SPOTLIGHT ON…
VOLVO TRUCKS CANADA
Volvo Trucks Defines the Shape of Trucks to Come with its Bold New VNR Regional Haul Model VOLVO >>
Brian Balicki, Volvo Trucks North America Chief Designer. “We channeled the input of nearly 2,000 drivers and brought those thoughts and preferences to life through the VNR.” This driver-driven research found its way into the total Volvo VNR driving experience, and in details meant to make drivers’ lives easier, like the Position Perfect™ threemotion steering wheel that allows for more optimal vertical positioning to help reduce arm, neck and shoulder fatigue for a wider variety of drivers’ shapes and preferences. The steering wheel can be rotated 32 degrees, with a 4.5-inch telescoping range. There’s also a 30-degree head tilt feature. New seats also offer more adjustments to fit more drivers and bring comfort amenities like heating and cooling. The VNR is tailored to a driver’s connected lifestyle, incorporating an infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay, offering high-end audio with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, navigation, apps and an exterior camera. Drivers also benefit from a new instrument cluster
and large, color driver information display in the dash, which works with steering wheel-mounted controls to provide key operating parameters and access to trip information, performance data, and a wide-range of vehicle diagnostics. DESIGNED FOR SAFETY The new Volvo VNR builds on Volvo’s reputation for passive and active safety technology enhancements. Volvo Active Driver Assist warns drivers through sound and a critical warning signal projected onto the windshield when they approach too close to an object in front of them, and the system can automatically apply brakes to help mitigate a collision. Automotive-quality LED headlights increase visibility and decrease light spillover onto oncoming traffic, making the road safer for everybody. Automotive features like automatic lighting and rain-sensing wipers provide convenience and help driver safety, while the lane change support system provides visibility to blind spots. The VNR model features Volvo’s high-strength steel cab and exceeds both the Volvo Swedish Cab
Safety Test and ECE R-29 rollover requirements. In the event a crash would occur, available side airbags for the driver’s seat also help protect the driver in a roll-over situation. The driver’s seat airbag complements the steering wheel-mounted driver’sside airbag, which is standard on the VNR. GEARED FOR EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE “The Volvo D11 engine offers the highest power to weight ratio of any engine Volvo offers, making it the perfect match for regional haul applications,” said John Moore, Volvo Trucks Product Marketing Manager - Powertrain. The efficient and powerful Volvo D11 engine is standard on the new Volvo VNR, offering up to 425 horsepower and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque. Given the weight-conscious nature of many regional haul applications, the Volvo D11 engine was designed to match the new VNR model. The VNR can also be spec’d with a Volvo D13 engine rated up to 500 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. The Volvo D11 and D13 engines feature wave pistons, a patented Volvo technology that burns fuel more efficiently. A
common rail fuel delivery system with proprietary features is more efficient but also lighter, quieter and more precise. Both innovations reduce friction, which means longer life for the engine - and a much quieter ride for the
also allows for spec’ing of automated functions Adaptive Loading, which senses when a truck is empty and lifts an axle to increase efficiency; and Adaptive Gearing, which locks out overdrive when the truck is fully loaded
critical engine, transmission and aftertreatment trouble codes through Volvo’s Remote Diagnostics. Through Volvo’s standard connectivity hardware, VNR owners can also perform powertrain software and parameter
driver. The D11 and D13 engines are also easier to service. Shimless rockers and quicker access to the exhaust aftertreatment system shrink maintenance time, which means more uptime for the truck. Combined with an XE - eXceptional Efficiency transmission package, the engines for the VNR model are even more efficient as a result of downspeeding. Paired with Volvo’s IShift automated manual transmission as standard
and makes it available on an empty return - that help reduce fuel consumption. CONNECTED FOR THE FUTURE One of the biggest differentiators in the industry today is how vehicle owners are now leveraging connectivity to maximize uptime. The new Volvo VNR is equipped with Volvo’s factory-installed t e l e m a t i c s h a r d w a r e, providing connectivity for predictive diagnostics and monitoring of
updates over-the-air with Remote Programming, which helps them improve uptime, reduce downtime costs and improve vehicle efficiency. Volvo VNR Models include the 300 (day cab, flat roof), 400 (42-inch mid-roof sleeper), and 640 (61-inch mid-roof sleeper). The regional haul truck market is growing and changing with firms like Amazon re-defining delivery strategies, and as fleets shorten average haul lengths and attempt to get drivers home more regularly. Last year, regional haul trucks represented 21% of the Canadian Class 8 truck market. Volvo VNR Models include the 300 (day cab, flat roof), 400 (42-inch midroof sleeper), and 640 (61inch mid-roof sleeper). They will enter production in August, but orders are being taken immediately. For more information and an exciting in depth look at the new Volvo VNR, take a look at the Top 10 Stories presentation about the Volvo VNR at: newVNR.volvotrucks. ca.
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4 June 2017