7 minute read
VOLVO DELIVERS
DESPITE THE frustrations stemming from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Volvo Group Australia (VGA) has swum against the tide, embarking on what it states as its biggest launch ever with a new range of FM, FMX, FH and FH16 models – just in time for Christmas.
VGA states that all new Volvo models will be built at its production facility in Wacol, Queensland.
According to Volvo, the new range has been designed with the driver in mind, pointing to “unparalleled levels of comfort, driveability and safety”.
“Long haul drivers don’t just drive our trucks; they often live in them, however even in an urban distribution environment drivers also need a safe comfortable workplace,” states VGA vice president of sales, Tony O’Connell.
“For some it is the modern office with every convenience at hand, for others it is also a home.
“We all know how hard it can be to attract drivers in this country. Any driver would be proud to find themselves behind the wheel of any truck in our new range.”
The new Volvo FH will have the option of Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions levels across the range in both 13-litre and 16-litre capacities as well as a complementary range of horsepower options.
VGA points out that its new FM comes with an all-new cab as well as Euro 5 and 6 options in 11- and 13-litre engine capacities.
It adds that emissions, efficiency and safety unsurprisingly feature highly across its line-up, in addition to a significant focus on the driver environment.
Crash test strength
Volvo states that its truck cabs across the range meet the world’s most stringent crash test rating – the Swedish BOF10 cab strength test.
In addition, VGA notes that visibility has been improved by more than 10 per cent on the Volvo FM, as well as the Volvo FMX, which now features similar lines to the Volvo FH cab with a larger windscreen, slimmer A-pillars, slim line mirrors, and a lower door line.
To minimise blind spots, the new passenger corner camera activates when the left indicator is used. The corner camera can also be activated at the push of a button, enabling the driver to check the area when required. The camera image is displayed on the 9-inch (23cm) dash-mounted touch-screen display. This display is said to be able to handle input from up to eight cameras.
VGA explains that LED headlights on the FH and FH16 models feature the Adaptive High Beam function, which partially dips the high beam when the headlights or taillights of another vehicle are detected ahead of the truck. This means that the area surrounding the vehicle can remain illuminated by the partial high beam, increasing visibility, without blinding other road users. The system is also said to be able to detect the lights of smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and cyclists.
Other active safety features being spruiked include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for speeds down to zero km/h, plus Hill Descent Control that automatically activates the wheel brakes when extra brake force is needed to maintain constant downhill speed.
VGA says the electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist also available as an option.
Cab comfort
VGA expects drivers to welcome the Volvo FM and FMX interior cab space, which has been increased by up to one cubic metre, giving drivers more room to move as well as additional storage space. Day cab models also boast a 40 per cent increase in storage space.
As far as ergonomics go, a newly designed I-Shift transmission selector and simplified switch gear across the dashboard is reported to add to ease of use and comfort from the driver’s seat.
Inside, an all-new 12-inch (30cm) instrument panel minimises driver distraction with clean, clear digital instrumentation while a new larger touch screen display with a simplified menu is now claimed to be
New FM, FMX, FH and FH16 models to herald a new era in driver safety for Volvo Group Australia
within easy reach of the driver. VGA says the functions within can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.
Emissions decisions
Building on the current Euro 6 offerings in classic Volvo FM11 and FM13 models, VGA points out that the entire range of models now come with options for Euro 6. In the new Volvo FM Euro 6 horsepower ratings include the 11-litre 380, 430 and 460hp (283, 321 and 343kW) options, while the 13-litre range includes the 460 and 500hp (373kW) options.
However, VGA says the previous range of Euro 5 engines with 330hp (246kW) to 500hp options will still be on offer. The Volvo FMX will also retain the option of a 540hp (403kW) Euro 5 powerplant.
The Volvo FH will also benefit from the addition of 13-litre Euro 6 variants including the 500hp D13 Turbo Compound engine as well as the 13-litre 540hp rating.
The Volvo FH16 will see the existing Euro 5 range that covers horsepower ratings from 600 to 700hp (447 to 523kW), complemented by Euro 6 variants at 550 and 650hp (410 and 485kW).
Fuel efficient
The addition of the Australian I-Save package to the new Volvo FH is set to create new levels of fuel efficiency and CO2 savings, according to VGA.
The 500hp/2,800Nm Euro 6 turbo compound engine is included in the Australian I-Save package and is said to enable significant fuel and CO2 savings. For long-haul operations, VGA says the new FH with Australian I-Save will combine the new Euro 6 D13TC engine into a package that also includes I-See, which accesses centrally stored topographic data to optimise transmission performance and engine efficiency.
Other components reported to be included in the package are I-Shift with dash mounted gear selector and economy transmission software, I-Cruise with I-Roll, optimised 2.83 rear axle ratio with fuel efficient energy tyres, engine idle shutdown, and variable displacement power steering pump.
“I’m very excited to see the new Volvo Trucks range come to life here on Australia soil,” O’Connell continues.
“Our biggest launch ever with our safest, most productive and most efficient range of transport solutions has been eagerly anticipated by customers.
“This has been a massive project and we have invested heavily in our manufacturing capability to ensure that these trucks will be built at our Wacol Queensland production facility. And as always, will continue to be serviced by the largest dealer network in Australia and New Zealand.”
O’Connell says the new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX are intelligent and versatile, and will continue to support customers by building on the formidable reputation carved out by the classic models in the urban streets, the quarries and the regional back blocks of Australia.
“The FH and FH16 will continue to power Australian long-haul and heavy haulage businesses with new levels of driver comfort and appointments.
“These new powerplants, coupled with our unique range of features from dual-clutch transmissions to Volvo Dynamic Steering will allow us to provide our customers with the best transport solution possible, while drivers will appreciate all the new touches that will make their life on the road easier,” O’Connell says.
“And best of all, we are building this entire range right here in Australia.”
The new Volvo Trucks Australia range went on sale on November 30. However, as previously mentioned in earlier editions of Owner// Driver and its website www.ownerdriver.com.au, Volvo has decided not to display its new range at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, despite its Wacol facility being merely a little over a stone’s throw from the show venue, the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre.
From top: Volvo’s new FM model comes with an all-new cab; The 9-inch dash-mounted touch-screen display; Like the other new models, the FMX is built at Volvo’s Wacol plant near Brisbane
