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Fleet Owner / March 23, 2016 Volvo Trucks North America is rolling out a bevy on new enhancements for the 2017 versions of its D11 and D13 engines, along with a new "crawler gear" package for its I-Shift automated manual transmission (AMT) and a new "one box" exhaust emission aftertreatment system. Volvo showed off those new offerings at its Hagerstown, Maryland powertrain factory, highlighting how its production processes are being tweaked to incorporate those new offerings. Slide show - http://fleetowner.com/equipment/touring-volvos-powertrain-plant#slide-0-field_images-187181 Related reading - http://www.volvotrucks.us/about-volvo/facilities/powertrain-facility/

Transport Engineer / March 23, 2016 McDonald’s logistics provider Martin Brower has taken delivery of its fifth Euro 6 DAF CF ‘Silent’ 6x2 rear-steer rigid – and paraded the new vehicle at today’s (23 March 2016) CLOCS progress event at the ExCel centre, London. Improved maneuverability and the ability to work outside normal day-time delivery hours were key to Martin Brower’s decision, according to Tony Winterbottom, general manager operational support at the company. “We are always looking at ways of reducing our environmental impact and have already completed significant work on reducing both noise and engine emissions,” explains Winterbottom. “The DAF CF Silent option was chosen as part of our environmental protection strategy, and will be included on specification for all future truck acquisitions,” he continues. “We chose DAF thanks to its capability of running on biodiesel... Clean engine technology is fundamental to our environmental strategy.” Martin Brower and McDonald’s have been using biodiesel recycled from used cooking oil (UCO) since 2007, and Winterbottom says the result has been considerable carbon emissions reductions. DAF’s ‘Silent’ mode is an engine software function that alters performance characteristics to reduce noise levels to less than 72 dB(A), allowing for urban deliveries despite early morning and night time restrictions. The new Euro-6 rear-steers join an all-DAF fleet based at the company’s Hemel Hempstead and Dublin locations, which run a fleet of 117 tractors and 40 rigids, plus 153 trailers. This latest ‘Silent DAF’ was specially prepared for the CLOCS (Construction Industry & Cyclist Safety) progress event. The other four same-spec trucks are already on the road and operating out of Martin Brower’s Hemel Hempstead base. All vehicles are being supplied through DAF Dealer HTC in Oxford and are acquired with DAF MultiSupport R&M packages on a six-year arrangement. Further specification reinforcing Martin Browers’ environmental credentials include DAF’s Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System and Vehicle Stability Control. Supplementary equipment includes Maple 360-degree camera monitoring system, forward facing cameras and nearside ultrasonic scan system. Photo gallery - http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/transport-engineer-news/mcdonalds-lovin-it-with-daf-quiet-clocs-trucks/117057/

Volvo Group reaffirms local commitment with new national HQ Trucks.com / March 23, 2016 Global president and CEO Martin Lundstedt has reaffirmed Volvo Group’s commitment to the Australian market, turning the first sod on a new $30 million headquarters and dealership in Brisbane. Launching construction of the facility at the Metroplex Westgate business park, within reach of the Wacol assembly plant, the global chief says the company "has a very bright future here." "Volvo has been building trucks in Brisbane for more than 40 years," Lundstedt says. "Wacol is the largest truck assembly plant in Australia and its dedicated workforce has enabled Volvo Group Australia to become the largest truck-builder in the country." The Wacol area, which currently holds five company sites, will employ over half of Volvo Group Australia’s national workforce with the addition of the new headquarters next year. Utilising solar power, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting, Volvo says the energy-efficient facility will include a new VCV Brisbane South dealership and a paint and panel workshop. Lundstedt says the Volvo Group has invested over $27 million in local manufacturing in recent times, showing its "great confidence in the Australian business." "I appreciate that manufacturing in Australia has been in decline for a number of years, as it has in many other countries, but the outlook for our business is strong," he says. With the highest national market share of any truck manufacturer at 26.2 per cent, Volvo Group Australia president Peter Voorhoeve says producing Volvo and Mack trucks in Wacol is an advantage. "Australia is the toughest trucking environment in the world and it makes sense for us to build locally the specific trucks that the market demands," Voorhoeve says. "In Australia trucks carry heavier loads for longer distances and in higher temperatures than anywhere else in the world. "Our team has obviously developed a great understanding of what the Australian transport industry needs and the investment being made here demonstrates how positive we are about the future." The company produces the Volvo FH, FM, and FMX in Wacol, along with the Mack Granite, Metro-Liner, Super-Liner, Trident, and Titan. The new facility, which will be home to Mack, Renault, UD, and Volvo truck brands within Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and the South Pacific Islands, is scheduled to open in late-2017. Photo gallery - http://www.tradetrucks.com.au/product-news/1603/volvo-group-reaffirms-local-commitment-with-new-national-hq/

