Introducing the new

VolvO FH

SERIES

TOP T EN STOR I ES
1. DE S IGN
2 . H A N DL I NG
3. F U EL
4 . WOR K P L AC E
5 . S PAC E
6 . ACC O M MO DAT IO N
7. SA F E T Y
8. SECU R I T Y
9. LOA D I NG
10 . U P T I M E

The ultimate test

EXTREME HOME
MAKEOVER
Save up to 10% fuel
BEWARE OF THE TRUCK

All bodies welcome

Seeing is surviving
The Volvo FH16 steps up

Ten stories
that will change
the world.
At least for truckers.
The new Volvo FH was built with
one thing in mind: The driver.
Because attracting and keeping the
best drivers is key to protability.
The Volvo FH will help them to
do an even better job and saving up
to 10% fuel. It contains numerous
world rst innovations in order to
drive safer, load faster, reduce fatigue
and increase productivity.
This magazine brings you the top
ten news stories, each one dedicated
to what its all about:
The bottom line.

TOP
TEN
STORIES
Contents
It should look
like its moving
g
even when its
standing
g still

Demonstrating the precision

and control of the new
Volvo FH on an unopened
highway in Croatia using
a line suspended between
two trucks and a highly
alented slackliner named
Faith.

Design

Handling

How to save fuel on hill

driving without lifting a nger
a clever new feature called
I-See thats available now
with Euro 5.

Fuel

A comfortable seating
position for drivers of all
shapes and sizes.

Could you take your lifestyle on board the new

Volvo FH? And how many
truckers t inside the new
spacious cab?

Workplace

Space

12 345

A look at the aerodynamic

new design that makes
the Volvo FH cab even
more spacious inside and a
meeting with the designers
who made it possible.

How the new Volvo FH

handling has been
transformed from steering
to chassis to make it feel
more like driving a car.

Thanks to the new I-Torque

driveline and other technical
progress, the new Volvo FH
saves up to 10 per cent fuel
with Euro 6.

A working environment
where the driver has
more to say about digital
information and
ergonomics.

Page 10

Page 16

Page 22

Smart storage solutions

and compact living are the
keys to a better quality of
life on the road.
Page 26

Page 6

Were cutting up to
10% fuel in one swoop
its revolutionary

Some of the equipment shown or mentioned in

this brochure may only be available as options or
accessories and may vary from one country to another in
accordance with local legislation. Your Volvo dealer will
be happy to provide you with more detailed information.
Colours may vary somewhat owing to the limitations
of the printing process. We reserve the right to alter
product specications without prior notication.
Printed in Sweden 2012-gb0067

THE NEW VOLVO FH SERI ES

First the truck is crashed

a thousand times in the
computer. Then results are
veried in the real world.

Save time with novel new

functions for remembering
swap body heights and
loading bays.

From a drivers perspective

your cab is your castle.
From an operator viewpoint,
the cab has the potential
to keep and attract the
best drivers a major
competitive advantage.

Even the
coffee maker
is crash tested
Confronting worst scenarios
in the worlds safest Volvo.

The VAS button: a built-in

hotline to help in a language
you can understand.

Accommodation

Safety

Security

With 100%
uptime,
Volvo is
breaking
new ground
The new Volvo Gold
Contract the invaluable
new service contract promising
100 per cent uptime.

Loading

Uptime

6 7 8 910

Which of the extreme

home makeovers would
you choose?
Page 40

A look at crash testing

the Swedish way, and how
the improved eld of vision
can help avoid collisions in
the rst place.

Your fortress on the

highway how the Volvo
FH better protects cargo
and driver from the hazards
of crime.

What if it was possible to

use the trucks suspension
system to get the trailer
oor level where the yard
isnt?

Page 48

Page 54

Page 58

If its not broken why x it?

Smart new service planning
takes advantage of
communication technology.
Page 62

Let your ngers do the loading:

a remote control makes it quicker
and easier.

TOP T EN STORI ES

NEW LINESThe new design Volvo

FH has a bigger cab without reducing
aerodynamic performance.

SIDE MIRRORS The slim new side

mirror is mounted on a slender arm,
further away from the A-pillar
all designed to improve visibility
for the driver.

Volvo is a brand
that cares about
people. We hope
you can see this
in the design.
ASOK GEORGE, EXTERIOR DESIGNER

Design

WINDSCREEN The upright

A-pillar makes for bigger windows
and 1 cubic metre more cab space.
The usable glass surface has
increased by 17 per cent in total.

GRILLEThe new grille improves

engine cooling while completely
covering the gap between the upper
and lower sections of the cab.

HEADLIGHTS Dynamic headlights

turn with the truck to shine alight
through the bends. The headlights
are stronger and focus much
further ahead.

of truck drivers.
RIKARD ORELL, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN

1. Design

When we enter the top-secret design

studio Asok George stops in front of
the new VolvoFH.
Every time they uncover it Ijust have to
stand still and look for amoment. Everything is new, but theres
no doubt were still looking at aVolvo.
ASOK GEORGE is responsible for the exterior design of the
new VolvoFH, but the distinctive personality was apriority
for everyone on the design team.
With its sloping windscreen the VolvoFH has always
beeneasy to distinguish. And it will continue to be so, says
Asok George.
Now with the windscreen upright to create more cabin
space, the angle of the roof is even more important. Thanks
to this the cabin still has an unmistakable pro le.
It shouldnt go unnoticed when you drive aVolvo. Our
goalis to make it the most recognisable truck on the road,
says Asok George.

We walk from one side of the cab to the other. Asok George and
Rikard Orell, director of design at Volvo, point out different
features and details. The tight joins between the body parts, the
precise t and nish that have been accomplished. Lines and
curves on the cab, what designers call the graphics. Here the aim
has been to create asolid shape, not afront and two sides. This
is why the lines and graphics continue around the whole cab.
BUT EVEN MORE important than the lines is the stance the
attitude of the truck.
Yes, this is vital. It has to express the trucks efciency and
dynamics. It should look like its moving even when its standing
still, says Asok George.
The new Volvo FH appears to lean forward with its wheels
pressing at the ground, ready to drive off. This impression is
partly built up by the graphics an important area is the design
of the wheelhouse and wing. The upper edge of the mud guard
ares runs forwards and downwards creating a dynamic line
that reinforces the shape of the wheel arch.
WE CLIMB INTO the cab. Now were leaving Asok Georges design

area and entering the domain of interior designer Carina Bystrm.

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

Left: Rikard Orell, director of design. Above: Carina Bystrm, interior designer.
Right: exterior designer, Asok George.

