Comparison

12 | COMPARISON MAN TGE 3.180 versus MAN TGX 18.540

Aunique head-to-head between two MAN Commercial Vehicles at opposite ends of the Munich brand’s range. Th e comparison report can be described as David against Goliath! Th ese two diff erent products from the same manufacturer, the TGE & TGX are ultimately built for the same purpose; the transport of goods by road. Here is the report from Javier Pedroche (ITOY, Spain).

Facing each other are two commercial vehicles of signifi cant diff erence in size and power, but sharing the same badge and symbol on their grilles, namely the ‘Lion of MAN’, a heritage that the Bavarian manufacturer received from its compatriot Büssing.

For the MAN TGE, the van range is a collaboration project with Volkswagen AG, that in 2016 facilitated MAN Truck & Bus to begin a renewed journey in the light commercial vehicle segment, having sold MAN badged versions of Volkswagen light trucks in the past. So today, MAN Truck & Bus covers the complete road transport market from 3.5 tonnes with the TGE, up to 200 tonnes, with the fl agship TGX.

Th e green meadows of Burgos surrounding the Monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña, a 9th century Trappist Abbey, in North East Spain were the silent witnesses for this unique evaluation test.

While the TGE 3.180 on test was presented with its most powerful engine option, developing 177 hp, the TGX 18.540 with its powerful D3876, 15 litre diesel, boasts 540 hp. Th e diff erence between the displacement of these two diesel engines is very palpable, because with the TGX achieves its maximum power at 1,800 revolutions, while TGE 3.180 needed double that - 3,600 rpms.

Both engines respond to Euro 6 gas emission regulations and adopt similar systems to meet the required levels, such as aft er-treatment to reduce exhaust gases (SCR), although the TGX’s D38 engine, due to its size and power, needs help via the recirculation of gases (EGR) and a closed particle fi lter system CRT to reach the required standard.

When comparing the maximum torque of both models, the 40 tonnes GVW for which the powerful TGX has been developed is primarily to meet the needs of load pulling and at the lowest revs per minute overall speed.

Th e solution off ered by the TGE is very diff erent, since its role is more speed and effi ciency oriented. Th erefore, it’s power versus agility, as witnessed on the roads

surrounding Burgos, where the driver had to continually take his foot off the pedal in the TGE in order not to lose sight of the truck. Of course, if we had tried to hook a full-load semi-trailer to the TGE, well, that would be a diff erent story!

Aft er years of drivers’ opposition, automated transmissions have become standard on all truck ranges, and now represent a very high percentage of all units sold. One of the best examples is the 12-speed TipMatic automated transmission fi tt ed to the TGX 18.540, a development by ZF with MAN’s customised software, which combines perfectly with the D3876 engine, based on the search for greater effi ciency with lower consumption.

Th e situation is quite diff erent within the light commercial vehicles segment. Although the use of automatic changes in the urban environment would be more than advisable, auto boxes are not popular in this sector, possibly due to the greater cost in a market where the price is a fundamental aspect in the acquisition.

Contradicting this trend, this 3.180 TGE is equipped with the Volkswagen DSG transmission, which is an 8-speed automatic transmission with double clutch. It happens to be one of the best in the business in this type of vehicle, ensuring high levels of driving comfort.

What is clear with the two vehicles in question is the pure quality of materials and fi nishes inside their cabins, a common aspect in German models.

In the TGE what stands out is the functionality of the driving position, since the purpose for which it has been developed, urban distribution, requires continuous ups and downs and ins and outs by the driver who needs to have everything on hand for daily activities. With a generous front door access, gett ing a comfortable position does not pose any problems, thanks to the diff erent adjustments available on the seat and steering wheel. In addition, the position of the automatic gearshift in the dashboard allows for easy mobility from one side to the other within the cabin.

For its part, the TGX 18.540’s XXL cab off ers one of the largest living spaces on the market, which is accessed by four steps from the ground. Th e driving position bears some similarity to the TGE, characterised by the straight lines of the dashboard, typical of this German manufacturer, with all the controls close to the driver’s domain. Th is cabin, the largest of the range off ered by MAN, is ideal for two drivers on long distance routes, since, in addition to its generous dimensions, it has two bunk beds, one on top, the other foldable, plus all the storage space required for this type of transport.