Global Volvo Group CEO breaks ground for new Brisbane headquarters Prime Mover Magazine / March 22, 2016 Key Volvo staff and leading industry personalities gathered in Brisbane yesterday to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Volvo Group Australia’s (VGA) new $30 million headquarters at the Metroplex Westgate business park. Once finished, the new development will also be home to a new flagship dealership and directly overlook the busy Ipswich Motorway, which is frequented by close to 100,000 vehicles per day. The ceremony was attended by the Volvo Group’s new global President and CEO, Martin Lundstedt and UD Trucks’ Executive Chairman, Joachim Rosenberg, as well as the Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, Per Ahlberger, and Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Chair, Noelene Watson. “Volvo has been building trucks in Brisbane for more than 40 years and has a bright future here,” said Lundstedt, who also toured VGA’s Wacol assembly plant yesterday and went out for a drive in a Mack Titan. “Wacol is the largest truck assembly plant in Australia and its dedicated workforce has enabled VGA to become the largest truck builder in the country. “I appreciate that manufacturing in Australia has been in decline for a number of years, as it has been in many other countries, but the outlook for our business is strong. Agreed VGA President and CEO, Peter Voorhoeve: “This is an exciting moment for us, and not just because the new head office will bring together people from various sites across Brisbane and allow us to work more efficiently as one team. “Most importantly, we are building a new dealership here, which shows that looking after our customers will remain our primary focus as a group.” Voorhoeve added that the Australian economy was still growing at a healthy 2.5 per cent, “a figure many European countries would love to see. I believe with that in mind, you can still do good business in Australia and work profitably.” As part of his first-ever visit to Australia, newly appointed global CEO Lundstedt made sure to display a distinct local edge during the ceremony, indicating his leadership style would be pragmatic and “focused on delivering”. “We have done some great work setting up the Volvo Group globally, and I think we are in a very good space right now. But, economies of scale is one of the most overrated terms in history,” he said – pointing out that VGA’s combined market share of 26.2 per cent would now make it the “market leader” in Australia. “We’re a hands-on business and focus on what matters, both globally and locally.” Lundstedt also reaffirmed his commitment to the UD brand, saying it was “extremely important” to the Volvo Group. “Although we are open to find strategic alliances where we think it’s beneficial for everyone, we stand behind the brand and are absolutely committed to the range that we currently have.” Photo gallery - http://www.primemovermag.com.au/news/article/global-volvo-group-ceo-breaks-ground-for-new-brisbane-headquarters

Manufacturer’s Monthly / March 23, 2016 Volvo’s global CEO has backed manufacturing in Australia, turning the first sod on a new $30 million headquarters and dealership in Wacol, Queensland. Volvo made over 2,000 trucks last year and has a 26.2 per cent of the local market. It has been operating at Wacol since 1972. Martin Lunstedt, Volvo’s new president and CEO, said that the integrated nature of the company in Australia was important to its success. “We see the benefits (of doing business in Australia), it is not about a must have, it is about what we want to have in order to serve our customers better,” Lundstedt told The Australian. “It’s not only the manufacturing, it’s also the engineering footprint. That engineering footprint is also important to have the right solutions for the Australian and New Zealand market.” The Australian Industry Group’s national manufacturing director Mark Goodsell said the investment was good news. "It's great to see a prestigious and successful international company supporting local manufacturing and backing the skills and commitment of Australian managers and workers," he told Big Rigs. Despite the downturn in local car making – with Ford to end their Australian manufacturing operations this year, followed by Holden and Toyota next year – truck manufacturing continues to perform strongly. .

