Volvo Trucks of North America is celebrating 25 years since the introduction of its innovative VNL Model. This Volvo model marked the beginning of a long era of continual improvements in the design, technology, engineering, and safety of North American trucks. Volvo continues to assemble its VNL Model and other trucks right here in the U.S. at the New River Valley plant in Virginia. Look at the highlights of the last 25 years at Volvo.
Improved Aerodynamics
Back in 1996, engineers envisioned a truck with excellent aerodynamics and superb fuel efficiency. The design of the Volvo VNL Model satisfied both of these elements. It set the standard for truck design in the industry.
Driver Comfort and Convenience
The dinette was introduced in 1997. It serves as both a workstation and a bunk for the driver. This element of convenience and comfort served to attract more qualified drivers to the trucking field.
A High Strength Steel Cab
Safety has always been first in the minds of Volvo engineers. Each VNL Model features a standard high strength steel cab and driver’s side airbags. In 2005, Volvo revealed yet another safety feature in the form of Voice Enhanced Stability Technology or VEST. VEST is now standard on Volvo trucks.
The Volvo I-Shift
In 2007, engineers unveiled the Volvo I-Shift. This was an innovation in automated manual transmissions now found in all Volvo models. Volvo I-Shift boosts fuel efficiency, extends the life of the transmission, and moves driver comfort to the next level.
Remote Diagnostics
The year 2012 saw the introduction of Remote Diagnostics in Volvo’s trucks. This became the industry standard providing drivers with in-house 24-hour support from Volvo’s Uptime Center in Greensboro, NC.
Dynamic Steering
Volvo Dynamic Steering or VDS came on the scene in 2019. This technology keeps track of changing road and weather conditions gathering input at a rate of 2,000 items per second! VDS contributes to the driver’s comfort by increasing torque in the steering column.
A Streamlined Engine
Volvo’s D13 Turbo Compound, aka the D13TC engine, streamlines the overall performance of a truck and raises fuel efficiency by 6% from the earlier model.
Watch for the commemorative badges now being stamped onto the exterior doors of all Volvo VNLs rolling off the assembly line in 2021. Volvo engineers are dedicated to leading innovation in the trucking industry for the next 25 years and beyond!