The sunroof which doubles as anescape hatch is part of the

reason, but the cab has bigger windows altogether.
The design increases the feeling of space. Thats why weve
worked with large, sweeping lines and created clean surfaces,
says Carina Bystrm.
Take the instrument panel. This sweeps across from A-pillar
to A-pillar emphasising the breadth of the cab, adds Rikard Orell.
JUST LIKE THE exterior, the design inside the cab must
express Volvos philosophy and Scandinavian heritage.
The shapes and forms should be true, says Rikard Orell.
Not complicated or articial.
The colour scheme in the cabin is completely new. The
dominant theme is light, subtle and very Scandinavian. Closer
to the oor the tones are darker, higher up they become lighter
opening up the cab and enhancing the spacious atmosphere.
SWEEPING FORMS are everywhere. Inspiration has come
from the bentwood style of Swedish furniture design that has
been popular since the 1930s. The impression is one of robust
craftsmanship. But theres no wood in the cabin.
A lot of work has gone into the
surfaces and materials. Demands on
materials are tough wear and tear is
an issue and everything has to last.
Quality is important. Our customers
are fussy about it and so they should
be! afrms Rikard Orell.
Another detail that gives the
VolvoFH adistinct pro le is its
side mirrors.
We wanted to make the mirrors
slimmer, so they would maximise visibility. Now the entire
mirror turns instead of just the mirror glass inside abig casing,
says Asok George.
The slimmer mirrors also reduce wind resistance. Despite
being higher than its predecessor the new VolvoFH is just
asaerodynamic.

Quality is
important, our
customers are
fussy about it.
And so they
should be.

By making the corners more rounded weve managed to build

acab with marginally less wind resistance, explains
AsokGeorge.
THE TIGHT FIT of body parts comes in here too. For example,
the join between the lower and upper part of the cab is completely tight. This covers the engine, suspension and details
other wise visible in the gap.
The truck is tighter all the way around. As aresult, wind
streams around the cab instead of through it. This does wonders
for the aerodynamics and further reduces fuel consumption,
says Asok George.
THE DESIGN EXPRESSES self-condence without being
aggressive. The idea of course is to attract both operator and
driver.
In recent years the value of askilled driver has risen
dramatically. Theres an art to driving atruck. For me the
designis acelebration of truck drivers all over the world,
claimsRikard Orell.
But drivers
arent the only
oneswho need to
besatised.
Transport
operators are our
customers, and
society too everybody who comes
into contact with
the truck when its
being used. Its great if people nd our trucksawesome, but they
mustnt be intimidated by them, says Rikard Orell.
Volvo is abrand that cares about people. We hope you can
see this in the design, asks Asok George, who gives the truck
one last look before its grey cover goes back on again.

TOP T EN STOR I ES DESIGN

10

Handling

The
ultimate
test

No, this wasnt made in Photoshop. Its for real.

Some will see it as over the top. We felt it was
the best way to demonstrate the precision and
control of the new Volvo FH.
Turn the page to decide for yourself.

I thought every
conceivable stunt had
already been done.
I was wrong.
PETER PEDRERO, STUNT COORDINATOR BEHIND HOLLYWOOD FILMS SUCH
AS JAMES BOND, HARRY POTTER AND PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

2. Handling

FAITH DICKEY is American and one of the big names in slack-

Alan Jones presses the pedal and 750

horses gallop into action. At the same
time a second Volvo FH has started on
the other side of the motorway.
Their speed picks up and the two trucks drive
in parallel on either side of the reservation. Then they pull apart
just alittle tensioning the line that connects their trailers.
In his rear mirror, Alan can see Faith Dickey standing on
the roof of the other trailer, ready to climb onto the line. Her
clothes are apping in the wind. Will she be able to walk the
line between the trucks without falling?
We meet Faith Dickey just before she carries out the big
test, while the lm team set up their cameras on the trucks and
helicopter. Every step she takes on the line will be recorded.
Ive walked slacklines between rock peaks 1,200 metres
above the ground, says Faith. But this is something else. The
drivers are fantastic, but no matter how they drive the line is
moving around in all directions. And every time theres the slightest irregularity in the road the line starts jumping up and down.

12

lining ayoung sport that started when rock climbers began

tensioning nylon lines between trees and eventually between
rock peaks.
Now the sport is growing rapidly, not least due to breathtaking videos on YouTube. Faith has the highlining world record
for women: 81metres and the longest female free solo of 26
metres meaning there is no safety rope to save her in afall.
However she wouldnt dream of slacklining two moving trucks
without asafety rope, largely because of the wind speed.
Its really hard to grasp how much wind there is up there
on the roof when the trucks pick up speed. On top of that there
are gusts of wind coming down from the mountains and
astrong wind tunnel created by the trucks.
The view is overwhelming. Were on an unnished section of
motorway in the mountains between Split and Dubrovnik in
Croatia. Since the road isnt yet open to the public, we can carry
out our test without inquisitive onlookers or trafc.
AS YOUD EXPECT, SAFETY IS CRUCIAL for Volvo and for
Peter Pedrero, the stunt co-ordinator for our lm. Stunts are
not for the reckless. Safety always comes rst. You have to
prepare for the worst possible scenario at all times and plan
how todeal with it. Meticulous preparation and planning is
everything, explains Peter Pedrero.

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

Clockwise from top left: Peter Pedrero, stunt coordinator, Alan Jones, precision
driver, Robin Earle, chief rigger, Faith Dickey, world record holding slackliner and
the lm team.

I thought every conceivable stunt had already been done, but

Iwas wrong. Crashing boats at 40 knots, turning over in burning
cars, its just another day at work but nobody has walked aline
between two moving trucks before. It feels like ahuge challenge
and its a challenge that lights my re.
THE TEST puts enormous demands on the drivers. Alan
Jones is aprofessional precision driver with astring of lms
behind him. Jens Karlsson, who drives the other VolvoFH
truck, has carried out countless test drives for Volvo during his
23 years as a truck driver.
This is the hardest thing Ive ever done. It demands incredible
precision. Just acouple of centimetres off and the line slackens and
Faith falls, says Jens Karlsson.
A lot depends on the two trucks.
This is the ultimate test of road
handling and stability for the new
VolvoFH series. World rsts such as
rack and pinion steering and independant front suspension are two things
that enable the drivers to drive so
accurately. (Read more about the technology in the next article).
Im not sure it would have been possible to carry this out
with any other truck, says Jens after training with Faith on the
line over and over again for many long days.

Stunts are not

for the reckless.
Safety always
comes rst.