MAN Truck & Bus Press Release / March 22, 2016 Low fuel consumption and total cost of ownership convinced the haulier The Malaysian Lee Ting San Group (LTS Group) has expanded its fleet for long-distance haulage considerably, with 70 MAN TGS 19.360 4x2 BLS tractor units. LTS opted for the MAN TGS due to its low total cost of ownership (TCO) and high reliability. Justifying the choice of this vehicle, Lee Kah Chye, CEO of the LTS Group, said: “The MAN TGS convinced us with its performance, payload and low fuel consumption. In addition, the vehicle is convenient and easy to operate, which is greatly appreciated by our long-distance drivers.” Another argument that convinced the CEO was the close proximity of the company’s headquarters to the MAN subsidiary in Prai, which reduced the time needed for maintenance and servicing, which in turn benefits the vehicle capacity utilisation and operating life of the trucks. Hartmut Müller, managing director of MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd was thrilled at the handover: “The order from the LTS Group shows that MAN meets the customer’s stringent requirements for fuel-efficient and economic vehicles.” In comparison to other tractor units available on the Malaysian market, the MAN TGS offers an extra 360 kg of payload. With the dynamic and economical D20 Common Rail engine, the MAN TGS 19.360 with the L cab has proven itself, both on asphalt roads as well as on gravel. Driver comfort is enhanced by the automated 12-gear MAN TipMatic® gearbox, the spacious L cab with a bunk, and the good visibility. Located in Prai, the LTS Group is a logistics service provider with a dense network of locations in Malaysia and also provides international transportation services, for instance to Singapore and Thailand. With a fleet of almost 1000 vehicles, the LTS Group serves well-known customers like DHL, Schlumberger, Dell and KLM. Photo gallery - http://www.corporate.man.eu/en/press-and-media/presscenter/Handover-of-70-MAN-TGS-to-the-Malaysian-road-haulage-firm-LTS-Group-240512.html

Transport Engineer / March 22, 2016 Bulk excavation and muck shift business Penfold Verrall has expanded its 30-strong fleet with a repeat order for six Iveco Trakker Hi-Road 8x4 tippers. Iveco dealer Northern Commercials finalised the deal and the last of the six Trakkers (AD340T41K) is expected to arrive at the Horsham-based operato in July. Managing director Darren Lynch says the Iveco Trakker was “the natural choice”. “As well as being a very robust and powerful truck, our drivers love the Trakker for its sheer dependable, sure-footed nature – especially when coping with the muddy, rough roads the fleet typically hits when working on construction sites and landfill facilities. Of the different brands represented in our fleet, Iveco’s tippers cope with these challenging conditions the best. “The Trakker is tailor made for the job, and thanks to the vehicles’ low total cost of ownership, we’re certainly going to get maximum performance and longevity out of our new tippers,” Lynch adds. Bodybuilder Thompsons has been contracted to provide the tipper bodies for the order, with one Trakker also equipped with a Palfinger Epsilon grab crane. The new trucks are each powered by a Cursor 13 engine, producing 410bhp between 1,400 and 1,900 rpm, delivering 2,100 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 1,400 rpmn. The vehicles also have the ZF EuroTronic automated gearbox. The vehicles also feature Iveco’s Hi-SCR system, which offers weight reduction and optimised fuel consumption, meeting Euro 6 emissions limits via a simplified after-treatment system, and without the use of exhaust gas recirculation. The 8x4s will be in service for five years, working five days per week and clocking up approximately 60,000 miles each annually. Photo gallery - http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/transport-engineer-news/penfold-verrall-digs-in-with-repeat-order-for-iveco-trakkers/116986/

Commercial Motor TV - sponsored by DAF Trucks / March 22, 2016

Scania Group Press Release / March 22, 2016 On 29 March, three extra-long trucks will embark from Scania in Södertälje, Sweden, to drive in a close convoy to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The initiative is being driven by the Netherlands, which currently holds the EU Presidency, and aims to fast-track the development of truck convoys. These convoys have the potential for increasing safety, as well as reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in all long-haulage road transport operations. Scania is one of several stakeholders taking part in the European Truck Platooning Challenge, with involvement from 29 March to 6 April 2016. The Challenge is the world’s first cross-border initiative of its kind. The project is also supported by ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The objective is to accelerate the development of convoy-driving corridors within Europe, to increase cross-border cooperation, and to pave the way for EU legislative changes. Jonas Hofstedt, Head of Powertrain Development at Scania, says that “the European Truck Platooning Challenge is an excellent opportunity for us to increase awareness in both Sweden and Europe of the major advantages provided by vehicle convoys in achieving safer and more efficient transport operations and in improving traffic flows. We also hope to increase understanding of the fact that common standards are required for the different support systems, and that joint European legislation is required in order to enable large-scale convoy driving.” Scania has taken the lead with new concepts for convoy driving, developing truck combinations that can drive with only a short distance between them, in what is known as platooning. The first vehicle in the convoy acts as the ‘leader’ which the others follow and adapt to. Over the years, Scania has used platooning in its own transport operations, demonstrating that by reducing drag it is possible to achieve fuel savings of up to 10 percent in real traffic conditions. Many trucks are presently equipped with radar and camera-based systems that enable vehicles to maintain shorts distances to vehicles ahead. With enhanced communications vehicles in a convoy can maintain a close but safe distance from each other, which can be as little as 10 metres (32.8 feet). This is achieved through the use of advanced technology in which the vehicles are digitally connected to each other with advanced software regulating the distance between the vehicles and simultaneously applying the brakes when necessary. The drivers in the convoys are always responsible for their vehicles’ support systems and can at any time leave the convoy or increase the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary, for example to help other drivers exit on the motorway. For the leg between Södertälje and Malmö in Sweden, the Scania truck and trailer combinations will be driven with an extra trailer, taking their total individual lengths to 32 metres (105 feet). “Longer vehicle combinations are something that we’re already testing on some stretches of road and with which we are achieving good results,” says Hofstedt. “Adding an extra trailer increases the amount of goods in every transport movement, reducing per tonne-kilometre costs by 40 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by more than one-quarter.” Scania is also continuing to invest substantial research resources in accelerating the introduction of connected heavy-vehicles and related infrastructure. At the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Scania and Ericsson announced a new joint research initiative in this area.