Over recent years, driver assistance electronic systems have been innovated and developed on all types of vehicles, and those fi tt ed to the TGE and TGX are tangible proof of what is available to commercial vehicle drivers

nowadays. Common in heavy transport vehicles, lane keep assistance, adaptive speed control or emergency braking are already off ered, although their installation is more expensive mainly because it’s off ered as optional equipment in a marketplace where the cost is too signifi cant for the operator.

We did have the opportunity to test all these systems in both models, confi rming their great contribution to road safety, although the behaviour of the similar systems can operate diff erently, depending on the vehicle. Th e LGS, for example, or lane keep assist, in the case of the TGX acts with an acoustic warning when the driver involuntarily leaves the line of the road, while in the TGE, it’s electromechanical system allows for selfcorrection.

However, with the Adaptive Speed Control, the TGX has the advantage of the Predictive Positioning Control (PPC) programme in which the signal received from the GPS system analyses the following kilometres and adapts the speed accordingly. Th is system is not yet available in the TGE, indeed it would not necessarily be a useful system to have due to this vehicle’s greater use in urban areas.

14 | LAUNCH PAD

Volvo Trucks ‘Towers’ above with quadruple new truck launch

Coronavirus put paid to Volvo Trucks’ best laid plans to continue its launch programme for the four new heavy-duty truck ranges premiered just prior to the extended global lockdown period. However the five month delay allowed Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland to fully prepare the new FH16, FH, FM and FMX press fl eet, and Fleet Transport got the privilege to fully appraise the new trucks before they go on sale at dealerships.

During the ‘Stay Home – Stay Safe’ period the transport media were kept informed of industry developments through webinars, but while the virtual world remained active, meetings in the fl esh ceased and were sadly missed. Th e same could be said for losing out on seeing the new generation Volvo Trucks for real. In fact, the Volvo Trucks introduction was one of the fi rst global events to be held on-line as COVID-19 began to spread across continents. Naturally, the powers that be at Volvo Trucks HQ in Gothenburg were disappointed that the next phase of their launch programme could not happen. Instead of the planned group test event for the trade press, a selection of brand new models were provided to markets across Europe initially, with Fleet Transport one of the fi rst publications to smell, feel, drive and appreciate the shinning new trucks that will carry Volvo into the next decade and beyond.

In the lead up to the quadruple reveal, Volvo Trucks carried off another spectacular stunt to clearly demonstrate the power and strength of its four new vehicles. Not to be outdone by any of its previous memorable promotional eff orts, the artistic directors scaled new heights, literally – constructing a massive 15 metre, 58 tonne truck tower, stacking the four new trucks on top of each other. To crown it all, Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm stood on top! Quite a feat and like previous editions, it took social media by storm. But it was all in a day’s work for Roger, whose feet are fi rmly on the ground. “Th is is our biggest launch ever at Volvo Trucks. Th ey will have a huge impact on our customers’ profi tability and ability to compete both for business and the best drivers. I´m used to being on top of things, but for me, shooting the truck tower was defi nitely an unusual day at work. And let’s just say I have a certain respect for heights. I’m a down to earth guy,” said Roger.

Th e fi lm, which was shot on a testing ground near Gothenburg took a month to design, build and ensure it was safe to drive.

Essentially Volvo’s heavy duty range has been replaced and improved. Th e FH, FH16, FM and FMX Series represent about two-thirds of Volvo Trucks’ range and also account for around two-thirds of its sales worldwide. During the research and development process when creating the next generation of these Volvo Trucks, the company surveyed various issues relating to road transport and its future. Th e focus was primarily on drivers, profi tability, running and operating costs as well as truck brand recognition. From these fi ndings, the four new trucks design centred

Roger Alm

mainly on the driver, environment, safety, effi ciency and productivity.

As the world comes out of the imposed restrictions from the pandemic, the expected growth in demand for transport will add to the shortage of skilled drivers, and Volvo Trucks aims to att ract more young people to the sector with its impressive new lineup. It’s about driver retention too. Roger Alm explains the strategy: “Drivers who handle their truck safely and effi ciently are an invaluable asset to any transport company. Responsible driving behaviour can help reduce CO 2 emissions and fuel costs, as well as helping reduce the risk of accidents, injury and unplanned downtime. Our new trucks will help drivers work even more safely and productively and give our customers stronger arguments when competing to att ract the best drivers.”

