Volvo Trucks is introducing four new trucks with a strong focus on the driver environment, safety and productivity. “We are really proud of this big forward-looking investment. Our aim is to be our customers’ best business partner by making them even more competitive and help them attract the best drivers in an increasingly tough market,” says Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. The four heavy-duty trucks are the Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX, and represent about two thirds of Volvo Trucks’ deliveries.
An expected growing demand for transport is putting pressure on the availability of skilled drivers worldwide. In Europe, for example, estimates show that around 20% of all driver jobs are vacant. To help customers recruit and retain the best drivers, Volvo Trucks has focused strongly on developing the new trucks to make them safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.
“Drivers who handle their truck safely and efficiently are an invaluable asset to any transport company. Responsible driving behavior can help reduce CO2 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 attract the best drivers,” continues Alm.
The various truck models in Volvo Trucks' range are available with many different cab models and can be optimized for a wide range of applications. In long-haul trucks, the cab is often the driver's second home. In regional transport trucks it often serves as a mobile office, while in construction the trucks are robust, practical work tools. Therefore, visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, maneuverability and safety were key focal points when developing all the new truck models. The truck exterior has also been upgraded to reflect the new trucks' properties and create an attractive overall design.
New cab for Volvo FM and Volvo FMX
The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX have a brand new cab, as well as many of the same instrument display functions as their larger Volvo counterparts. Their interior volume has been increased by up to 1 cu. m, providing better comfort and more working room. The visibility is now even better due to larger windows, a lowered door line and new mirrors.
New features in the driver cab help to improve productivity, comfort and safety.
Efficient engines and alternative drivelines
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 different transport segments and assignments will require a variety of solutions, several types of drivelines will continue to exist in parallel for the foreseeable future.
In many markets, the Volvo FH and Volvo FM are available with the Euro 6 compliant gas-powered LNG engine that offers fuel efficiency and performance on par with that of Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks, but with a far lower climate impact. The gas engine can run on either biogas, which cuts CO2 by up to 100%, or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20% when compared with Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank to wheel.
Volvo FH with re-imagined cab
The new Volvo FH features a a redesigned cab, innovative safety features and a driver focused working environment. A key aim of the new design is to give the driver a more productive, safe and comfortable life on the road.
“The Volvo FH series has been a favorite among truck drivers for many years, especially for those who spend a good portion of their lives on the road,” says Alm. “With the new Volvo FH we are continuing our clear focus on designing trucks and offering services that can help drivers do a world class job.”
Driver focus helps attract skilled professionals
The emphasis on drivers is based on the significant impact they have on a haulier’s results, in terms of productivity, efficiency and customer service. “A good driver can make a huge contribution to our customer’s profitability,” continues Alm. “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 customers attract and retain the best drivers.”
Interior gives drivers superior working environment
The attention given to drivers is most obvious in the updated interior working environment. Their workspace is centered around a modernized dashboard which features a fully digital 12-in. high-resolution instrument display and includes an open storage space with motion-sensor controlled lighting. The instrument display allows the driver to choose between four different screen views, depending on the driving situation and the information they prefer to have displayed.
A 9-in. side display can provide infotainment, navigation assistance, transport information and camera monitoring. The display, that is easy to reach, allows the driver to interact in numerous ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel.
“Easy access to a variety of information increases the driver’s ability to perform more efficiently, safely and comfortably,” states Carin Larsson, Chief Designer for User Experience and Human Machine Interaction for Volvo Trucks. “The presentation of information has improved significantly with the new displays. Demanding interactions are now concentrated on the side display, which is placed within easy reach of the driver’s seat. Distractions are therefore minimized as key driving information is shown clearly on the user-friendly and easily-viewable instrument display.”
Moving inside the cabin is easier than ever with the new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector. There is also a wide range of customization options with new fabrics and colors.
The Volvo FH.
Sophisticated design and smart technologies
The bold new look of the exterior is characterized by the signature V-shaped headlights which have now been moved outwards to align with the feature line of the cab doors. The turn indicators have also been moved to the door, giving the truck both improved aerodynamics and a more confident look. The wiper panel is cleaner and slimmer while a bigger iron mark makes the new Volvo FH easily recognizable even from a distance.
“The new generation Volvo FH combines the most successful elements from the previous FH series with smart technologies and a functional, human centric design,” continues Larsson. “The result is an intelligent and sophisticated truck that helps the driver deliver outstanding performance under any conditions.”
Adaptive high beam headlights
The system improves safety for all road users by automatically disabling selected segments of the LED high beam when the truck approaches oncoming traffic or another vehicle from behind. The high beam is adjusted when the camera and radar detect other vehicles or when the camera detects changes in the amount of light around the truck.
Further safety enhancing features on the Volvo FH include descent control, which sets a maximum speed to help prevent unwanted acceleration when traveling downhill, and an improved Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that works at all speeds, even down to zero km/h.
The Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
Safety on the new Volvo FH is further improved by the road sign recognition system that is able to detect road signs such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits.
The visibility can be improved further by the addition of a passenger corner camera that provides a complementary view of the side of the truck on the side display.
Improved fuel efficiency and productivity
Using various driveline and chassis configurations, the new Volvo FH can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications and enable significant fuel and CO2 savings. In long-haul operations for instance, the new Volvo FH with I-Save for Euro 6 combines the new D13TC engine with a package of features and can deliver fuel savings up to 7%*.
The new Volvo FH also offers the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission enabling gear changes without power interruptions. The dual clutch transmission is particularly beneficial during demanding operations, such as transporting liquid goods, as it minimizes movement of cargo during gear changes.
Productivity, another important customer priority, is further optimized 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 tire wear and improve maneuverability. The 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.
Volvo FMX for construction applications
The all new Volvo FMX includes an entirely new cab, increased payloads and innovative safety features. With increased front axle loads of up to 20 tonnes and a 38 tonne bogie, the new Volvo FMX is built for the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments.
“Our construction industry customers are facing ever increasing demands to improve in areas such as sustainability, cost efficiency, safety and productivity,” says Alm. “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 profitable.”
Entirely new cab, with a tough exterior
The new Volvo FMX is built on an entirely new cab platform, based on Volvo’s long and successful experience of delivering robust and functional construction trucks.
“The new Volvo FMX is designed to give a superior combination of agility and durability,” explains Ismail Ovacik, Chief Designer Exterior for Volvo Trucks. “The completely new cab includes a front section with easily replaceable sturdy parts, headlamp protectors and new V-shaped LED headlamps. To make it easy for drivers to enter or exit, we’ve designed new anti-slip footsteps.”
Added driver focus
The new Volvo FMX comes with increased space in the day cab and storage of up to 800 L. Drivers also get improved visibility thanks to a lowered door line and new rear view mirrors. The visibility can be improved further by adding a camera on the passenger side which provides a complementary view of the side of the truck.
The interior is characterized by a new dashboard with more storage space, new colors and a modern cluster. It includes a dynamic 12-in. high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface allowing the driver to immediately see relevant information and select between four different screen views, depending on the driving situation. The instrument display comes ready for future updates and connected services.
A 9-in. side display provides infotainment, navigation support, transport information and camera monitoring. The display, that is easy to reach, allows the driver to interact in numerous ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel.
The new FMX also comes equipped with a new traction control panel that helps the driver easily and quickly handle potentially dangerous situations, both on and off the road. The driver can gain more traction by engaging the differential locks in an easy way, by turning a knob, viewing the traction status on the instrument display at the same time.
A new steering wheel with a neck tilt option offers the driver a more ergonomic driving position.
The Volvo FMX which is suited for construction applications.
Living area with more storage and greater comfort
The new sleeper cab on the new Volvo FMX comes with improved storage possibilities, including a large storage compartment underneath the raised bed and an upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers. Cab comfort is further enhanced through improved insulation that helps keep out cold, heat and noise. Moving from the seat to the bed is easier than ever with the new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector.
GCW up to 150 tonnes raises productivity
The new Volvo FMX features the heaviest addition to Volvo’s chassis range – a 38-tonne bogie that allows for a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of up to 150 tonnes. In addition, the 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 better maneuverability and reduced tyre wear. All these improvements add up to greater productivity and cost efficiencies for construction transportation tasks.
Safety features that help avoid accidents
The new Volvo FMX comes with the option of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that now works at all speeds down to 0 km/h. Further safety enhancing features on the Volvo FMX include descent control, which sets a maximum speed to help prevent unwanted acceleration when travelling downhill. The Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, is now standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
A new road sign recognition system increases safety on the Volvo FMX by displaying traffic signs such as speed limits, overtaking restrictions and road type in the instrument display.
For particularly rough applications like mining, the Volvo FMX comes with an optional steel roof hatch with an emergency exit handle that removes the entire hatch.
A robust and complete package
By designing the robust new FMX construction truck that can carry more tonnes and maneuver more easily, while keeping the driver safe and comfortable, Volvo Trucks can help increase both productivity and profitability in the construction industry.
The Volvo FH16
“The 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,” declares Alm. “With the new generation we have created a package that makes no compromises between power and fuel efficiency, comfort and style.”
“The 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,” he adds.
Bold exterior reflects intelligent technologies
The exterior of the new truck is characterized by V-shaped headlamps which feature crystal like effects to reflect the intelligent technology the trucks are built upon. The strong character and heritage of the Volvo FH16 flagship model can be enhanced with the waterfall themed grill, while the headlamp panels have been repositioned slightly outwards to give the vehicle both improved aerodynamics and a confident stance.
“In 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,” explains Ovacik.
“Bolder, more sophisticated and confident, the exterior of the Volvo FH16 reflects the fact that this truck is more connected and smarter than ever before,” he says.
The Volvo FH16.
An updated, human centric driver environment
The interior of the new Volvo FH16 has been designed specifically with drivers in mind, and updated with new accent colors and trim that have both the look and feel of quality and exclusivity. The upgraded dashboard includes practical new storage spaces and a fully digital 12-in. high resolution instrument display. The driver can select between four different screen views, depending on the driving situation and information they would wish to have displayed.