Volvo’s Nyberg: New offerings open doors of opportunity Fleet Owner / March 23, 2016 A range of improvements to its D11 and D13 truck engines, along with vocational enhancements to its I-Shift automated manual transmission (AMT) and other new product offerings are expected to help position Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) to capture more business in the “soft” commercial vehicle sales environment ahead. “They really open to the door of opportunity for us in segments where want to grow,” explained Gӧran Nyberg, VTNA’s president, to Fleet Owner here in Hagerstown MD at the company’s powertrain assembly plant. He said the addition of “crawler gears” to the I-Shift AMT will provide a “bang-on opportunity” to gain more business from vocational segments, especially heavy haul. “We have a great vocational [truck] product in the VNX,” Nyberg stressed. He added that the fuel efficiency and performance enhancements for the 2017 iterations of the OEM’s D11 and D13 engines will allow Volvo to “cast a wider net” in terms of gaining more customers in petrochemical, bulk haul, flatbed, regional, LTL, plus pickup-and-delivery applications. “It is a new year and the market has slowed down,” Nyberg said. “The super-hot market of 300,000 trucks last year will now lead to a softer year ahead. So now it is all about finding fuel efficiency, driver productivity and [vehicle] uptime for customers.” Wade Long, Volvo’s director of product marketing, noted during the Hagerstown event – which marks the start of a rolling two-week product introduction process for the OEM’s dealers – that all of those enhancements should widen the appeal of Volvo’s powertrain options among fleets seeking fuel efficiency and lighter weights without compromising on performance. In terms of the price tag associated with those new product offerings, Nyberg would only say that “any new feature comes with a value proposition, so price will be based on the benefit offered to our customers.” Yet John Moore, Volvo’s product marketing manager for powertrain, noted that the return on investment (ROI) specific engine enhancements, such as the D13 engine equipped with turbo compounding should be fairly quick. “We expect it to offer an ROI of one and half years,” he said. And such savings are no longer limited to just over-the-road customers, either, he stressed, especially when it comes to the crawler gear option for the I-Shift. “Dump truck and [concrete] mixer fleets want to get into fuel savings,” Moore said. “With the I-Shift they can now go down the highway with lower engine RPMs.” That’s because the crawler gear-equipped I-Shift can reduce rear axle ratios down to 3.14 or even 3.08 compared to typical ratios in the vocational segment of 4.10. “That means you can experience an up to 4% fuel savings when driving [vocational trucks] on the highway.”