Th e various models within the new Volvo Trucks’ range feature restyled cabs, with the FM and FMX gett ing totally new designs. Areas of concentration centred on all-round visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise levels, manoeuvrability and safety. Current owners and drivers of the FM and FMX will appreciate the additional all-round spaciousness of the new FM and FMX cabs. Based on similar style lines of the multi-award winning FH (from the outgoing series) with its striking side profi le, the interior volume has been increased by up to one cubic metre. Visibility is much improved due to larger windows, new mirrors and a lower door line. Other new features include a multi-adjustable steering wheel, a reconfi guration of the bunks for more convenience and interior space, with additional noise insulation for quieter driving. Additional storage and improved interior lighting are also part of the package.

As per the new FH/FH16 the same instrument display functions are carried over to the new FM/FMX. Th is new interface is fully digital with a 12-inch screen supplemented by a 9-inch infotainment display, which can be controlled via butt ons on the steering wheel.

As expected, and per the norm with all things Volvo, safety elements have been further enhanced with numerous passive and active systems on board the new FH and FH16 fl agship. Functions such as adaptive high beam headlights and passenger corner camera, provide a complimentary view of the side of the truck on the side display. Regarding drivelines and powertrains, the choices as previous remain – highly effi cient diesels, natural gas and electric. “Both the environment and economics are important factors for haulage companies. As there will not be one singular energy source that addresses all climate change issues, and since diff erent transport segments and assignments will require a variety of solutions, several types of drivelines will continue to exist in parallel for the foreseeable future,” added Roger.

Currently, the FH and FM are available with the Euro 6 compliant gas-powered LNG engine that off ers fuel effi ciency and performance on a par with that of Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks, but with a far lower climate impact. “Th e gas engine can run on either biogas, which cuts CO 2 by up to 100 percent, or natural gas which reduces CO 2 emissions by up to 20 percent when compared with Volvo’s diesels. Th is relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank to wheel,” stated Roger.

engineers have achieved in redeveloping the range topping FH16. While refl ecting on the truck’s renowned properties, the design team has come up with a more streamlined, slicker cab from a visual and aerodynamic aspect. Projecting an image befi tt ing its superior power and presence in the heavy-haul, long-distance sector, Ismail Ovacik, Chief Designer Exterior, Volvo Trucks declared that: “With the new Volvo FH16 we have re-imagined the most iconic design elements from our earlier generations and further enhanced them. With the new high tech headlights, for example, we have taken our strong light identity to the next level, while the entire front of the truck has been reworked to convey a more powerful impression.” Ismail’s detailed work included reshaping the headlamp structure, repositioning the thinner cluster slightly outwards to give the truck improved aerodynamic air fl ow. “Bolder, more sophisticated and confi dent, the exterior of the Volvo FH16 refl ects the fact that this truck is more connected and smarter than ever before,” he added. Its stand-out waterfall themed grille is now stronger in character. Th e refreshed interior is more driver-centric, enhanced by new colours and trim generating a higher quality feeling to the senses. Th e upgrade dashboard now has a fully 12-inch high resolution instrument display where the driver can choose between four diff erent screen views, depending on the situation and information required. Alongside is a 9” display screen that provides infotainment, sat-nav and camera monitoring. Engaging with these systems can be done in several ways from butt ons on the steering wheel, through voice control or directing via the touchscreen and display panel controls. Another noticeable change is with the I-Shift gear change selector, which has an illuminated gear selection symbols

What can truck designers do to make a fl agship truck even more desirable? Enhance it all over, make it even more premium - that’s exactly what Volvo Trucks’

and new drive modes. As before the 16-litre, 750hp Euro 6 Step D diesel is the most powerful mass-production truck in the business, so nothing has changed here. Likewise, the cab options remain unchanged - Low Sleeper, Sleeper, Globetrott er, Globetrott er XL and for certain markets Glotetrott er XXL. Th e D16K, 16-litre is also available with lower power options – 550hp/2,800Nm. Th e I-Shift automated transmission has soft ware packages for diff erent areas of application.