THE UNOPENED HIGHWAY consists of astraight stretch, along

bend and beyond it two tunnels. Faith has to make it over to the
other side before the trucks go through the tunnels otherwise
the line gets ripped off!
First Ithought it would never work, says Faith. We practised and practised and Ikept falling off. But then I realised it
was possible and that I could walk the nine metres to the other
truck in time.
She looks focused. Now the practising is over, the cameras
are rolling and its time to nd out. Will Faith make it to the
other side?
THE TRUCKS are tearing down the highway. Faith takes her
rst tentative steps on the line. The helicopter sweeps past with
its telephoto lens in the door opening.
The wind speed is brutal where were sitting on the roof of
the trailer, but Faith is going for it. The trucks turn into the bend
and the tunnels loom ever closer. Faith wobbles

See the lm at www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fh

TOP T EN STOR I ES H A N DLI NG

13

It
feels
like
driving
a car

2. Handling

New shock absorption,

more powerful damper
springs and a completely
new chassis three reasons
handling has taken a huge
leap forwards.

Better handling means greater driver efciency and viability. Not to mention safety.

Its noticeable from the very rst bend that

the new Volvo FH reacts quickly and exactly. The driver
receives continual feedback about how its holding the road.
It gives a strong feeling of precision and control.
The difference between driving a truck and driving a car
has never been smaller, says Stefan Axelsson, who leads the
group at Volvo that developed the new handling qualities.
Something thats often forgotten when we talk about
handling is how it affects the drivers effectivity and in turn,
the haulage companys viability.
Good handling properties make
driving less strenuous. This helps the
driver to stay alert and drive safely,
says Stefan Axelson.
Apart from this, a sharp driver is
a better representative for the company
when arriving with the customers
delivery.
Many of the improvements are
about geometry. Shock absorbers and
chassis parts have been given new angles, making the chassis
more robust.
One example is the suspension springs at the rear of the
cab. These have moved apart by 25 cm, which increases the
yaw damping by more than 50 per cent, says Stefan Axelsson.

The difference
between
driving a truck
and a car has
never been
smaller

Another important advance is the rear suspension, which

previously conveyed the shock from the wheels up into
the chassis.
Now the shock absorbers have a new angle that transfers
the energy up to the trailer instead, says Stefan Axelsson.
Similar adjustments have been made in several areas of the
FH, which has been given more powerful suspension springs.
Altogether this has improved yaw damping by 100 per cent.
Even steering stability has improved. This means you can
choose your line through a twisting road and then just hold the
wheel in place until its time to straighten up.
The real test of a trucks handling comes when you meet
another truck head-on in a bend at 50 mph. In this truck its
no problem, says Stefan Axelsson.
Theres still work to do before we reach the handling qualities
of a modern car, but according to Stefan Axelsson, Volvo is close.
Yes, were getting there. In many ways the new FH is already
a sporty truck.

TOP T EN STORI ES HANDLI NG

15

What you
see is what
you save

16

Fuel

The new Volvo FH means 4,100 litres less fuel each year

Taking pole
position and
meets Euro 6
The new Volvo FH saves up to 10% fuel and meets
Euro 6
3. Fuel

Leaner and meaner. Its a combination

nobody thought possible, especially in
combination with Euro 6. But thanks to
technical breakthroughs such as the new
driveline, I-Torque, the new Volvo FH
saves up to 10 per cent fuel.

I-Torque

TORQUE

At the same time it sets a new standard for

drivability and the acceleration is fantastic, says Mats Franzn,
responsible for engine strategies at Volvo Trucks.
You can feel the response the moment you press the accelerator. The power comes immediately and it keeps coming all the
way up to maximum speed. Without interruption and without
tailing off on hills and bends.
The only thing thats been cut back is the fuel consumption.
In one year the saving is over 4,100 litres per 140,000 kilometres.
Were always working with fuel efciency to save a bit here
and a drop there. But this is
D13 EURO 6
something completely different,
D13 EURO 5
now were cutting fuel consumption by up
I-Torque operates to 10 per cent in
within a narrow
one swoop
range of low revs
its revolutionary,
between 900 and
says Mats Franzn.
1,200 revs per
RPM

This is despite the well known fact that Euro

6 means a cleaner exhaust at the expense of
increased energy consumption in fact, most
manufacturers are counting on an increase in
fuel consumption of several per cent.
The reason for Volvos success is a number
of innovations that work together. The most
important is I-Torque, our new driveline for
long haul. But I-See
also makes a major contribution, says Mats
Franzn.
I-SEE ENABLESthe
truck to remember hills
and change gear in the
optimal way to save
Not unlike gearboxes used in the racing
fuel. (I-See is available
world, I-Shift 2 is double clutched so it
now with Euro 5.
changes gear in a fraction of a second.
Read more in the next
section.)
The new driveline builds on a variant of Volvos effective
D13 engine, which becomes much leaner by operating within
a narrow and low rev span between 900 and 1,200 revs per
minute.
THE ENGINE IS MOST effective at really low revs. Theres
less friction, there are fewer injections and combustions. The
engine quite simply breathes more easily, explains Christian
Nilsson, project manager for the new Euro 6 engines.

minute.

18

THE NEW VOLVO FH SERI ES

The new Euro 6, D13

engine generates higher
torque at lower revs.

ITS QUITE AN EXPERIENCE to drive on the motorway and see

the rev counter running so low the whole time. You pick up
speed without having to rev up and the engine can hardly
be heard.
This is made possible by the increased torque of 2,800 Nm.
Thanks to newly-developed turbo technology the power is also
greatest at low revs. This makes the 460 horsepower feel like
a lot more, despite the engine being so economical.
But to run at such low revs wouldnt have been possible
without the new transmission, I-Shift 2. This is double clutched
so it can change much faster, without losing any power.
The feeling is just magic. The power is there the whole time
so you don't lose anything on gear changes. It simply ows, softly
and quietly, says Bjrn
Lyngsj, project manager
for I-Shift 2.
Similar gearboxes are
used in the racing world
and have started to appear
in passenger cars, but Volvo
is rst in the world with
this technology in
a heavy goods vehicle.

Volvos I-Shift 2 is the worlds rstdual clutch transmission for heavy

goods vehicles.

Its like having two I-Shift gearboxes to change between in

a fraction of a second.
When you start driving in rst gear on one, second gear is
already in place on the other, says Bjrn Lyngsj.
So now you can keep up with cars after a red light or
after a toll booth on motorways. You gain speed quickly and
then it's easy to maintain
a steady speed the whole way
even if there are lots of hills.
This means increased productivity, says Bjrn Lyngsj.
Sharp bends are also easier
to manage with I-Shift 2.
Theres no problem with
gear changes in the middle of a bend the pull is there the
whole time. One of the test drivers likened it with the drive
wheels locking on to the road with suction. The new I-Torque
driveline is only available with the new Euro 6 engine.
BUT EVEN WITHthe current Euro 5 driveline a lot of fuel
can be saved. So everyone purchasing a new Volvo FH will
already have a much leaner truck with help of I-See and other
improvements, says Mats Franzn.

