Volvo
As the new Euro 6 Emission standards are just over the corner as they’ll be available from Jan 1, 2014, Volvo has struggle to go in front of the pack and revealed its new Euro 6 engine developed especially for trucks. The new D13 engine develops a maximum output of 413 hp between 1400 -1900 and will be available for order in spring 2013. The engine is standard with a Volvo I-Shift automated transmission.
Mats Franzén, manager of engine strategy and planning at Volvo Trucks declared: “By offering our most popular engine in Euro 6 configuration, we meet the needs of a large proportion of our customers. The rest of the Euro 6 engine range will be launched well before the requirements become obligatory.”
The new Euro 6 standards will cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 20% from current Euro 5 engine standards and cut particulate emissions 50%.
“We have developed a reliable solution that not only meets the emission requirements but also gives customers added benefits in the form of good fuel economy and trouble-free ownership,” added Franzén.
To achieve these efficiency standards, the in-line 6-cylinder D13 engine uses selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology in combination with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter.
Volvo was always at the front of the pack when it comes to safety features and efficiency and the company announced that it has developed a new system which uses the kinetic energy to increase efficiency with up to 5 percent.
The new feature is called the I-See and uses the transmission’s tilt sensor and the truck’s momentum to improve the efficiency. Basically the I-See acts as an autopilot which controls gear changes, throttle and brakes offering the best possible mix to return lower fuel consumption.
Anders Eriksson, product developer at Volvo Trucks declared: “If kinetic energy can be exploited to a greater extent, it may help cut fuel consumption. This will benefit both the environment and the industry’s economy, something that is very important today as fuel costs are becoming an increasingly heavy burden on many haulage firms.”
Mr. Anders Eriksson added, “If kinetic energy can be exploited to a greater extent, it may help cut fuel consumption. This will benefit both the environment and the industry’s economy, something that is very important today as fuel costs are becoming an increasingly heavy burden on many haulage firms.”
The system will prove handy especially when the truck needs to deal with undulating roads with steep slopes, as the system helps the truck to freewheel. In this way I-See also spares the life of service brakes and tires.
Mr. Eriskon explained: “It is this freewheeling capability that makes the system special. When the truck rolls freely, virtually no fuel is used. But in order to freewheel, a whole lot of data is required.”
Volvo’s FH truck has led a platoon test of vehicles on a public road in Barcelona, Spain as part of the SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project.
This was the first ever test drive of a road train with both trucks and cars rolling on a public road. The test convoy was able to cover a distance of 200 kilometres (125 miles) in one day.
Andreas Ekfjorden, Project Manager for Volvo Trucks in the SARTRE project and test driver of the lead truck in Spain declared “The truck behaved exactly as expected, and the following vehicles responded just as planned. It was great to be a part of this landmark event.”
In the SARTRE project the trucks use radars and cameras to stay posted on the lead truck maneuvers. The official press release says that “by adding wireless communication, all the vehicles in the platoon ‘mimic’ the lead truck – accelerating, braking and turning in exactly the same way as the lead vehicle”.
The driver of the leading truck has a major role in the SARTRE project as he holds the responsibility for the entire platoon in order to permit the other drivers to relax and follow its lead.
The environmental impact of a road train is lower than that of today’s conventional traffic system, since the following vehicles are close behind the truck and each other and all of them can benefit of lower air drag.
“The focus on driver environment is at the very core of Volvo Trucks’ R&D work. Making the truck a safer workplace and supporting the driver is one of the most efficient ways for us to contribute to road safety. It is also part of our ultimate goal: zero accidents with Volvo Trucks. Our participation in the SARTRE project is a natural extension of that philosophy,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic & Product Safety Director, Volvo Trucks.
The SARTRE project was initiated in 2009 and until now, the vehicles in the project have covered a total of 10,000 kilometers.
More and more truck manufactures turn their head towards efficient technologies and recently Volvo decided to design its own 13 liter liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine. The engine will be designed especially for the North American market and according to the press release it will be launched on the market in 2014.
The LNG engine consumes less fuel than the current conventional natural gas powered engines. Moreover, the company is also planning to introduce a clean technology which will run on DME (dimethyl ether) a new fuel that can be produced from natural gas.
Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing declared: “Despite the near-term infrastructure questions regarding widespread adoption of natural gas as a heavy-duty truck fuel, it is clear this segment will grow over the next several years. We’re already delivering factory-built CNG-powered trucks and as the long-haul fueling infrastructure develops, the advanced technology in our new LNG engine will provide increased range and improved fuel efficiency in a seamlessly integrated Volvo powertrain.”
Hit the jump for the press release
Recently, Volvo said that its Mean Green hybrid truck will attempt to break its own world speed record achieved in 2011. The company has announced that it had succeeded in its attempt and the new world speed record was achieved on April 27 at the Wendover Airfield.
Boije Ovebrink, Mean Green driver and owner said “We are very pleased with Mean Green’s performance, especially at such a high altitude. We knew Wendover would present challenges because it’s more than 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) above sea level. To compensate for the thinner air and help prevent overheating, we reduced the truck’s power by nearly 20 percent. Even with the reduction in total output potential, Mean Green had ample power to surpass the previous records.”
The previous world record was 218.780 km/h for the flying kilometer and 152.253 km/h in the standing kilometer. The new record speeds are 236.577 km/h for the Flying Kilometer and 153.252 km/h for the Standing Kilometer.
The Mean Green uses Volvo’s VN Day cab, but in order to achieve these performances the truck received a host of exterior modifications which were designed to keep the drag coefficient to as low as possible. Under the hood, the Volvo Mean Green is equipped with the D16 engine which is mated on a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.
Volvo said that “the combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100 horsepower and nearly 5,000 lb-ft. torque – of which, 200 horsepower and 885 lb-ft. of torque come from the electric motor”.
Ron Huibers, Volvo Trucks president, North American Sales & Marketing said “Mean Green’s incredible performance underscores the strong potential of hybrid drivelines when applied to the right operation. Neither hybrid or any other alternative fuel technology, like natural gas, is a one-size-fits-all solution, but the technology is available for appropriate applications. While diesel remains the most efficient transportation fuel currently available, we know the future of petroleum is limited. The Volvo Group continues to test and evaluate the merits of a number of alternatives.”
Hit the jump to see the truck in action!
After Volvo introduced its first ‘downspeeding’ concept with the XE13 powertrain package for the D13 engine, in September 2011, the company is launching two new XE efficiency packages for the 16-liter D16 engine which develops a maximum power of 500 hp with a peak torque of 780 Nm.
The first package was designed for the heavy long combination vehicle segment with GCWs (gross combination weights) of up to 143.000 pounds, while the second package is aimed at tractor semitrailer combinations with GCWs of up to 80.000 pounds.
Ed Saxman, Volvo Trucks drivetrain product manager said, “XE16 directly addresses the needs of two important market segments that historically have had very few fuel-efficient powertrain options. The beauty of Volvo’s XE powertrain is that it delivers the full power and low-end torque needed for higher weight applications while saving fuel by running at a lower rpm.”
For an improved efficiency, the XE16 packages ‘downspeed’ the engine at cruising speeds by 200 rpm or more than traditional specs. The XE16 provides the full torque while running as low as 1,000 rpm to improve low-rpm drivability.
The packages are combined with company’s I-Shift automated gearbox, specialised axle ratios, specific tyre sizes and proprietary software that facilitates communication between Volvo’s integrated powertrain components.
The vocational truck market is highly competitive as the manufacturers try to continuously improve their models in order to keep the truckers satisfied. But apart from the engines, chassis and payloads which play a major role in the trucking industry, there is one thing that is more important than anything else. And that’s the vehicle’s reliability.
Volvo was always appreciated for two things, namely the safety and reliability of its vehicles. This is why the company continues to play a major role on the vocational market as its VHD model is one of the most appreciated and strong built trucks in its segment.
The truck is available in two versions including the VHD Standard and the VHD 430 which is available with both Day and Sleeper cab configurations.
Volvo’s VN lineup was already pretty versatile, but the company has also introduced a natural gas-powered version of the truck at Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville.
Compared to the diesel models, the new CNG version doesn’t have any exterior or interior modifications and shares the same features as its siblings.
The natural gas-powered trucks represent a very efficient option for fleet owners and truckers who want to lower the fuel costs and this technology has already started to be seen with very good eyes in the commercial vehicles segment.
Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing said, “The addition of the Volvo natural gas-powered VNL daycab is just the most recent example of our longstanding commitment to offering products that positively impact the ROI of our customers. Developing fuel-efficient technology, whether through natural gas, diesel or hybrid, is a priority for Volvo Trucks. We were the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to offer EPA 2010-certified engines with no credits, and we’ve continued that legacy by focusing our efforts on offering fleets solutions that reduce their fuel costs.”
At Mid-America Trucking Show Volvo presented the innovative ‘Mean Green’ which is the world’s fastest hybrid truck ever built. On April 27th will attempt to break it last year record and to reach a top speed of 260 km/h (165 mph) at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. Last year the Volvo Mean Green was driven by Boije Ovebrink and managed to set the world’s speed record in the standing 500 metre, standing kilometre and flying kilometre.
The Volvo Mean Green uses a modified aerodynamic VN cab and develops a massive 2,100 horsepower and nearly 5,000 lb-ft (6779 Nm) of torque – of which 200 horsepower and 885 lb-ft (1200 Nm) of torque come from the electric motor.
“Technology and innovation are at the core of our business,” said Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “’Mean Green’ is a prime example of Volvo’s technical capabilities and our continued focus on emerging technologies. Our engineers developed the world’s fastest hybrid truck utilising the same Volvo hybrid drive system powering hundreds of Volvo buses throughout the world - including London’s double-decker buses.”
Volvo’s team of hybrid technology experts adapted Volvo’s hybrid driveline to the chassis requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted ‘Mean Green’ with a highly-tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.
“The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay,” said Boije Ovebrink, ‘Mean Green’s owner and driver. “It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with an explosive force.”
Two years ago, Volvo started a Bio-DME project which aims to assess whether there is a market for Bio-DME (Di-Methyl-Ether) for commercial vehicles. If this technology could be used for commercial vehicles and diesel fuel were to be replaced by Bio-DME, CO2 emissions would be able to be reduced by 95 percent.
Together with a number of partners including Bio-DME producer Chemrec and fuel distributor Preem, Volvo has developed a transport system that encompasses the entire chain from production and distribution of Bio-DME to operation in Volvo trucks in a number of haulage firms. Ten Volvo Bio-DME trucks have been used with success for over 100,000 kilometres and the results were promising.
"This is the first time Bio-DME is being used as a vehicle fuel on a large scale, and following the first evaluation of the field test we can see that the Bio-DME trucks function very well on the road, way exceeding our expectations. The technology is reliable and the entire process is characterised by energy-efficiency, from production and distribution all the way to the vehicles themselves," says Per Salomonsson, Project Manager Alternative Fuels at Volvo.
The biofuel is made from black liquor, a by-product of pulp production, at the Chemrec gasification plant in Pitea. The production system works smoothly and the possibility of delivering the fuel on a large scale depends to a considerable extent on the incentives available for renewable fuels.
"Bio-DME can also be made from other renewable raw materials, and we feel this is a vehicle fuel with a great future. We’ve developed technology that makes it possible to use the fuel in commercial operations. The biggest challenge in the future is to establish a market and an infrastructure for a new vehicle fuel, and this requires investment. Here society’s decision-makers play an important role in creating the essential preconditions by taking long-term decisions and developing incentives," says Per Salomonsson.
The field test will continue until the end of the year, followed by an evaluation to chart the viability of a future market for Bio-DME.
If you need a truck that is not afraid to deal with tough terrains, muddy roads and huge payloads without being wreaked or tear into pieces, than you might want to take a closer look at the Volvo FMX.
The FMX is the tough brother of the FM model which has a more serene character and was designed only for regional transportation. In order to make the FMX fit for its challenging missions Volvo has modified the FM’s chassis, equipped it with specific features and dropping heavy duty equipments into the mix.
The result is a masterpiece of the construction trucks segment were the Volvo FMX competes against similar rugged models like the Mercedes Axor, Iveco Trakker, MAN TGS or DAF CF. The Volvo FMX is available in three cab configurations namely the Day cab, Sleeper Cab and Globetrotter. Besides the generous range of cabs the truck versatility is also represented by its wide choice of axles which consists of 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 4x4, 6x6, 8x2 and 8x4 versions available in both rigid and tractor models.
The Volvo FE was built for local and regional transports and is available with gross weights of 18 to 26 tonnes. The truck is comes with a wide range of reliable engines and a versatile chassis that can be modified to cope with a broad range of missions such as distribution for refrigerated or frozen-goods, refuse handling, light construction duties and various forms of tanker and bulk-goods transportation.
The Volvo FE is available in both rigid and tractor versions and in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 axle configurations. You can also choose between four cabs naming the low cab, day cab, comfort cab and sleeper cab. The truck competes against models like the DAF LF, MAN TGL, or Iveco Eurocargo.