Describing the merits of the new FH16, Roger Alm, Volvo Truck President said: “Th e Volvo FH16 is a genuine premium product that can handle all the most demanding applications and, at the same time, give customers and drivers the best of everything. With the new generation we have created a package that makes no compromises between power and fuel effi ciency, comfort and style. Th e Volvo FH16 delivers everything you expect from a Volvo truck, and more, thereby solidifying our position as the brand for heavy, demanding long-haul operations.”

Increased front-axle load capacity, and tag and pusher axles with bett er steering angles, improve both the manoeuvrability and productivity of the new Volvo FH16. A new 38-tonne bogie is also available for especially demanding operations.

Increased front-axle load capacity is provided, with tag and pusher axles now offering better manoeuvrability and productivity. Safety systems have been boosted with the inclusion of Descent Control and the Adaptive Cruise Control operations at all speeds, right down to zero km/h. Other electronic aids include Collision Warning with Emergency Brake & Electronic Stability Control (which is now standard), along with the trusted Volvo Dynamic Steering System.

DRIVEN: Volvo FH16.750 6x2 Globetrott er XL

On partaking in the fi rst Irish drives of the new range Volvo Trucks, the fl agship FH16 (6x2 Pusher) with its 750 hp Euro 6D, naturally drew high att ention. While the Globetrott er XL cab does not have a complete fl at fl oor, there is plenty of standing room for the driver all-round inside. As ever the seating position is very good, aided by the multi-adjustable steering column.

Furnishing and fi tt ings are top class with some nice two-tone colouring around the dash area, seats and panelling. Its new Blue Veiled Th istle Pearl cab colour also got the thumbs up from the Fleet Transport test drive panel.

As the route did not feature any hilly sections, its record beating power for a mass production truck was never really challenged even though it grossed 44 tonnes with the Krone box trailer.

series is the most successful model range for the Swedish brand with the ‘Iron Mark’ logo. Wonder how many proud owners and drivers know what the lett ers FH stand for? Well, the ‘F’ is for Forward and the ‘H’ is for High as in High cab. According to Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, this evolution of the FH Series has been designed with the driver in mind. “Th e Volvo FH series has been a favourite among truck drivers for many years, especially for those who spend a good portion of their lives on the road. With the new Volvo FH we are continuing our clear focus on designing trucks and off ering services that can help drivers do a world class job.” Drivers retention and att raction are key elements also, not to mention the signifi cant impact that drivers make on transport operator’s bott om line – productivity, effi ciency and customer service. “A good driver can make a huge contribution to our customer’s profi tability. And around the world we see a chronic shortage of truck drivers. By launching this new truck which prioritises the professional driver’s productivity and comfort, we have taken an important step forward in helping our Volvo Trucks’ new look or family identity is probably most prominent on the new FH. Slimmer V-shaped headlights and the repositioning of the indicators to the door changes its appearance somewhat, while the wiper panel housing is cleaner and slimmer, facilitating a bigger Volvo badge. Th at said, many proud owners relocate the emblem over the grille to allow for company livery, and place it on

Afi rm favourite among the truck fraternity, the Volvo FH

customers att ract and retain the best drivers,” claimed Roger.

the grille itself.

Th e fi tt ing of Adaptive High Beam headlights is benefi cial. How it works is that the strength of the full beam is adjusted when the camera and radar detector system recognises other vehicles. ACC, EBS, Lane Keeping and Stability Assist are available and the safety package is further added with road sign recognition system that can detect road signs such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits.

New FH further delivers on fuel economy. Using various driveline and chassis confi gurations, the FH series, like before, can be tailored to suit a broad range of applications, with substantial modifi cations to achieve signifi cant fuel and CO 2 savings. For instance, the FH with I-Save for the Euro 6D D13TC engine is said to deliver fuel savings of up to 7%.

As with the previous generation FHs, the model year 2020/21 versions will feature the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission, which ensures shunt free gear changes. It’s particularly advantageous during demanding operations such as transporting liquid or bulk loads as it minimises movement on cargo during gear changes. Productivity, another important customer priority, is further optimised on the Volvo FH due to its capacity for increased front axle loads, as well as tag and pusher axles with improved steering angles to reduce tyre wear and improve manoeuvrability. Th e truck is also available with Tandem Axle Lift , enabling the rear axle to be disengaged and raised when the truck is not loaded, reducing the fuel consumption. Cab choice includes Low Sleeper, Sleeper and three types of Globetrott ers – Standard, XL and XXL. A selection of exterior and interior trim packages are available also. Th e D13K diesel engine off ering stretches from 420 to 540 hp with the 460 & 500hp blocks in between. Th e G13C LNG Natural Gas (420 & 460hp) options on sale in certain countries (where the fi lling infrastructure exists).

