By: Tony Singh Arora
According to Volvo, the new VNL truck will play a crucial role in driver retention and safety for fleets. By providing top-notch equipment, companies can create a more appealing work environment for drivers.
Since many drivers spend the majority of their lifetime on the road in trucks, having reliable and modern equipment can make a big difference in their job satisfaction and loyalty to the company. This investment in quality equipment not only enhances safety but also helps in retaining skilled drivers, ultimately benefiting the company in the long run.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Volvo Trucks in Dublin, Virginia, where I got behind the wheel of their latest VNL truck. It was an amazing experience driving what Volvo claims to be one of the safest trucks on the road. According to them, the VNL is not just any truck – it’s developed, manufactured, and designed specifically for North America, aiming to revolutionize the industry.
What impressed me the most was learning that over 90% of the truck’s design has been completely reimagined. It’s clear that Volvo has invested heavily in reshaping the trucking industry with this groundbreaking redesign.
Volvo estimates a remarkable $20,000 in savings per truck per year. This includes $5,800 in safety improvements, $5000 in enhanced driver productivity, and a significant $3,400 in connectivity and uptime enhancements.
One standout aspect is its remarkable fuel efficiency, with Volvo estimating a substantial 10% reduction in fuel consumption per truck per year. These substantial savings highlight Volvo’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that empower fleets to operate more efficiently and profitably while ensuring driver safety and satisfaction.
The new VNL Volvo Truck is available in four versions: the VNL 300, VNL 440 with a 42″ short sleeper, VNL 640/660 with a 62″ sleeper, and VNL 840/860 with a 74″ sleeper. This diverse range ensures that Volvo caters to the needs of every driver and fleet.
The new VNL Volvo Truck is designed with the future driver in mind. It caters to the needs of tech-savvy individuals, offering advanced connectivity features and easy-to-use controls.
The VNL Volvo Truck provides three torque packages: I-Torque, Super Direct, and Straight Torque. Bobby Compton, Volvo’s product market manager, explained that they directly engaged with drivers at truck stops and fleet owners to grasp their needs. These packages were tailored accordingly, ensuring that each one finds the perfect match for their truck.
Safety is a top priority with the new VNL truck, aiming to lower risks and costs. Equipped with advanced features like short side detection, lane keep assist, and lane centering, it enhances driver awareness and control. The Volvo Active Driver Assist system significantly reduces the risk of front-end collisions by 82-90%, translating to estimated savings of $5,800 per truck per year. These innovations not only protect drivers but also contribute to substantial financial benefits for fleets.
Drivers become more productive using the My Truck app, allowing them to set cabin temperatures and program schedules for their trips. They can also monitor essential factors like diesel, DEF, and oil levels, as well as lights, all from their smartphone. Additionally, the sleeper area now boasts a larger refrigerator, versatile folding bunk, a new HVAC system, and a single sleeper control panel, enhancing comfort and convenience for drivers on the road.
The new VNL truck comes in four exterior trim levels: Core, Edge, Edge Black, and Ultimate. It also offers technology packages, amenity packages, and customizable interior trim levels to meet individual needs.
The new VNL truck stand for Volvo’s slogan, “A New Level of Customer Value,” by delivering excellence across all key areas, setting a new standard for quality and performance in the industry.
