Volvo Trucks North America started production of its regional-haul Volvo VNR this week in Virginia.
"Built on a completely new platform — 90% new compared with the legacy model — the Volvo VNR is purpose-built for navigating congested city streets, distribution centers and urban routes where visibility, precision and agility are critical," says Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. "We are excited to begin production and get these trucks into the hands of our customers."
The VNR is being built at the New River Valley Plant in Virginia, the company's largest manufacturing site. Recently, Volvo invested $400 million in upgrades to the facility, including a new 350,000-square-foot building for cab welding along with upgraded paint and material flow systems.
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"Volvo has built trucks for the U.S. and Canadian markets in Virginia for more than 40 years," Voorhoeve says. "The expansion supports the company's growth plans in North America and its long-standing commitment to U.S. manufacturing and a skilled workforce."
The new VNR features better forward visibility than the previous model, safety innovations, better fuel economy and, Volvo says, lower operating costs. Features of the VNR include:
- A tighter turning radius for improved maneuverability in regional and urban environments.
- Volvo's Active Safety Platform with Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus.
- An optional camera monitor system to improve visibility with infrared technology for better low-light views, trailer reference lines and an auto pan feature to follow the trailer through turns.
- Multiple axle options, including adaptive loading, electronically controlled suspension and global rear air suspension.
- Available in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 Class 8 tractors as well as straight trucks with multiple body types.
- Available in the Core trim level, a practical and durable interior for regional haul, and the Edge trim level, which offers additional driver comfort and premium features.
- A 24-volt electrical architecture to support advanced safety and connectivity.
- Engine ratings include the VGT engine, ranging from 405-455 horsepower and 1,450 lb.-ft. of torque, and the D13 Turbo Compound engine that uses a waste heat recovery system to capture lost energy to maximize engine efficiency. There are two additional low-NOx engine ratings for the D13.