The Volvo FM was developed for regional transports and it was completely redesigned in 2010 when it received a few exterior changes, a fresh engine lineup and a host of new interior features. Over the years Volvo has managed to gain a good reputation thanks to its reliability and the strong build quality, but the new FM moves this heritage even further with a lot of useful improvements and good fuel efficiency.
The FM is offer six cab models naming the Day Cab, Sleeper Cab, Low Sleeper Cab, Globetrotter, Globetrotter LXL and Fire engine Crew Cab. The truck’s versatility is also represented by the wide range of axle configurations - 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 4x4, 6x6, 8x2, 8x4 – available for both rigid and tractor versions.
There is no secret that the most trusted trucks from the market are build by Volvo. The company is continuously improving its trucks and permanently searches for ways to conquer and exploit new market sectors. One of these performant niche models is the FL which features the great build quality and the famous reliability of the Scandinavian brand.
The Volvo FL is the smallest truck from the company’s lineup ad it was designed for quick deliveries and city missions. The Volvo FL range includes rigid models with a gross vehicle weight between 12-18 tonne and different wheel base dimensions ranging from 3070 to 6800 mm. The Volvo FL is also available in three cab configuration including Day cab, Medium cab ad 4 door Crew cab.
Volvo vehicles are known for their top notch safety features and the company’s trucks share the same attributes. The 44 tones FH is the biggest truck in Volvo’s lineup and has a long and successful history behind it. In 2010 the FH range received a few upgrades to keep the model on the top of the sales charts. In order to offer a high level of versatility, the FH is available in various versions of trims and cabs. The FH is also equipped with strong and efficient engines with a power output range between 420-540 hp.
The Volvo FH comes in rigid or tractor configuration and is available with four cab designs including Day Cab, Sleeper cab, Globetrotter Cab and Globe Trotter XL Cab.
Have you ever wondered how truck will look like in 2020? Apparently Volvo did and today they unveiled the Concept Truck 2020 that defines the future of the truck industry: long rigs, controlled by autopilot, driven non-stop in nose-to-tail convoys on green super-motorways linking the continents.
The concept design language is defined by a sleek look for the exterior, reducing the perception of the vehicle’s size. The LED headlamps and turn indicators are integrated into the front of the vehicle. The rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras that project their images onto the inside of the windscreen. The lower section of the front of the vehicle features integrated collision protection projecting forwards about half a meter.
"We have replaced the traditional dashboard with a thin film panel on which information is tailored to suit the driver," says Rikard Orell. "The panel is operated like a touchpad, just like an iPhone. We have saved a lot of space that way."
Press release after the jump.
Volvo’s FMX truck has been totally redesigned for 2010. It will go on sale in September featuring an entirely new front, tailored for the rough-and-tumble of construction operations, specially developed rear-view mirrors, new work-lights and a new air intake.
On the exterior the FMX gets a new upper grill, aggressive lower front, 3-part steel bumper with 3 mm thick steel corners, rugged skid plate and protective bull bar.
The FMX is offered with two engines: a 11-liter engine delivering 330 to 450 hp and the 13-liter engine with output ranging from 380 to 500 hp. Like all the other Volvo truck the FMX can be ordered with the new I-Shift gearbox.
The interior will get three new trims to choose from: vinyl seats and door panels, textile seats and vinyl door panels or plush seats and door panels. Leather seat is optional.
Press release after the jump.
The Volvo FH is the perfect choice for transporting heavy goods over long distances. It is offered with a choice of four engines, four comfortable cabs (Day cab, Sleeper cab, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL) and a wide range of chassis options - all made for long and economical transports.
The FH is offered with an improved D13C engine that now has an additional 20 HP and 100 Nm more torque and improved fuel consumption. The D13C is available with power outputs of 420, 460, 500 and 540 hp for Euro 5. In addition, the engine is also available in an EEV (Enhanced Environmental friendly Vehicles) version producing 420, 460 and 500 hp, with even lower emissions of smoke and particulates.
The D13C engine can be mated to a new I-Shift gearbox that has a a 12-speed electronically controlled splitter/range gearbox designed for automated gear-changing. With I-Shift, the driver can focus on driving and on the surrounding traffic. However, it is still possible to change gears manually. Simply pull the gear lever to the manual setting and then change up or down using the button on the side of the gear knob. The truck has no clutch pedal and gear engagement and disengagement are entirely automatic.