So now you
can keep up
with cars after
a red light

Read about all the Volvo FH engines in the product

guide or at www.volvotrucks.co.uk

TOP T EN STORI ES F U EL

19

The rst
truck to
remember
the hills
Saving fuel on even the
slightest of slopes

20

The rst time you drive up ahill in the new

VolvoFH, I-See is working things out. The next
time you drive up the same hill it manages your
speed and gear changes for you, reducing fuel
consumption by up to 5 per cent.* I-See is a major
breakthrough and its available now with Euro 5.

accelerates
before the
hill begins

This is intuitive
technology at its best. You might think
steeper hills mean bigger savings, but its
actually most effective on gentle slopes,
says Anders Eriksson, responsible for
I-See at Volvo.
When the
truck comes to
an undulation it
remembers
because I-See
helps the intelligent I-Shift transmission to manage the speed and gear
changing with maximum fuel efciency.
All in all, it carries out sixdifferent

Since I-See is
self-teaching,
no maps or
updates are
needed

avoids changing
down at the top of
the hill if possible

curbs
speed
before
adescent

manoeuvres to reduce fuel consumption.

For instance, it accelerates in time to make
the most of gravity avoiding unnecessary
use of the engine.
This is the type of thing skilled drivers
already do. But if youre driving atruck
for eight hours, youre not likely to do it
in quite the same way. With I-See managing the slopes you can concentrate on
other aspects of the drive instead, says
Anders Eriksson.
TOGETHER WITH the cruise controls
most efcient setting, fuel consumption
can be reduced by up to 5 per cent on
stretches where I-See is used. How much
this amounts to depends on how much

starts
coasting
before
adescent

provides optimal
braking down
the hill

releases the
brake at the
bottom of
thehill

you use I-See. And since its

self-teaching, no maps or
updates are needed. This,
too, saves money.
EVEN IF I-SEE IS
a major fuel saving
improvement, there are
several other important factors. One of
these is I-Shift itself, Volvos twelve-gear
automatic transmission that chooses the
optimal gear to save fuel.
When you discover how quickly and
smoothly it changes gears, you understand why I-shift has become popular
among drivers, says Anders Eriksson.

* Actual fuel performance will depend on individual operating conditions and other variables.

TOP T EN STOR I ES F U EL

21

ALL BODIES
WELCOME
Tall or short, slim or wide,
now every driver has
acomfortable position.
22

Workplace

Its the steering wheel thats the secret.

With an optional neck-tilt, afeature that evokes luxury
associations, thesteering wheel can be tilted, not just raised
or lowered asbefore.
When your arms drop down abit your driving
improves, explains Peter Johansson, design engineer
at Volvo.
Together with raising and lowering functions, the wheel
can be angled up to 40 degrees 10of these come from the
neck-tilt function. Amore vertical steering wheel makes the
VolvoFH feel similar to aconventional car. This feeling is
also helped along by the Independent Front Suspension,
aworld rst in the VolvoFH.
Tall drivers in particular will appreciate the increased
adjustment area of the driving seat. The seat can slide back
further in the new VolvoFH, 4centimetres to be precise.
Altogether the seat can slide up to 24 centimetres in aforwards backwards direction (best in class). The span for raising
or lowering the new seat is 10 centimetres. The seat also has
anew shape. Among other things, it has improved lateral
support and longer leg support. But this is atricky area: too
little leg support is not good, too much is no good either as
itmakes it harder to get in and out of the seat.
The new seat is quite amazing when you realise its
designed to work for almost every shape and size of driver,
says Peter Johansson.

The new driving seat has better cushioning and is more versatile.

23

4. Workplace

A. Drivers information display

Integrating the speedometer with digital gauges and indicators, the drivers
information display provides the most
important information at a momentary
glance. Whats more, the driver can
customise the display and choose up
to three favourite gauges using the
steering wheel controls.

A quick glance is all it should take

to know what you need to know.
Thats the idea behind the new, clear
instrument panel. The right buttons
and controls are at your ngertips.
And the buttons you use most often
are easy to have close to hand.

B. Secondary Display
Integrated within the instrument panel,
the Secondary Information Display
(SID), has asharp new screen for
navigation, up to 4 cameras, your
music and mobile phone and
Dynaeet communication.

C. Audio and visual

All information sounds have been
rened to ensure clarity without being
irritating. Illuminated controls now
have auniform light source and the
brightness is controlled by the driver.

D. Steering wheel controls

A switch on the steering wheel lets
you manage the drivers instrument
group and the secondary display.
The buttons themselves are more
ergonomic for example athumb
wheel helps to control instruments
and scroll through menus.

B
C

E. Customised switch positions

There are more switches andmany
of them are movable. Eachmovable
switch is connected toafunction,
so when you move the switch the
function moves with it.

F. Clear symbols
All symbols on buttons and controls
have been redesigned for continuity
and clarity.

G. Ergonomic control stalks

All stalks and controls have been
given amore ergonomic design.
Theyre quick to nd and the integrated
buttons are easy to use, without the
need to take your eyes off the road.

H. Black panel
The digital display can be run in
black panel mode, where everything
except legally required instruments
is blacked out. When the vehicle is
at astandstill even the screen can
beblacked out.

Guess how many

truckers t into the
new Volvo FH?

PETER JOHANSSON is one of the developers behind

the new cab. He tells us about the challenge of creating an effective
working environment that is also arelaxing home environment.
Thekey was acab with more space.
THE FIRST STEP was upright A-pillars. The new cab is also higher

andthe oor lower. The height of the engine tunnel has been halved,
which makes it easier to move around in the cab.
Now all cabs have full standing height inside. The upright
A-pillars put afurther ten centimetres between the seated driver
andthe windscreen. The whole cab is lighter and airier, says Peter
Johansson, responsible for cab ergonomics.
Altogether the cab has grown by one cubic metre, meaning even
more storage space.
Wherever you sit in the cab, you have storage space within
reach. The new catwalk shelves above the doors, for example. These
are ideal for the little things you often need to take with you when
you're in and out of the cab all day long,' says Peter Johansson.
THE INCREASED GLASS adds to the sense of light and space. Both
windscreen and side windows are bigger. Its also possible to have
anextra side window if you like.
And now you get lots of daylight coming in from above, thanks
tothe large skylight that also works as an escape hatch, says
PeterJohansson.

To see how many truckers we squeezed in, watch the lm at www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fh

Space

1m3 more space

adramatisation of the
new spacious cab using
asurprising number of
truck drivers.

28

With alittle more and alittle

smarter storage space, theres
no need to leave your whole
life behind when you go on
the road.
What would you bring on
board with 300 litres of extra
storage space?

29

5. Space

The lower storage drawers

aremore spacious and better
forbulky items.

The extra cubic metre of space in

thenew cab has been put to good
use.Not only with extra storage space,
but with new, functional ideas that
make it easier to take more personal
belongings on board and use them.

