“At present there is immense demand for our trucks, resulting in abnormally long delivery times,” says Claes Nilsson, President Europe Division of Volvo Trucks. “We therefore want to give our customers the opportunity to place advance orders for the product range that will become available as of next autumn.”
Comfort, functionality and safety
So just what is it that customers are being offered? Volvo does not want to reveal all the details right now. However, what is certain is that the new range will include an entirely redesigned cab interior. The main focus is on further reinforcing the properties that customers appreciate from the current model range, such as comfort, functionality and safety.
Space, light and smart storage
“We have created a driver’s environment that offers more space and light along with far better storage capability,” says Christer Pehrsson, business area manager for long-haul operations at Volvo Trucks. “Behind the new design lies a thorough analysis of all the needs that a driver may have, both while driving and when the truck is at a standstill. The driver has to be able to work efficiently and live comfortably.”
More space in the driving compartment
The storage compartments above the driver’s seat are of a new design that increases the feeling of space and makes it easier to move around in an upright position inside the cab. Sliding shutter doors make opening and closing easier. The instrument panel too is of a new design and helps give the driver added space. The gear controls for the I-Shift and Powertronic transmissions have been moved out a little from the driver’s seat for the same reason.
Storage under the bed
By relocating some of the storage capacity and creating more compartments under the bed, total storage capacity has been increased even though the interior living space itself feels larger. What is more, the new solution is more flexible than before to meet different customers’ specific needs.
Better scope for relaxation
The level of comfort in the cab is significantly higher, particularly as regards the scope for relaxation. A broader bed with adjustable backrest and a higher position for a more comfortable seat height is one of the new features. Another update is the passenger seat, which can swivel 90 degrees and recline 15 degrees. There is also a powerful audio system with the possibility of inputs for USB, AUX, MP3 and TV.
Lighting quality that is unique in the industry
“We have also worked a lot on providing good lighting inside the cab,” says Christer Pehrsson. “With well-thought-out positioning of 17 light sources and an advanced lighting control that includes a dimmer, it is possible to deliver the light and adjust its brightness exactly according to need. Red night-lighting is also included. Our lighting system is among the very best on the market.”
Monitor whether it rains
Improving visibility under all conditions is of high priority in Volvo’s safety work and as a result the company offers rain sensors for the windscreen wipers. The sensors monitor whether and how much rain is falling, and the windscreen wipers are adjusted automatically to suit. Cornering lights, which provide better visibility when turning, are another solution being introduced on the Volvo FH. More new safety features will be revealed at the launch next summer.
Volvo FH16 – the most exclusive member of the family
Most of the changes being introduced on the Volvo FH will also be found on the Volvo FH16. However, being the prestige model that it is, the FH16 not unexpectedly also has a large number of unique features. “Customers who choose a Volvo FH16 do so because they are looking for something exceptional, and that’s exactly what they’ll get,” says Christer Pehrsson.
The comfort level in the new Volvo FH16 is of the very highest class. The feeling of exclusivity is enhanced not least with the colour scheme of the interior, with a purple-blue nuance and bronze highlights featuring throughout the fabrics and upholstery and in the steering wheel. The instrument panel too has inlays in a bronze shade. Even the main instrument is shaped differently, and the FH16 emblem can be found in a number of locations in the cab, for instance embroidered into the door panels.
Good driver environment attracts the best drivers
“The Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 are designed for heavy transportation assignments, with high demands on productivity,” says Claes Nilsson. “By improving the driver’s ability to do a first-class job, we also contribute to our customers’ profitability. What’s more, this also makes it easier for them to attract the very best drivers.”
The new features, one at a time.
The new driver’s environment will be able to be specified on the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 as of mid-December, 2007 in the European market. Here is a selection of the new features.
More comfortable driving
- Steering wheel and armrest with leather trim.
- Clear and easy to overview instruments, including an AdBlue gauge.
- Instrument panel designed to provide more space in the driver’s compartment.
- New gear controls for I-Shift and Powertronic, with better grip and repositioned for more comfortable driving.
Smarter storage creates more space
- Upper storage compartments shaped to provide more roof height and a feeling of space. Sliding shutters make for easier opening and closing.
- Net pocket on the side of the centre console.
- Easily accessible storage compartments, such as boxes under the bed, with far greater capacity and flexibility than before.
Comfort makes life easier in the cab
- Powerful audio system with the possibility of USB, AUX and MP3 inputs.
- Lower bed with broader mattress and adjustable backrest for comfort and flexibility.
- A wide range of high-quality interior trim textiles.
- Passenger seat can swing 90 degrees.
- Adjustable interior lighting.
- Factory-prepared for installation of flatscreen TV. Connects to the truck’s audio system.
New safety features for better visibility
- Cornering lights for better visibility when turning.
- Windscreen wipers with rain sensors.
November 26, 2007