The driver’s area can be equipped with a 9-in. side display that provides infotainment, navigation assistance, transport information and camera monitoring. The display is easily reachable from the driver’s position. Interaction can be done in several ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel.
Both the instrument display and the side display work in numerous languages.
In the new trucks, the I-Shift gear selector has been redesigned to a premium standard and includes illuminated gear selection symbols and new drive modes for optimized performance.
Improved maneuverability and productivity
Increased front-axle load capacity, and tag and pusher axles with better steering angles, improve both the maneeuverability and productivity of the new Volvo FH16. A new 38-tonne bogie is also available for especially demanding operations.
Adaptive high beam headlights
The new Volvo FH16 features adaptive high beam headlamps that improve safety for all road users by automatically disabling selected segments of the LED high beam when the truck approaches oncoming traffic or another vehicle from behind. The high beam is adjusted when the camera and radar detects other vehicles or when the camera detects changes in the amount of light around the truck.
Safety is further improved with Descent Control, which sets a maximum speed to help prevent unwanted acceleration when traveling downhill, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that now works at all speeds even down to 0 km/h. 
Adaptive high beam headlamps improve safety when traveling on roadways at night.
The EBS, which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
The new Volvo FH16 also features a road sign recognition system displayed in the instrument display. The system detects signs such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits.
The visibility can be improved further by the addition of a camera on the passenger side that provides a complementary view of the side of the truck on the side display.
The perfect combination for demanding tasks
By combining a powerful 16-L engine of up to 750 hp, with improved maneuverability, the latest safety technology and greater driver support, the new Volvo FH16 gives superior productivity for the most demanding transport tasks.
Volvo FM offers high level of comfort
The next-generation Volvo FM is packed with improvements to the driver environment and innovations that deliver a higher level of comfort, safety and 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,” states Alm.
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,” continues Alm. “With the new Volvo FM we are introducing a versatile working tool that is also a haven of comfort, allowing our customers to attract and retain the best drivers that will keep their operations moving successfully.”
A mobile office built for drivers
“The new Volvo FM is the versatile work horse of our range – agile and fit to serve its purpose of being spacious, safe and comfortable for drivers,” says Carina Byström, Chief Designer Interior for Volvo Trucks. “We’ve also achieved a very good visibility using a lowered door line, new rear view mirrors and a passenger corner camera.”
To achieve this, the new cab has raised A-pillars that give it up to one extra cubic meter of space and more light. It also comes with smart technology that underpins Volvo’s focus on creating the ultimate mobile office for drivers.
The interior is highlighted by a new dashboard offering more storage space, new colors and a modern dynamic display. The cluster includes a 12-in. high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface where the driver can easily see important information and select between four different screen views, depending on the driving situation. The instrument display, which comes ready for future updates and connected services, is designed to simplify the driver’s interactions and minimize distractions when accessing critical information.
The new Volvo FM has a 9-in. side display for infotainment, navigation support, transport information and camera monitoring. The display allows interaction in various ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel. Both the instrument display and the side display work in numerous languages. In addition, a new steering neck tilt option offers a more ergonomic driving position.
The new Volvo FM.
Living area upgraded for comfort
The new sleeper cab has been upgraded with a raised bed and improved storage possibilities that include a large storage compartment underneath the bed and an upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers. To move from the seat to the bed is easier than ever with a new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector. Cab comfort is further enhanced through reinforced insulation that helps keep out cold, heat and noise.
Exterior displays bold new look
The exterior of the next generation Volvo FM has a new aerodynamic shape, with distinctive lines on the front and a single sleek character line sweeping the side of the all new cab. In addition, the V-shaped headlamps are positioned for optimal aerodynamics, and the larger brand identity panel and upper front grille with a new mesh pattern give the truck a bold, confident look.
New automated safety features
In addition to the improved visibility for drivers, other safety advances on the new Volvo FM include descent control, which sets a maximum speed to help prevent unwanted acceleration when traveling downhill, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that now works at all speeds down to 0 km/h.
The EBS, which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
The Volvo FM also features a road sign recognition system displayed in the instrument display to alert the driver. The system is able to detect signs such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits.
The optional passenger corner camera gives a complementary view of the side of the truck on the side display.
Fuel efficiency and productivity
The variety of available driveline and chassis configurations means the new Volvo FM can be tailored to deliver higher productivity and fuel savings in a wide range of applications. Improvements to the steering angles of the tag and pusher axles also give the truck exceptional maneuverability which can be fully utilized in, for example, heavy urban traffic.
In many markets, the Volvo FM is available with the Euro 6 compliant gas powered LNG engine that offers fuel efficiency and performance on par with that of Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks, but with a far lower climate impact. The gas engine can run on either biogas, which cuts CO2 by up to 100%, or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20% when compared with Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank to wheel.
*The fuel improvement claim is calculated by comparing costs of diesel and AdBlue for D13TC Euro 6 step D with the Long Haul Fuel Package (I-Save) to D13 eSCR Euro 6 step D without the Long Haul Fuel Package. Actual fuel economy may vary depending on many factors such as the driver’s experience, use of cruise control, vehicle specification, vehicle load, actual topography, vehicle maintenance and weather conditions.