Volvo Refines 2017 Engines, Adds Crawler-Gear Option for I-Shift Heavy Duty Trucking / March 22, 2016 Volvo Trucks’ 2017-model engines will include more efficient fuel and combustion systems and, in one model, turbo compounding to add power, responsiveness and fuel economy, officials said Tuesday at a press event at Volvo Group’s powertrain plant in Hagerstown, Md. They also described a compact One Box exhaust aftertreatment system and an improved I-Shift automated manual transmission with optional crawler gears for heavy hauling and severe vocational service. The products will be phased into production at the plant starting this fall and into next year. Engines will include refined D11 and D13 diesels and a previously improved D16, said Wade Long, product marketing director. The 10.8-liter D11 will get a top rating of 425 hp, up from the current 405 hp. The 12.8-liter D13's 455-hp rating will add 100 lb-ft, going to 1,850 lb-ft. A turbo compounded D13 TC will have a second turbocharger linked via fluid coupling and a geartrain to the crankshaft, grabbing otherwise wasted energy from the exhaust to gain as much as 50 hp and 4% in fuel economy. It’s designed for long-hauling at steady highway speeds, mostly 65 mph, he said. So the TC will be offered on sleeper-cab VN models when it becomes available in mid 2017. The new D11 goes into production in January, while the improved D13 will enter production in October. The D11 will deliver 2.2% better fuel economy than the current model, while the D13 gains 2.5%. Adding turbo compounding’s 4% gain means the D13 TC will be as much as 6.5% better in highway service. When spec’d with Volvo’s XE (for eXceptional Efficiency) “downspeeding” package and a 2.47 rear axle ratio, a D13 TC will cruise as low as 1,050 rpm in top gear at 65 mph, Long said. XE includes Volvo’s I-Shift automated transmission. Pricing was not disclosed, but an investment in the TC option will pay off in about 18 months, other officials said. The 2017 D11 and D13 feature a “new wave” piston that increases the compression ratio to 17 to 1 (from 16 to 1) for better fuel efficiency. Improved flame propogation and combustion reduces soot, while pistons are treated to lower friction between them and cylinder walls. A common-rail fuel system is packaged under the new split valve cover for protection and easier servicing. One Box, I-Shift The One Box aftertreatment system weighs less and is 12 inches shorter than the current “teapot” system, so takes less frame space. The diesel particulate filter’s substrate can be more quickly removed for cleaning or replacement. I-Shift for 2017 gets new hardware and software, and its clutch has larger dampening springs to better absorb torsional vibrations and improve the clutch's overall durability. A new I-See system enables predictive cruise control for more efficient hill climbing and descending. I-See uses sensors and GPS positioning to recognize previously traveled routes to help manage the throttle, engagement of EcoCoast freewheeling and use of the engine brake. The I-Shift's optional crawler gears add one or two low-low ratios to aid starting on upgrades for heavy combination vehicles and vocational trucks, making the 12-speed transmission into 13- or 14-speed gearboxes, Long said. The 13’s crawler ratio is 17.54 to 1 and the 14’s are 19.38 to 1 and 32 to 1. The gears are contained in a back section just ahead of the bell housing. The crawler-gear section adds 5 inches to length and 90 pounds to a 12-speed I-Shift’s 720 pound weight. Gears and other hardware have been hardened to withstand frequent shifting under harsh conditions. Concrete mixer trucks which have to creep while pouring curbs are among the vocations suitable for the crawler gear-equipped I-Shift, “and we’re ready to attack the vocational market,” Long commented. Current I-Shifts now go into nearly 83% of Volvo trucks, mostly highway tractors, said Gӧran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America, who was at the press event. Volvo diesels go into almost 93%. “The success of Volvo’s proprietary powertrain components is a direct result of the Hagerstown facility and its distinctive combination of powertrain engineering and manufacturing in one campus,” said. “These unique capabilities had a significant impact on the development of our updated 2017 powertrain, which will no doubt further our leadership in integrated powertrain technology.” Photo gallery - http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2016/03/volvo-refines-2017-engines-adds-crawler-gear-option-for-i-shift.aspx