Quality of life inside the cab is better by

design. One of many functional ideas is the louvre covers on the
storage compartments that stop your belongings from falling out.
We chose the louvres because they add ahigh quality
feeling to the interior but more importantly, because they can
be opened up completely without stealing living space inside the
cab, explains Peter Johansson, responsible for ergonomics at
Volvo Trucks.
THE OVERHEAD FRONTcompartments have been made
bigger and have their own removable shelves. This makes it
easier to organise your things and keep them in place. The upper
compartments at the back of the cab are available at different
heights, allowing you to optimise space with, or without,
asecond bunk.
These ones have covers that open sideways not unlike
awardrobe you might have at home and lighting that turns
on automatically when you open them, says Peter Johansson.
Theres even afoldaway drying cupboard for wet clothes
on days when the driver gets caught out in the rain.

Top: The overhead front compartments with removable shelves and

louvred covers.
Right: The new bigger fridge with
space to keep cartons and bottles
in an upright position.
Far right: Louvre covers keep
clothes from falling out and dont
get in the way when you open them.

The drying cupboard is atextile bag with afan at the bottom.

When its not in use you simply fold it up and put it away. Its
perfect for ajacket and smaller items like hats and gloves, says
Peter Johansson.
If you prefer, you can choose to have
the fridge in the shelf above the bed,
otherwise its placed under the bed with
the lower storage drawers.
THE FRIDGE HAS GROWN from 22 to
33 litres and includes afreezer compartment. This allows you to store more
food and to keep cartons and bottles
upright. Theres even space for 1.5 litre PET bottles, so drinks
are still cold when you drink them, adds Peter Johansson.
A clever detail is the drawer thats hidden in the side of the
instrument panel, which combines asturdy cup holder with
aconcealed compartment for your personal effects.

We chose
the covers
because they
add a high
quality feeling

THE

C LI MBI N G

I N T R O D U C I N G T H E N E W V O L V O F H 16

32

487m asl

33

1, 3 45m asl

34

1, 6 58m asl

37

2 , 48 9m asl

750 HP
750 Hp is enough to put on quite ashow.
750horsepower. 3,550Nm of torque.
Powerful at low revs. Fuel efcient.
But the idea of 750 Hp is not to show off.
The idea of 750 Hp is to increase productivity.
The horsepower and torque are there to better manage
mountain and valley roads, with even heavier cargo. Heavier cargo
reduces emissions per tonne-kilometres awinning combination
forboth the environment and the transport operator.
Greater power at low revs brings agentler, calmer drive, which is
lesswearing for the driver. And asharp driver does abetter job.
The 750 Hp is quite simply aproduction machine that
increasesviability. Dont forget that when you feel
looks of envy as you pull in at the truck stop.

3,550 NM
See the lm at www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fh

39

EXTREME
HOME
MAKEOVER
If youve ever dreamt of turning your cab
intoamountain lodge, this one is for you.

Nordic Country

Accommodation

Oriental Tranquility

on a desert
highway
6. Accommodation

A well equipped and accommodating cab is more than just

comfortable its acompetitive advantage. In the pursuit
of the most skillful drivers, acomfortable cab is becoming
increasingly valuable.
When adriver is able to relax and get agood nights sleep you can see it in the bottom
line. Theres greater efciency, fewer injuries, less damage to trucks and more deliveries are on time.
A rested driver makes fewer mistakes and quite simply costs less money, explains Rikard Orell,
design director at Volvo Trucks.
For the transport operator a good cab is extremely important for attracting the best drivers.
Good drivers are becoming scarce and the operators offering the best working conditions have
the upper hand, says Rikard Orell.
Whats more, agood cab has space for both work and rest. This has been the goal with the
newVolvoFH.
Weve compared the cab with abusiness hotel. It should be clean, tidy and effective, yet homely
atthe same time, explains Carina Bystrm, responsible for interior design at Volvo Trucks.

42

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

Nordic Country

The Businessman

The Businessman
One of the objectives has been to create acalm environment. This is why the cab is dominated
by smooth, clean surfaces and sweeping forms.
A calm, uncluttered environment inside makes it easier for the driver to stay focused on
what is happening outside the vehicle, claims Rikard Orell.
Concentration is also helped by the position of the instrument panel.
From the drivers seat its easy to reach the buttons and stalks needed to
manoeuvre the vehicle. These have also been given shapes and surfaces that
make them easily identied with ngertips, so you can keep your eyes on
the road.
The design even helps the driver to manage long periods of time at the
wheel without having to make too many stops.
This is why its important to have awide range of adjustment possibilities on the seat and steering wheel and be able to have food and drink close at hand, emphasises
Carina Bystrm.
Rest time, too, is better in an uncluttered cab. The furnishing is designed for acomfortable and
varied life on board. Storage possibilities have been extended, but theyre hidden behind the
walls and under the bed, so that the environment remains calm and tranquil. The bed and
lighting are two more areas that have been signicantly improved.

The new surfaces

are both nicer to
touch and pleasing
to the eye

44

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

The cab has alot of textile inside it, which apart from anything else is good for noise reduction,
but plastics also plays an important role in the interior. Here quality has been central.
Theres more wear and tear in atruck cab than you would imagine. Just look at asteering
wheel thats afew years old, points out Rikard Orell.
New durable surfaces have been developed for the VolvoFH that combine softness with
amatt nish. These surfaces maintain their high quality appearance for along time consequently,
so does the whole interior.
Personally Ithink the new surfaces are both nicer to touch and pleasing to the eye, says
Carina Bystrm.

Catwalks

Enlightenment

Bedtime

Open sesame

On hand

Skylight

Catwalk shelves over

the doors two new
storage possibilities.

Indirect lighting
is usedto create
amorepleasant and
comfortable atmosphere.

Wider and more

comfortable bed with
softer cushioning.

As an option the bed

can also be raised and
lowered electrically.

Storage space between

the bed and the wall.

The big escape hatch

lets lots of light in. The
skylight can be opened
electronically.

Flatter oor

Take control

Stand straight

Tidy comfort

The height of the engine

tunnel is halved and the
atter oor is covered in
thick, soft carpet.

Among other things, the

control panel lets you
control lighting, audio
and climate settings.

The whole cab is more

spacious and airy. All
models allow you to
stand up.

Storage space is hidden

behind fabric covered
walls for acomfortable
and tidy cab.

Sitting room
Bits and bobs
A birdbath keeps small
things on hand and off
the oor.

The table is attached

to the bed and the
passenger seat swivels
round to it. All for greater
comfort.

TOP T EN STOR I ES ACCOM MODAT ION

45

6. Accommodation

With potential to help thousands of drivers

get agood sleep, I-Park Cool is the name
of the new integrated parking cooler in
the VolvoFH. It includes anumber of
intelligent ideas. One is that it shouldnt
spoil the standing height inside the cab
or the aerodynamics of the vehicle itself.

In warm climates aseparate cooler is often

used to cool the cab once the engine is turned off. Fixed to
the ceiling inside the cab or on its roof, this normally either
compromises the drivers space or the trucks fuel consumption. The VolvoFH is now unique in offering apurposedesigned integrated cooler.
Because I-Park Cool is integrated
within the cab, theres no compromise
to standing height, aerodynamics or
access to the emergency escape
hatch. It also weighs less than alternative coolers. And there are more
clever features to come.
Managed with the Parking
Climate function, the cooler and the
parking heater work together when
needed. If the temperature drops in
the middle of the night the parking heater automatically
helps to maintain the drivers selected temperature,
explains Ulf Bjrkerud, developer at Volvo Trucks.

I-Park Cool
maintains
a comfortable
temperature
without the
risk of a at
battery

NORMALLY THE COOLER is needed in the early

evening or in the morning before the sun
comes up. In the middle of the night the temperature often drops and the cab can get very
cold. I-Park Cool maintains acomfortable
temperature throughout the night without
running the risk of aat battery in the morning.
A good sleep improves both efciency and safety.
Adriver who needs to keep stopping and napping or
even worse, keeps nodding off at the wheel is aliability
to himself, the transport operator and other motorists,
says Ulf Bjrkerud.
Whats more, if the driver stops for abreak in the middle
of ahot day, I-Park Cool can boost the cooling effect for up
to an hour. It also has atimer function built in.
THE COOLER IS HIGHLY effective, so its often only needed
for short intervals. Combined with a low interior noise level
and the comfortable new bed, this means a good sleep is not
unrealistic, whether its hot or cold outside.

ITS ALL ABOUT

THE DETAILS

At the front of the cab, the birdbath is an

island for all those little bits and pieces you
like to keep on hand.

The drying cupboard is atextile sack with afan at

the bottom. Theres enough space for ajacket and
smaller items such as ahat and gloves. When its
not in use you simply fold it up and put it away.

TOP T EN STOR I ES ACCOM MODAT ION

When abottle of
water simply isnt
enough you can ll
the special container
that has its own tap.
The container is
made to t inside the
extra storage space
under the oor and
holds about 7 litres.
Simply pull out, turn
the tap and you have
plenty of water for
drinking or washing
your hands.

47

The worlds
safest Volvo

48

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

Safety

The new cab is Volvos strongest so far. And

the worlds toughest crash tests show that
drivers have agood chance of survival even
in a 50 mph crash with astationary object.

The new VolvoFH series has been crash tested

over 1,000 times in computer simulations and 20 times in reality.
This goes far beyond standard testing. Despite the fact that its no
longer legally required, Volvo continues to test its vehicles to Swedish
standards known internationally as The world's toughest crash
test. andThe worlds toughest crash test.
The cabhas become both larger and stronger.
CRASH TESTS CONFIRM the benets of the new cab structure. The

crash dummy survives even the toughest test a crash at 30 mph

with atruck-shaped xed immovable concrete
barrier. In real life the test is comparable to one
of 50 mph with astationary truck and suggests
that adriver too, would survive the crash.
With the new FH weve had the opportunity
to design acab structure from scratch, without
limitations. Weve taken full advantage of this
opportunity to build our safest truck ever, points
out Matti Koponen at Volvo Cab Engineering.
UNIQUE FOR VOLVO, testing is carried out with all interior ttings
in place and storage compartments lled.
There should be no possibility of getting injured in acrash by
something inside the cab. Even the coffee maker should stay in place,
says Ulf Torgilsman, collision specialist at Volvo Cab Engineering.

Even the
coffee maker
is crash
tested

The Swedish Impact test

15 tonnes of pressure on the roof
29.4 kJ impact on A-pillars
29.4kJ rear impact.

TOP T EN STOR I ES SA FET Y

49

50

7. Safety

Larger windows, aredesigned instrument

panel and new rear view mirrors improve
the drivers visibility and reduce the risk
for collisions. Small and large.

Seeing is surviving
Altogether the cabs usable window area has increased by 17 per cent.
This is most noticeable on the side windows.
Now the bottom edge of the window slopes forward, it helps the driver see if something
or someone is close to the vehicle, says Hanna Degerman, responsible for visibility.
With better ground visibility around the cab, its easier for the driver to avoid low
obstacles and the expensive damage they can cause.
Together with the new upright A-pillar, new design rear view mirrors give the driver
10 per cent greater visibility. On the passenger side visibility is increased by 20 per cent.
Another important improvement is the design of the instrument panel. The new
shape is less obtrusive. The entire instrument panel has anew appearance that improves
visibility. Part of this is the new information display which is completely integrated, points
out Hanna Degerman.
Another development is the ability to connect up to four different cameras to the
information display, as opposed to just one. This assists with safer driving, for example
when reversing, loading or uncoupling.

Or an exit?
7. Safety

The VolvoFH is the rst truck in the world that

comes with an emergency escape hatch as standard.
Its asunroof thats been made considerably larger.
Thebonus, of course, is alight and airy cab.
Half of all truck accidents result in the
vehicle turning over. Getting out through the door when the
vehicle is lying on its side is extremely difcult. And kicking
out the windscreen is no longer an option, now that its bonded
in place. The solution is an escape hatch.
There was never apossibility of us building acab without an
emergency exit.
If the windscreen was to be bonded in place, there would
have to be another way for the driver to escape. It was an
absolute must, explains Ulf Torgilsman, collision specialist.
THIS IS WHY every VolvoFH now has askylight thats also built
to work as an escape hatch. It measures 5070 centimetres,
which allows even the largest driver to climb out easily.

52

In addition, the skylight meets the demands on emergency

exits for trucks transporting dangerous goods, such as fuel
or other toxic or ammable substances.
ANOTHER BONUS is the ample
natural light that enters the cab
through the skylight. This improves
the drivers well-being and reduces
the need for additional lights.

There was never

a possibility
of us building
a cab without an
emergency exit

A pleasant driving environment is

also important for safety as it makes
it easier for the driver to stay alert. So you could say the escape
hatch actually helps to reduce the chances of it being needed in
an emergency, says Matti Koponen at Volvo Cab Engineering.
This goes well with Volvos aim to build safe trucks.

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

A 20 centimetre life saver

7. Safety

Volvo was rst with front underrun protection, the system

that prevents cars from being run over by the truck. In the
new VolvoFH this protection is further enhanced far
beyond the legal demands. This improved protection will
come to save many lives.
The new front underrun protection system
is like an extra nose on the vehicle. The old protection could
retract 10cm in acollision, but the new one can retract 20cm,
says Peter Rundberget, cab and safety developer at Volvo.
THE FRONT UNDERRUN protection system, or FUPS as its
called, is designed to protect car drivers in acrash with atruck.
For every truck driver who dies in an accident between acar
and atruck, nine car drivers are killed. Of course, an accident
involving the death of another driver is
such a traumatic experience that many
truck drivers never recover from it, so
agood FUPS is in everybodys interest.

The new front

underrun
protection
system is like
an extra nose

Partof the solution was an aluminium construction, says

PeterRundberget.
The new front underrun protection system has been
tested in 500 computer-simulated crash tests and adozen
full scale tests.
We wanted to go further than legal requirements with
this system. This is why we developed many new variants of
the tests and now cover afurther 10 different collision situations. Im convinced that its going to be noticeable in future
statistics, says Peter Rundberget.
CRASH STATISTICS show the absolute gures over how many

VOLVOS FUPS absorbs some of the force

inacollision by recoiling backwards under

the truck, like ashock absorber for the car.
But developing this new protection has been anything but
simple. While legal authorities demand greater protection,
transport companies want to avoid additional weight.
We wanted to build an underrun protection that absorbed
energy without adding weight. In fact, we made it lighter.

crashes, injuries and deaths occur. What they don't show is how
many truck drivers never recover from an accident where a car
driver is killed, how many that change career and how much
it costs transport operators in lost competence and experience.
If statistics like these existed they would undoubtedly show the
benet of an effective underrun protection system.

TOP T EN STOR I ES SA FET Y

53

Beware
of the truck

Security
Better vehicle protection
with anew alarm .
Light up the truck from
adistance with abutton on
the key to stop uninvited
visitors lurking in the
shadows .
The grille has an electromechanical lock which is
released with the remote
control.
Windows with laminated
glass are harder to break.

The locks in the doors are

harder to force open.
The alarm can also be
triggered with the drivers
key fob.

When its pitch black outside, approach lights

enable the driver to light up both inside and around the vehicle
from adistance.
This lets you see if anybody is hanging around outside or
inside the truck. The lights activated include front and rear
lamps on both the truck and trailer, side lights and interior
lighting, says Carl Johan Almqvist, responsible for Trafc &
Product Safety at Volvo Trucks.
Both the locks and the alarm have been improved. Whats
more, the trailer can be connected to the alarm with sensors so
that its triggered if someone tries to open the trailer door.

When approaching the VolvoFH you can unlock the drivers

door without unlocking the passenger door, using the remote
control on the key. Press once for the drivers door and twice
forboth doors.
This reduces the risk of uninvited company climbing in
thepassenger door while the driver is climbing into his side
ofthe cab, says Carl Johan Almqvist.
Further increasing the drivers security, the grille is
equipped with an electro-mechanical lock. The steering wheel
lock is electro-mechanical too. And choosing laminated
windows makes it harder to break into the cab.

Czy mog
Panu pomc?
Not your language? Now you can get immediate help in your
own language, all over Europe. Just by pressing a button.

Volvo Action Service On

Call speedy help when you
need it the most.

8. Security

Standard on the new Volvo FH, this

smart new technology increases
security for the driver and reduces
downtime for the operator. If
anything should go seriously
wrong,simply press the button
andhelp is never far away.

56

A breakdown, aat tyre or abroken windscreen

can happen to any truck. And if it happens in aVolvo, you are no
longer alone since assistance is now even quicker.
Theres no point in denying it breakdowns cannot be avoided
altogether. But what we can do is make it as easy as possible to get
help when they occur. This is what Volvo Action Service (VAS)
On Call is all about. Press the VAS-button in the cab and help is
soon on its way explains Christian Gustavsson, in charge of
Volvo Trucks service.
WHEN THE DRIVER presses the button acall goes automatically
to the call centre at Volvo Action Service, where its connected
to an operator who speaks the drivers language. The operator
immediately receives information about which truck is calling
and where its located.

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

Press the button and the truck calls Volvo Action Service. Your location, chassis number and driver card data are
integrated so you can speak in your own language. Thanks to the truck's loudspeaker and microphone bluetooth
option, you don't even need to hold the phone. The Call Centre co-ordinates all the details with the nearest Volvo
workshop, including fault codes. This way the workshop can often send everything necessary to get you straight
back on the road.

The driver can concentrate on explaining what has happened.

Together with the fault codes from the truck, this explanation
helps the workshop to identify what the problem is without delay.
DOWNTIME is expensive uptime is avital issue for protability.
Thanks to the immediate arrival of exact information at
the VAS Call Centre, the vehicle can often be ready to roll
again much sooner. The fact that help is no further away than
the press of the button is also reassuring for the driver, says
Christian Gustavsson.
A big advantage is that the Call Centre immediately
receives the exact location of the truck. On average it takes
a driver eight minutes to explain where the truck is located.
These are precious minutes in abreakdown situation. With
the VAS-button this only takes asecond thanks to the

integrated GPS, says Christian Gustavsson.

The button increases security in other ways,
too. Volvo Action Service can help a driver who
becomes ill or who needs to get home quickly,
perhaps due to a family emergency. Even help with
hiring another vehicle or trailer can be arranged while repairs
are being carried out.
VOLVO ACTION SERVICE is open 24 hours per day, 365days per

year. It has anetwork of more than 1,100 workshops in Europe.

This means you wont have long to wait for help, no matter
where you are or what time of day it is. Everyone who drives
anew VolvoFH has access to Volvo Action Service.

TOP T EN STOR I ES SEC U R I T Y

57

58

Loading

To make a driver
more efficient,
give him a remote
Remember what it was like to get up and
walk to the TV to change channels? It sounds old-fashioned
butthis is the reality for atruck driver when loading. Until
now,that is. With wireless remote control alot of unnecessary
climbing in and out of the cab can be avoided.
Press abutton and the vehicle adjusts itself to the height
ofthe loading bay. Down goes the tail lift and loading
begins the display conrms its being distributed
evenly without exceeding maximum axle weight.
Once loaded, close the tailgate, jump in and driveoff.
The remote control saves time regardless of
whether its the driver or someone else loading.
Since the display shows arange of data from the load
indicator, its easy to avoid overloading and uneven loading
without having to jump in and out of the cab to check the
indicator all the time.
A few years ago we let drivers begin testing the rst
remote control. Reactions to the prototype were very positive,
so we continued to develop the real thing, says Markus Olsson,
component specialist working with the remote control at Volvo.
Assisted by the remote its possible to raise and lower the

suspension, roll the truck to one side, operate the tail lift,
control load lighting, start, stop and rev the engine and
lock the vehicle.
The remote has three different modes: loading, equipment
and swap body. The functions
available in each mode are largely
decided by the driver.
Being able to stand outside
thetruck and see it from the side
makes the work much simpler.
Im convinced this little gadget is
going to help in numerous ways,
emphasises Markus Olsson.

TOP T EN STOR I ES LOA DI NG

59

9. Loading

Times are changing for drivers

who spend their days swapping
cargo and trailer. Small ideas in
technology make big tasks easier,
quicker and smoother.