DRIVEN: Volvo FH.540 6x2 Globetrott er

Th e modifi cations made to upgrade the FH brings the heavy-duty truck series up to speed with the opposition (and beyond some). From the facelift ed exterior to the superior fi nish to the dash area together with the easy to use infotainment system, the new FH has a lot going for it.

What made the FH.540 6x2 with steered pusher axle pleasing was the Dual Clutch system on the 12-speed I-Shift automated box, which assured extremely smooth and seamless gear changes. Noise levels were notably reduced too.

Add Volvo’s Dynamic Steering and Volvo’s Engine Brake + (Plus) and you’ve got a superbly effi cient, productive and economical long-haul tractor unit. Finished in Grey Nordic Light Pearl paint job, it too looked the part.

More Spacious & Driver-centric

trade journalists were given an indication of what the new cab would look like when the Electric versions were launched some months beforehand. Th e replacement of the FM generation was eagerly awaited as the popular national haulage and regional distribution range has becoming outdated in recent times. Th ere’s no doubt that the new model’s cab design is more driver focussed, delivering higher levels of comfort and safety. Carina Byström, Chief Designer Interior for Volvo Trucks explains what has been achieved with the newly designed cab: “Th e new Volvo FM is the versatile workhorse of our range – agile and fi t to serve its purpose of being spacious, safe and comfortable for drivers. We’ve also achieved very good visibility using a lowered door line, new rear view mirrors and a passenger corner camera,” she said. Carina further explained how this has been achieved: “Th e new cab has raised A-pillars that give it up to one extra cubic metre of space and more light. It also comes with smart technology that underpins Volvo’s focus on creating the ultimate mobile offi ce for drivers. Th e interior is highlighted by a new dashboard off ering more storage space, new colours and a modern dynamic display. Th e cluster includes a 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface where the driver can easily see important information and select between four diff erent screen views, depending on the driving situation. Th e instrument display, which comes ready for future updates and connected services, is designed to simplify the driver’s interactions and minimise distractions when accessing critical information,” she added.

Like the other models within the new Volvo Truck family, the FM has the 9” side display unit that caters for all infotainment and navigation needs plus camera monitoring. Th ese systems are connectable through the steering wheel controls. Behind the driver’s seat is a raised bunk, with bigger storage areas underneath the bed and upper rear storage compartments (with LED illumination). Th en there is the new slimmer

Prior to the introduction of the new Volvo Trucks FM Series,

I-Shift gear shift housing. Th e exterior of the cab features similar lines to the bigger FH cab, which made a big impression when originally launched in 2012, especially with its side profi le styling. It’s more aerodynamic in shape, with distinctive lines on the front, while the new mesh patt ern on the grille nicely off sets the distinctive V-shape headlamps.

As you’d expect, all the safety systems are on board, some from before and some newly developed. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), Lane-Keeping and Stability Assist and Volvo Dynamic Steering are features that either come as standard or are optional. For more urban orientated driving, fi tt ing of a passenger corner camera gives an added view of the side of the truck.

A wide selection of 11-litre and 13-litre diesel engines from 330hp to 500hp are available. Certain markets will get an LNG Natural Gas off ering with 420 and 460hp. Meanwhile the new FM has the broadest range of cab choices with Day, Low Day, Low Sleeper, Sleeper, Globetrott er and Crew Cab on the order list.

According to Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks the new Volvo FM heavy-duty truck is designed to deliver productivity. “Spacious and with exceptional visibility, the new Volvo FM heavy duty truck is designed to be the ultimate workplace on wheels in all segments. Drivers are one of the most important assets in the transport industry. With the new Volvo FM we are introducing a versatile working tool that is also a haven of comfort, allowing our customers to att ract and retain the best drivers that will keep their operations moving successfully.”