Volvo Introduces New Engine, Powertrain Enhancements Transport Topics / March 22, 2016 Volvo Trucks North America has introduced a suite of new products, including 2017 engines as well as powertrain enhancements with the common goals of enhancing customers’ fuel efficiency and driver experience. For the engine, the 11-liter and 13-liter models, known as D11 and D13, were rolled out in addition to the D13 with turbo compounding during a tour of the Hagerstown, Maryland, engine and powertrain plant. Fuel-efficiency improvements were reported at 2.2% for the D11, 2.5% for the D13 and 6.5% for the model with turbo compounding, when compared with previous generation engines. “Volvo engineered multiple engine enhancements to provide customers with the needed fuel savings without sacrificing power and performance,” Volvo Trucks North America President Göran Nyberg said in a statement. The 11-liter enhancements include a common-rail fuel system designed for quieter operations. Other upgrades are new wave pistons, a two-speed coolant pump, two-piece valve cover, higher horsepower and an assembled camshaft. Together, they are meant to replicate performance of earlier generation 13-liter engines. January 2017 availability is targeted for the 11-liter engine, a statement said. Horsepower is being increased nearly 5% to 425. The D13 model, targeted for shorter-distance services such as pickup and delivery runs, offers enhancements similar to the 11-liter, including 6% higher torque, giving drivers more freedom in downspeeding. Availability is planned for October. The model with turbo compounding is designed for highway operation. It converts wasted exhaust heat into 50 additional horsepower, which is transferred back into the engine, John Moore, marketing product manager, said during the tour of the plant. The model with turbo compounding, slated for availability in mid-2017, is designed to cruise at 300 rpm less than today’s typical truck, said Wade Long, director of product marketing. One percentage point of that turbo compounding improvement is tied to a driveline with a 2.47 rear axle ratio. Moore estimated the potential savings using turbo compounding at $231,000 annually for a 75-truck fleet running 125,000 miles per vehicle at 7 mpg, assuming $2.65 per gallon for diesel. In addition, Volvo is beginning production on the D16, a 16-liter engine targeted to heavy-haul and vocational fleets, offering as much as 600 hp and up to 2,050 pound-feet of torque. Production of the D16 will begin in January. At the same time the new products were announced, Nyberg described 2016 “as a new year with new challenges." "We see a softer year ahead of us. The first quarter has been extra soft, but we still expect to have one of the better [sales] years in North America," Nyberg said. “We are not stopping at engines,” said Long, explaining that I-Shift “crawler gears” will be available on the D16. The new gearing is designed to improve fuel efficiency during slow-speed paving and pouring of concrete. Another change is replacement of a two-box exhaust aftertreatment with a one-box approach that is designed to speed maintenance. “These new Volvo powertrain enhancements incorporate our innovative engineering and technology expertise with our focus on meeting customers’ needs to offer them the best possible solutions for the best possible return on investment,” Nyberg said. Operations also are being enhanced by the U.S. introduction next year of a predictive cruise control technology known as I-See, which Moore said was designed to consistently maximize fuel efficiency, since drivers’ performance varies during a shift. The feature that works together with the I-Shift transmission is designed to store the topography for 4,500 hills. The intent, he said, is to find the right combination of gearing and power for climbing, cresting and rolling downhill. “Drivers are now going to get more power for less fuel spent,” Moore said. The latest announcements also focused on weight reductions, such as 17 pounds less for the one-box exhaust after-treatment system [what has already long been used in the global market].

Volvo Trucks brings unveils new powertrain enhancements Green Car Congress / March 22, 2016 Volvo Trucks North America launched several new integrated powertrain solutions, offering increased fuel efficiency, productivity, reliability, packaging, comfort and uptime. Volvo’s new powertrain offerings include multiple engine enhancements, such as turbo compounding for the Volvo D13 engine; the introduction of Volvo I-Shift with Crawler Gears automated manual transmission; and a one-box Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EATS). As a result of the improvements, Volvo is delivering between 2.2 to 6.5% better fuel efficiency with the 2017 engines compared with the previous generation. Volvo engine enhancements For the first time in the North American market, Volvo’s 2017 D13 engine will be available with turbo compounding, a technology that recovers wasted exhaust heat and converts it to useable mechanical energy that is transferred back into the engine. The result of this recovered energy is up to a 6.5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with previous engine models. Applications that benefit most from turbo compounding include long-haul, steady-state driving. In another first, Volvo’s XE—eXceptional Efficiency—powertrain package with the D13 turbo compounding engine will be available to customers desiring to run in top gear in states and provinces that have 55 mph (89 km/h) speed limits. Through downspeeding, XE allows the engine to cruise at up to 300 rpm less than the average truck sold today—significantly improving fuel efficiency. More than 27% of all Volvo models sold in 2015 featured an XE package. Volvo’s 2017 11-liter D11 engine and the 2017 D13 both received numerous updates designed to improve fuel efficiency. An updated EGR flow sensor has a new double-wall casing that reduces condensation and soot buildup in cold weather, preventing downtime. A low-pressure fuel system features an improved aftertreatment dosing module that is integrated into the fuel filter housing for easier serviceability. Upgrades to the two-speed coolant pump for both engines also improve fuel efficiency as a result of reduced parasitic losses. The new intake throttle enables a faster warmup when the engine is started. The 2017 Volvo D11 offers up to 425 hp (317 kW) and 1,550 lb-ft (2,102 N·m) of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower. The engine also delivers up to a 2.2% fuel efficiency improvement compared with the previous D11 engine. With the right blend of power and a lighter weight, the D11 is suited for regional, less than truckload (LTL) and pickup-and-delivery applications. The D11 is available in Volvo VN daycabs, VNM 430 and VNL 430 sleeper models, VAH and VHD models. The 2017 Volvo D13 features a new wave piston, which increases the compression ratio and maximizes fuel efficiency. Improved flame propagation reduces soot, while also increasing cylinder efficiency. The updated D13, available in the Volvo VN, VHD and VAH models, offers a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 2.5% compared to the previous D13. These engine enhancements were also included in the 2017 Volvo D13 with turbo compounding. The 16-liter Volvo D16, the largest engine in its class, offers power and reliability for hauling heavy loads, with horsepower ranging from 500 to 600 (373 to 447 kW), with 1,650 lb-ft (2,237 N·m) to 2,050 lb-ft (2,779 N·m) of torque. Available in the VNL and VNX models, the D16 is suited for line-haul and heavy-haul operations.