60

Just imagine, the trailer can be rolled to one

side so it can come in close even when the loading bay isnt
straight. It does this by raising and lowering the suspension on
each side of the truck. Together with the possibility of raising
and lowering front or rear suspension, this makes the trailer
highly versatile.
QUICK CHANGE TO SWAP BODIES. Using the wireless remote,

changeover between swap bodies is now simpler. The two xed

positions have become three, which can all be saved. This
means the driver can save the three standard heights for swap

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

bodies and adjust the vehicle height with the press of abutton,
instead of gauging the height manually every time.
REMEMBERS THE LOADING BAY. Theres even a xed setting for
loading. The driver can save four different heights so the truck
automatically adjusts to the preset height at the press of abutton:
ashortcut for drivers who often return to the same or similar
loading bays.

load indicator wherever scales are available. Calibration is carried

out from the cab with the load indicator where data can be
saved for up to 20 different trailers.
IMPROVED HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT. The truck has an increased
stroke which helps when changing trailers, allowing the driver
to lower the vehicle enough to reverse under the trailer.

A LOAD INDICATOR YOU CAN CALIBRATE YOURSELF. Saving workshop time and costs, this lets the driver or operator calibrate the

TOP T EN STOR I ES LOA DI NG

61

Its like having

a virtual technician
on board.
CHRISTIAN GUSTAVSSON, RESPONSIBLE FOR VOLVO TRUCKS
SERVICE IN EUROPE

10

Uptime

The new VolvoFH makes it possible to

increase uptime more than ever before. Its
new technology lets the workshop carry out an
inspection of vital parts while its on the road.
This means that maintenance can be planned
according to when its actually needed.
This piece of world news is made possible
by the Telematics Gateway, the communication unit in the
VolvoFH that keeps the truck, driver and operator one step
ahead in various situations. For maintenance based on real
needs, it sends areport to the workshop so the technician
can see the status of vital parts, such as the brake pads,
clutch, battery and air dryer.
If these are in better condition than expected the
workshop can adjust the service plan so the vehicle gets its
service when it actually needs it, says Christian Gustavsson,
in charge of Volvo Trucks service.
As part of the new Volvo
Gold Contract offer, this will
allow customers to forget about
the service plan and let the
workshop take care of it. The
technician will keep atrack of
the trucks mileage, how quickly
parts are wearing and adjust the service plan accordingly and
call you for maintenance when the truck needs it.
Being able to inspect the wear remotely means you
dont have to visit the workshop too often and you get the
service done before its too late, says Christian Gustavsson.
MAINTENANCE HAS come along way towards meeting
the individual needs of the truck. The fact that there are so
many things that need to be serviced on atruck means that
this reality-based maintenance will have an important effect
on uptime and operator protability.
The transport operator gets more effective use out
ofthe truck and more tonne-kilometres, says Christian
Gustavsson.
IN THE EVENT of an actual breakdown, the communication unit automatically sends the fault codes to Volvo Action

The operator
gets more
effective use
out of the truck

Introducing Service on the go see the lm at www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fh

Service who contact the local Volvo workshop so that the

right mechanics, tools and spare parts can be sent out with
the service vehicle.
Sending amechanic miles away to determine whats
wrong and then back to the workshop to collect the right
parts is aterrible waste of resources, says Christian
Gustavsson, rounding up.
In these situations aremote check up can even mean
the truck can make its deadline delivery after the repair.
Its just like having a virtual technician on board.

See the lm at www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fh

TOP T EN STOR I ES U P T I M E

63

10. Uptime

Tomorrows technology already has its place in the

new VolvoFH. With alittle help from the new
communication unit, feature upgrades can come
asoften as they like without any inconvenience.
Thetechnology inside is future-friendly.

Dont worry
about
the future
When aVolvoFH
leaves the factory we know it will be
improved several times during its lifetime.
Software systems that control the transmission, instrumentation and engine, for
example, can now be updated online.
When we develop amore fuel efcient
method of shifting gears, the truck can be
upgraded without going anywhere near
aworkshop, says Christian Gustavsson,
responsible for Volvo Trucks service in
Europe.
This means you get abetter truck
without additional trips to the workshop.
TELEMATICS GATEWAY is the communication unit connected to the computers
that manage the engine and gearbox. Its
also connected with sensors that detect
the condition of the parts, with Dynaeet,
with the tachograph and other important
functions. It can share information from
these systems with the workshop, often in
the form of fault codes.
Its like aportal for awhole range
of time-saving, valuable features, says
Christian Gustavsson
Thanks to Telematics Gateway the
workshop can monitor the condition of
the trucks parts online, before aplanned
maintenance appointment. If theres less
wear than expected the maintenance can
be postponed. This way the transport
operator avoids unnecessary workshop
visits and downtime.

64

ANOTHER IMPORTANT feature enabled by

the communication unit is the VASbutton. This comes as standard and provides
a direct line to Volvo Action Service On
Call open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
with over 1,100 workshops located
throughout Europe.
In abreakdown the driver presses the
button. The vehicle calls the Volvo Action
Service call centre and sends information
about the driver so he gets connected to
an operator who speaks his own language,
says Christian Gustavsson.
THE OPERATOR can also see where the
vehicle is located, something that can often
take along time to establish over the phone.
When the operator gets vital information directly from the communication
unit, the driver doesnt have to be the one
helping the operator and vice versa, says
Christian Gustavsson.

T HE N EW VOLVO FH SER I ES

Its like a portal for

a whole range of
time saving and
valuable features

Many transport operators have discovered

that aVolvo Service Contract is agreat way to increase vehicle
uptime allowing them to concentrate on making money. Up
until now the very best solution has been Volvo Gold Contract.
But with abetter VolvoFH, its now possible to get an even
better business deal.
The new Volvo Gold Contract offers 100% uptime. And
thats a promise.
How is this possible? Like a partnership, the new contract
helps Volvo to better understand its customers operation.
Together with the Volvo FHs new connectivity, this enables the
workshop to take a proactive role inspecting vital parts while
the truck is running and adjusting the service schedule to t
* Terms and conditions apply.

with reality. And because reality is never completely predictable,

it combines Volvo Action Service On Call and a network of
1,100 workshops each committed to a right-rst-time diagnosis
and repair.
Which brings us to another promise written in gold, Uptime
Assurance. In the event of downtime, we will get you back on the
road within the agreed time. In fact, if it takes us longer, Volvo will
pay you. Its all part of the contract.
Of course, Volvo knows its business like you know yours, and
the new Volvo FH is a truck that everybody can depend on.
Add the new gold contract to your Volvo FH. Its worth its
weight in uptime alone.

RSP 2012-gb0067.12.05. English. Printed in Sweden.

VolvoTrucks. Driving Progress