The Volvo FE is ideal for regional transportation, refuse handling, light construction duties and refrigerated haulage. The ergonomically designed driver’s compartment and the low entry make life easier for you if you often have to get in and out of the truck during your daily shift. It is offered in four versions: FE 4x2 tractor, FE 4x2 rigid, FE 6x2 rigid, FE 6x4 rigid.
The FE is offered with a 7-liter engine with an output of 240, 260, 300 or 340 hp. The Volvo D7F responds instantly to the throttle, you quickly reach cruising speed and can pull powerfully in high gears even on steep inclines. There is high torque from low revs, delivering as much as 1300 Nm across a wide rev range. The engine can be mated to either a manual gearbox with 6 forward ratios or 9 forward ratios or an auto matic transmission with 6 forward ratios.
The Volvo FE offers high-class comfort, with comfortable seats and plenty of interior space. You can choose between three cabs depending on your transport assignments and needs: the day cab is intended for short distances and offers maximum space for the load platform. The comfort cab is a comfortable alternative for somewhat longer transport operations. The sleeper cab is the ideal choice if you want plenty of space on board and also require overnight accommodation in the truck.
Press release after the jump.
The Volvo FL is developed for the fast pace of life on the city streets. It is the perfect choice for quick deliveries in and around town, refuse collection and other municipal services. The truck offers smooth maneuverability, excellent all-round visibility and an engine with unbeatably alert response, available with 240, 260 or 290 hp.
The driveline features a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of
7 liters, offering 240, 260 or 290 hp and generous torque. This engine can be mated to either a 6-speed or 9-speed manual gearbox, an automatic
transmission or I-Sync – which combines the benefits of the manual gearbox with the convenience of automatic transmission.
The Volvo FL can be chosen for different applications with specially modified chassis packaging. The application for road sweeping operations has components such as the tank, air tanks and battery box relocated and a vertical exhaust system behind the cab’s rear wall. The Volvo FL in refuse collection configuration has specially adapted chassis packaging, automatic transmission and a rear axle with or without hub reduction and a passenger bench that can carry the vehicle’s entire crew (option). Further applications where the Volvo FL is admirably suitable are as a tipper platform, with or without a crane, as a tanker and as a recovery truck with crew cab.
Press release after the jump.
The Volvo VM is a medium-heavy truck suited for various regional distribution and urban operations. The truck is built in Volvo’s factory in Brazil and offers the best possible conditions for maximizing driver productivity thanks to the exclusive driver environment.
It if offered in four versions: VM 4x2 rigid, VM 6x2 rigid, VM 6x4 rigid and VM 4x2 tractor and a wheelbase of 3650, 3950, 4550, 4800 and 5150 mm. The engine’s output ranging from 210 to 310 hp and peak torque goes up to 1100 NM.
Volvo VM features a perfect overview of all instruments as well as good all-round visibility. Among the comfort and safety enhancing details you find adjustable seats and steering column, ergonomically located controls, and exclusive interior accessories.
The Volvo FH16 is the most powerful series-manufactured truck in the world. It is powered by a 16-liter engine that delivers a total of 700 hp, but Volvo is also offer a 540 HP and a 600 HP version.
The D16 engine features redesigned pistons, an optimized combustion process and a new oil thermostat that all help on reducing the fuel consumption, low emissions and long lifetime. The is also a new and larger system for exhaust after-treatment.
“The Volvo FH16 is intended for the very heaviest and most demanding of transport operations. It is also a highly prestigious truck for the customer who is looking for something truly out of the ordinary. And with 700 hp, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry,” says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.
Press release after the jump.
Volvo Truck has prepared a new version for its FH line-up. Changes includes a new exterior design, new interior trim enhancements and a new transmission.
The Volvo FM now features the updated and improved headlights that were recently introduced on the FH model. The headlamps are divided into 2 separate units; the spot and fog lamp is a separate unit positioned below the headlight. The headlamp lens is made of plastic instead of glass to make it more resistant to stone chipping. For the interior Volvo added a table with dedicated space for cups and pens, a practical storage box and a paper holder in water-resistant fabric.
Also the 13-liter engine is now mated to a new I-Shift gearbox that helps reducing fuel consumption while delivering a total of 500 hp and torque peaks at 2500 Nm. A 11 liter engine is also offered.
New for 2010 is a full range of cab packages, from premium to basic that offer the customers more choices and opportunities to optimize the truck to specific needs.
Press release after the jump.