Related Volvo press releases: http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/volvo%20group/worldwide/volvo-group-north-america/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=151633&News.Language=en-gb http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/volvo%20group/worldwide/volvo-group-north-america/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=151634&News.Language=en-gb http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/volvo%20group/worldwide/volvo-group-north-america/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=151636&News.Language=en-gb http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/volvo%20group/worldwide/volvo-group-north-america/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=151637&News.Language=en-gb

Fleet Owner / March 22, 2016 New 2017 engines get 2.2% to 6.5% better fuel efficiency versus previous generation Retooled engines and a variety of transmission and total powertrain enhancements are on the way from Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) later this year and on into 2017. Volvo’s retooled D11 engine features a 2.2% fuel efficiency improvement versus the previous 2014 model along with several enhancements: a new two-piece valve cover; new common rail fuel system that helps boost fuel savings while quieting the engine; new wave pistons that improve fuel/oxygen mix for cleaner burning; an assembled camshaft that reduces weight by 27 lbs.; shimless rockers; and a power boost to 425 hp. Volvo said the new D11 production will start in January 2017 Volvo’s revamped 2017 D13 engine offers a 2.5% fuel efficiency gain versus its 2014 predecessor, using the same new common-rail fuel system, wave pistons, and assembled camshaft as found in the 2017 model D11, along with a new two-speed coolant pump on XE models that boosts fuel economy by 0.5%. Volvo is also offering 100 ft.-lbs. of extra torque for the 455 hp of this engine, increasing overall torque to 1,850 lb.-ft. Production for the new D13 will begin in October this year. In mid-2017, Volvo plans to roll out a D13 engine featuring turbo-compounding, which adds another 50 hp via waste heat recovery, offering a further 3% fuel economy boost versus the “regular” 2017 D13 model. “This will allow fleets to cruise down highway in one extra gear, further improving fuel efficiency,” noted Wade Long, Volvo’s director of product marketing. He added the D13 with turbo compounding will be aimed at highway applications where steady-state speeds offer the best environment to maximize fuel savings. Long noted that no major changes are being made to the 2017 D16 model compared its previous 2014 iteration, with the D16 maintaining its iron-zeolite catalyst, eliminating the need for sulfur regeneration. Production for the tweaked 2017 D16 model begins in January 2017. Volvo is also rolling out other enhancements to its aftertreament system and I-shift automated manual transmission (AMT) for 2017: - A new one-box exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS) that combines a diesel particulate filter (DPF) with the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) doser into a single unit. - That EATS package also features a new copper-zeolite coating that improves low temperature oxides of nitrogen (NOx ) conversion for improved emissions. - The new design configuration results in better thermal performance for improved efficiency, smaller packaging requirements and an approximately 17-pound weight reduction compared with the two-box unit. - The new one-box EATS will be standard on the D11- and D13-equipped powertrains. The two-box solution will remain on the D16. - An I-Shift featuring “Crawler Gears” for applications requiring a slow speed and maneuverability – applications such as concrete mixers with curb-pouring capability, asphalt paving, spreaders, dump trucks, heavy haul and line painters, as well as heavy haul and up to 220,000 lbs. GCW or more with application approval. - One I-Shift with Crawler Gear version features 14 forward gears, including one low crawler gear (19.38 gear ratio) and one ultra-low crawler gear (32.04 gear ratio), which can operate down to 0.6 mph with 3.58 rear axle ratio - The second features 13 forward gears, including one low crawler gear (17.54 ratio). - Available as an overdrive in Volvo VHD, VNX, VNM and VNL models, the I-Shift with Crawler Gears can be spec’d with Volvo D11, D13 and D16 engines. - A new “I-See” system, launched this week in North America, that will work in tandem with the I-Shift transmission. It “learns” the topography of the road, memorizes it and stores it in the transmission for use the next time the driver travels the routes; storing up to 4,500 different hills. - I-See is designed to optimize gear shifting on rolling hills and hilly terrain, building speed before the hill, then curbs speed before the crest, Eco-Rolling down the hill and engine braking if necessary.