DRIVEN: Volvo FM.420 4x2 Globetrott er

When the FH4 was launched in 2012, it was a revelation in terms of cab design, especially when it came to all-round visibility. For the new FM, the Volvo design team took the FH template and somehow managed to duplicate the theme, that works even bett er as blind spots are a more prevalent issue for the application the FM operates under.

Upon sitt ing into the driver’s seat, the wow factor hits immediately. Th at feeling begins with the low window line on the doors, the large windscreens and the new mirror housing with its larger gap between it and the narrower A pillar.

No doubt the FM had been losing the race in its sector due to its dated cab, which in fairness served the brand well. As time moves on so too does the driver and need for improvement on comfort and safety elements and the new FM meets all these requirements and more. Confi gured with low profi le tyres and special supermarket spec twin-axle Krone trailer with rear steer, the complete package is the business!

LAUNCH PAD | 21

Coming Soon!

created an instant impact with its robust features and muscular att ributes. Th e FMX was based on the successful FM multi-axle range with unique enhancements to cater for tough construction and heavy haulage sectors. Th e new generation FMX has already proved its worth, by performing a star role as the platform truck for Volvo’s ‘Truck Tower’ whereby the 8x4 rigid (with tri-axle trailer) supported the new FH16, FH and FM stacked one above the other. Now boasting increased front axle loads of up to 20 tonnes and a 38 tonne bogie, the new FMX is, according to Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks, “built for the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments.” Similar to the newly developed FM, the latest FMX comes with increased space in the day cab and additional storage of up to 800 litres. All round visibility is improved by the lower door line and repositioned rear view mirrors. Th e new interior has been transformed with new colours, new dashboard and driver interface systems. Th e touchscreen infotainment display is similar to the other new models launched, synergies that have cost benefi ts and serviceability advantages. Specifi c to the FMX to tackle the tasks it will be asked to undertake is the new traction control panel that aids the driver to easily and quickly handle potentially dangerous situations, both on and off - road. Th e vehicle can gain more traction with the driver engaging the diff erential loads simply by turning a knob and the traction status can be monitored on the instrument display on the centre console.

Mr. Alm also highlighted the Gross Carrying Weight (GCW) of the FMX peaking at 150 tonnes – the heaviest addition to Volvo’s chassis range: “Th e front air suspension has been updated, allowing for front axle loads of up to 10 tonnes, or 20 tonnes for double front axles. For trucks with a steered tag or pusher axle, the steering angles have been increased, resulting in bett er manoeuvrability and reduced tyre wear. All these improvements add up to greater productivity and cost effi ciencies for construction transportation

When the Volvo Trucks FMX initially arrived it

tasks.”

Passive and active safety systems and programmes, some of them optional, are on par with those in Volvo’s other products. Engine options include the D11K with 330, 380, 430 and 460 hp power outputs, and the D13K with horsepower options of 420, 460, 500 and 540 hp.

Cab choice is similar to the new FM line up, although one diff erence with the cab design is that the FMX comes with an optional steel roof hatch with an emergency exit handle that removes the entire hatch.

“Our construction industry customers are facing ever increasing demands to improve in areas such as sustainability, cost effi ciency, safety and productivity. With the launch of the new Volvo FMX, we are proving our commitment to supporting these customers by creating robust trucks and innovative services to assist in making their operations easier, safer and more profi table,” Roger said. In conclusion, he added: “By designing the robust new FMX construction truck that can carry more tonnes and manoeuvre more easily, while keeping the driver safe and comfortable, Volvo Trucks can help increase both productivity and profi tability in the construction industry.”

DRIVEN: Volvo FMX.460 8x4 (Day)

Hard to believe that the FMX, Volvo Trucks’ special construction and heavy haul range was originally launched ten years ago. From the outset, it had an identity of its own with its muscular appearance and ‘tough’ touches to diff erentiate it from the FM 8-wheeler, for instance.

While in keeping with the original look of the new Volvo Trucks’ line up, the FMX does keep its unique identity and ruggedness. Nothing rugged about the driveline however as the 460 8x4 with Th ompson tipper body grossing 32 tonnes was eff ortless to drive.

Fitt ings around the new cabin impressed and the FMX’s interior design such as the centre console, dash area and touch screens are similar to the new Volvo Trucks’ family. As per the new FM, the mechanically adjusted steering column, now with neck tilt ensured the perfect driving position, with supreme all-round visibility.