-capacity truck significantly reduces the costs of long-distance transportation of large consignments of cargo. The highly durable frame, made from chrome-molybdenum steel, is backed by a lifetime warranty.
As a truck tractor, this truck works as part of a road train together with various types of vans, refrigerators, tankers, semi-trailers for transporting heavy equipment, and dump platforms too. Various types of equipment applicable in construction, industry, and logging are also installed on the Volvo FH16 chassis. Volvo FH16 vehicles can be made with the following wheel configurations – 4×2; 6x2; 6x4; 8x4.
A powerful diesel engine, combined with modern control and safety systems with sophisticated suspension settings, ensures uniformly fast movement when loaded, even on roads with difficult terrain (beams, descents, ascents), without a significant reduction in speed. And also in any weather, and on roads with poor-quality hard surfaces.
