Volvo Trucks made news in Mexico this week with the introduction of its new regional haul VNR series and VNL long-haul series into the marketplace. The announcement was made at Expo Transporte in Guadalajara.
The VNR series was inspired by the modern professional truck driver and rapidly evolving demands of goods delivery, Volvo says, while the groundbreaking VNL series sets a new standard for long-haul trucking operations and professional drivers through its dynamic exterior design, productivity boosting driving and living environments, active and passive safety innovations, and uptime-enhancing connectivity.
“Introducing the new VNR series in Mexico marks a giant leap forward for the market, which has historically lagged when it comes to equipment technology,” says Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We’re committed to offering the most innovative, modern and competitive products to help drive progress for our customers’ businesses.”
He adds, “Since its initial introduction in 1996 the Volvo VNL has been the premier long-haul tractor, and we’re building on that legacy with the new VNL series, the best long-haul tractor we’ve ever built. We’re committed to offering the most innovative, modern and competitive products to help drive progress for our customers’ businesses.”
VNR Series
Volvo says the shape of the new VNR is designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, melding a family resemblance to the classic Volvo lines with the unique demands of a regional haul truck. With a 113-in. bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length and improved sightlines over the hood, the new Volvo VNR was designed for increased maneuverability and versatility in tight spaces and urban traffic to complement its leading 50-degree wheel cut.
“The VNR model is a work truck, but it’s a dynamic, premium work truck, and aerodynamics are greatly important within the regional haul segment,” says Wade Long, director of product marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. “Regional routes often mean traveling at highway speeds, where aerodynamics becomes increasingly important.”
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, an available side airbag for the driver’s seat also helps protect the driver in a roll-over situation. The optional driver’s seat airbag complements the steering wheel-mounted airbag, which is standard on the VNR, Volvo says.
VNL Series
Designers of the new Volvo VNL combined elements of Volvo’s design language with dynamic new features. Volvo says productivity is directly affected by driver comfort, which is why the new Volvo VNL features an all-new dashboard that puts often-used controls within the driver’s reach. Centered in the gauge cluster is a configurable, 5 in. color driver information display that provides trip and diagnostic data. The driver information display is customizable, ensuring that critical information is always available to the driver at a quick glance.
The new Volvo VNL is also equipped with Volvo’s smart steering wheel, putting controls for nearly all of the driver interface functions right at a driver’s fingertips. The smart steering wheel is attached to Volvo’s Perfect Position air-assisted, infinitely adjustable steering column, which enables drivers not only to tilt and telescope the steering column, but also tilt the steering wheel relative to the steering column. This lets drivers of all statures find the perfect steering wheel position and easily view the driver information display, Volvo says.
“We relied on feedback from nearly 2,000 driver interviews to make sure the changes we were making aligned with drivers’ needs,” says Jason Spence, Volvo Trucks product marketing manager – long haul. “The results speak for themselves: our new VNL features the most comfortable, driver-friendly environment we’ve ever built.”
The new VNR and VNL series in Mexico will be powered by Volvo D11 and D13 engines certified at U.S. EPA04/Euro 4, the country’s current emissions standard. Volvo says its GHG17 engines will be an available option for trucks that will operate in area where they’re permissible and ultra-low-sulfur diesel and diesel exhaust fluid are available.
“Expanding our product range makes Volvo Trucks even more competitive in the Mexican market,” says Nyberg. “We now have innovative, leading products for regional haul, long-haul and autohauler operations.”
