A foretaste of the new Volvo FH and Volvo FH16

In summer 2008 Volvo Trucks will launch a new generation of heavy trucks in Europe. Both the Volvo FH - the company’s best-seller in the long-haul segment - and the Volvo FH16 - the flagship model with the market’s highest torque - are being significantly upgraded. Production start is scheduled for Autumn 2008; however customers can place orders for the new trucks as early as this December.

“At present there is immense demand for our trucks, resulting in abnormally long delivery times,” says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks’ Europe Division. “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 now, but what is certain is that the new range will include an entirely re-designed cab interior. The main focus is on reinforcing the properties that both customers and drivers 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 parked. 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 standing inside the cab. Sliding shutter doors make opening and closing easier. The instrument panel is also 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 a passenger seat, which can now swivel 90 degrees and recline 15 degrees. There is also a powerful audio system with the possibility for USB, AUX, MP3 and TV inputs.

Lighting quality that is unique in the industry
“We have focussed 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 the driver’s need. Red night-lighting is also available. 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, Volvo offers rain sensors for the windscreen wipers. The sensors monitor when, and how much, rain is falling and the windscreen wipers are automatically adjusted to suit. Cornering lights, which provide better visibility when turning, are another solution being introduced. 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, the prestigious FH16 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, upholstery and in the steering wheel. Even the main instrument panel is shaped differently with bronze shade inlays. In addition, the ‘FH16’ emblem can be found embroidered into the door panels and in a number of other locations in the cab.

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 to attract the very best drivers.”

The new driver’s environment will be able to be specified on both the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 as from mid-December 2007.

The new features available include :

More comfortable driving

Steering wheel and armrest with leather trim.
Clear and easy instrumentation, 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 passenger side of the centre console.
Easily accessible storage compartments, such as boxes under the bed, with far greater capacity and flexibility.

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 with the option of adjustable backrest for comfort and flexibility.
A wide range of high-quality interior trim textiles.
New passenger seat that can tilt and rotate 90 degrees.
Adjustable interior lighting.
Flat screen TV preparation kit with mountings and connections to the truck’s audio system.

New safety features for better visibility

Directional cornering lights for better visibility when indicating and turning.
Windscreen wipers with rain sensors.