“Drivers are one of the most important assets in the transport industry,” continues Roger Alm. “With the new Volvo FM we are introducing a versatile working tool that is also a haven of comfort, allowing our customers to attract and retain the best drivers that will keep their operations moving successfully.”
A mobile office built for drivers
“The new Volvo FM is the versatile work horse of our range – agile and fit to serve its purpose of being spacious, safe and comfortable for drivers,” says Carina Byström, Chief Designer Interior for Volvo Trucks. “We’ve also achieved a very good visibility using a lowered door line, new rear view mirrors and a passenger corner camera.”
To achieve this, the new cab has raised A-pillars that give it up to one extra cubic meter of space and more light. It also comes with smart technology that underpins Volvo’s focus on creating the ultimate mobile office for drivers.
The interior is highlighted by a new dashboard offering more storage space, new colours and a modern dynamic display. The cluster includes a 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface where the driver can easily see important information and select between four different screen views, depending on the driving situation. The instrument display, which comes ready for future updates and connected services, is designed to simplify the driver’s interactions and minimize distractions when accessing critical information.
The new Volvo FM has an optional 9-inch side display for infotainment, navigation support, transport information and camera monitoring. The display allows interaction in various ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel. Both the instrument display and the side display work in numerous languages. In addition, a new steering neck tilt option offers a more ergonomic driving position.
Living area upgraded for comfort
The new sleeper cab has been upgraded with a raised bed and improved storage possibilities that include a large storage compartment underneath the bed and an upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers. To move from the seat to the bed is easier than ever with a new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector. Cab comfort is further enhanced through reinforced insulation that helps keep out cold, heat and noise.
Exterior displays bold new look
The exterior of the next generation Volvo FM has a new aerodynamic shape, with distinctive lines on the front and a single sleek character line sweeping the side of the all new cab. In addition, the V-shaped headlamps are positioned for optimal aerodynamics, and the larger brand identity panel and upper front grille with a new mesh pattern give the truck a bold, confident look.
New automated safety features
In addition to the improved visibility for drivers, other safety advances on the new Volvo FM include downhill cruise control, which sets a maximum speed to help prevent unwanted acceleration when travelling downhill, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that now works at all speeds down to zero km/h.
The Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
The Volvo FM also features a road sign recognition system displayed in the instrument display to alert the driver. The system is able to detect signs such as overtaking restrictions, road type and speed limits.
The optional passenger corner camera gives a complementary view of the side of the truck on the side display.
Fuel efficiency and productivity
The variety of available driveline and chassis configurations means the new Volvo FM can be tailored to deliver higher productivity and fuel savings in a wide range of applications. Improvements to the steering angles of the tag and pusher axles also give the truck exceptional maneuverability which can be fully utilized in, for example, heavy urban traffic.
In many markets, the Volvo FM is available with the Euro 6 compliant gas powered LNG engine that offers fuel efficiency and performance on par with that of Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks, but with a far lower climate impact. The gas engine can run on either biogas, which cuts CO2 by up to 100 per cent, or natural gas which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent when compared with Volvo’s equivalent diesel trucks. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank to wheel.
New service contract helps customers improve their cash flow
The rapid development of connected services gives hauliers completely new ways of increasing vehicle uptime and optimizing vehicle utilization.
Volvo Trucks is introducing the Volvo Flexi Gold Contract that offers the same coverage as the Volvo Gold Contract, at the same predictable cost, but with much greater flexibility to adapt to changing business needs. The monthly fees vary, thanks to a 40% flexibility span for the estimated yearly mileage. This gives hauliers greater flexibility to adapt their operations to seasonal changes and fluctuating demand.
“Many transport companies express a need for greater flexibility when it comes to service contracts. We now have the technology to make dynamic and connected solutions like this possible,” says Thomas Niemeijer, Business Development Manager, Service Contracts, Volvo Trucks.
The Volvo Flexi Gold Service Contract is available in selected markets and will be gradually rolled out into new markets.
Facts about the new Volvo FM
- Cabs: Day cab, Low day cab, Low sleeper cab, Sleeper cab, Globetrotter cab, Crew cab. Exterior and interior trim packages for individual design.
- Engines: Diesel engines are available with different emissions standards. Volvo FM is also available with the Euro 6, Step D compliant gas-powered LNG engine in selected markets.
- Gear changing system: I-Shift with software package for different areas of application.
- Lights: Halogen or LED headlamps.
LINK to film
LINK to high resolution images
LINK to the other product releases; Volvo FH16, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX
