The Volvo Trucks design team recently received recognition from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) for its work designing the new Volvo VNL series. Volvo Trucks’ design team received IDSA’s Silver International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). The annual IDEA competition is the world’s most prestigious and rigorous design competition, according to an announcement.
“Our first goal with our design was to bring value to customers. To receive accolades from the design community as well makes our journey even more satisfying,” says Brian Balicki, head of design for Volvo Trucks North America. “I’m very proud of the truly cross-functional team effort that brought the VNL to life, striking the right balance between form and function.”
In the development of the new Volvo VNL, the design team combined elements of Volvo’s design language with dynamic new exterior features. Swept back headlights include signature Volvo daytime running lights and frame a bold new Volvo grille and hood. Redesigned and repositioned engine air intakes allow for less turbulent intake air delivery. Airflow up and around the cab also has been optimized with new chassis and roof fairings.
Safety was a core element of the new VNL series design. The cab is built with high-strength steel and exceeds both the Volvo Swedish Cab Safety Test and ECE R-29 rollover requirements. The standard driver’s side airbag is now joined by an optional integrated, seat-mounted rollover airbag on the driver’s side.
“We wanted the new VNL series to make a statement on the road, but it must also make a statement to our customers’ bottom lines,” says Balicki. “The design elements we’ve brought together give the new VNL an athletic look that also delivers value for the customer. Whether it’s the enhanced aerodynamics or the new three-piece bumper that provides greater repairability, every design change we’ve made has a purpose.”
To maximize functionality, the Volvo Trucks team gathered feedback from nearly 2,000 driver interviews, so changes aligned with drivers’ needs for a comfortable and productive environment. The end result was 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 always is available to the driver at a quick glance.
Volvo’s smart steering wheel puts controls for nearly all of the driver interface functions right at the driver’s fingertips and Volvo’s Position Perfect air-assisted, infinitely adjustable steering column 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, the company says.