Transport Engineer / March 21, 2016 Burnley-based Express Freight Solutions has taken delivery of its first Renault vehicles, two 44-tonne Range T 6x2 tractors – and managing director Mark Jones is now planning to use the new vehicles to incentivise his drivers. The decision came following an impromptu sleepover in the cab of a Range T at Truckfest, as Jones explains: “I was actually sleeping in a tent at Truckfest, so when a member of the Renault Trucks team said I could spend the night in the cab of a Range T, I jumped at the chance. “I couldn’t believe how comfortable it was; it was better than my own bed at home! Seriously, though, I was so impressed by the Range T and the overall package on offer that I decided to bite the bullet and buy my first-ever Renault trucks.” Supplied by dealer JDS Truck & Van Blackburn, the new vehicles join Express Freight’s 95-strong fleet. “I know that drivers are getting pickier in terms of what vehicles they want to drive, but my boys have been bowled over by the new Range Ts which are currently being used for pallet and chilled distribution,” says Jones. “That’s why I’m introducing a reward system for drivers that stay with us for a certain period of time and consistently do a good job – I will start buying new Range Ts for them to drive.” Photo gallery - http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/transport-engineer-news/express-freight-incentivises-drivers-with-renault-trucks/116939/

Fleet Owner / March 21, 2016 ConMet (Consolidated Metco) has added a new lightweight version of its TruTurn brake drum. Called TruTurn Lite, the new brake drum is designed and manufactured to be up to 10% lighter than standard drums without sacrificing strength and performance. “All of the attributes that have made TruTurn one of the best brake drums on the market are built into TruTurn Lite,” explains Beto Dantas, ConMet’s VP of Marketing, Strategy, and Innovation. “And, just like TruTurn, these new drums are constructed using our own “turned-to-balance” process, which makes them run smoother, cooler and longer.” ConMet’s “Turned-to-Balance” machining process improves drum strength by eliminating the need for weld-on weights and balance cuts. Not only does this process make our drums stronger, but it creates other advantages such as uniform thermal expansion for reduced brake pulsing, and improved heat transfer, so the drum and its linings stay cool. Braking force is more evenly distributed, and occurrences of vibration and “judder” are minimized. With each stop, TruTurn brake drums maintain lower temperatures, improving both durability and brake performance. Traditional cast brake drums are only machined on the inside, which can cause inconsistencies in the walls of the drum and lead to drum cracking from ‘hot spots’ and uneven heat distribution. TruTurn Lite brake drums are machined inside and out, so 95% of their surface area is precisely shaped to ensure dimensional consistency. The new brake drum will be available beginning May 1. http://www.conmet.com/products/brake-drums/truturn-lite-brake-drums/ FYI - ConMet (Consolidated Metals Co) started out in 1964 as the Portland-based aluminum foundry subsidiary of Consolidated Freightways, producing the company's aluminum truck components. Many here will also remember the ConMet fuel/water separator. Sold from 1965 into the 1990s, it was a Mack factory option.

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Daimler Blueprints the Connected Truck Heavy Duty Trucking / March 21, 2016 “If you asked me to blueprint the connected truck,” said Wolfgang Bernhard, head of Daimler Trucks and Buses, “I’d say ‘this truck will always be driving, it will always be fully loaded, never be stuck in a traffic jam, it will never fail, and it will be piloted by a happy driver.” He added that with such a truck, there would be no paperwork, accidents or breakdowns – before admitting he is “well aware that we might never completely get there. But it’s the direction we’re taking. At full speed. And with a hot heart.” The occasion was Monday's "Campus Connectivity" event, where the German truck maker unveiled what it says is the first semi-autonomous truck platooning system, Highway Pilot Connect. Bernhard also conceded that connectivity is a fuzzy term. “Autonomous driving is easy to explain,” he said to a large audience that included journalists drawn from 36 countries. “The driver takes his hands off the wheel, his feet off the pedals — and that’s it. Connectivity is not so easy to explain.” Indeed, a definition of connectivity offered by Daimler describes it as much more than integrating truck-generated data: “Connectivity is when everyone communicates with everyone and everything else, to the benefit of all parties involved… [it’s] when all those participating in this tight-knit communication network receive the correct information at the right time and in the right place.” In this case, it’s all about connecting trucks to the Internet of Things (IoT). That’s techie shorthand for the vast and growing network of electronic devices that gather and exchange data. For truck makers, connectivity is not just a buzzword. Daimler, for one, sees connectivity as the means to leverage the data generated and shared by trucks to radically transform transportation logistics. Its reason for doing so is lofty as well: to benefit everyone from truckers to shippers to motorists and everything from the economy to the environment. Pointing to ever-increasing freight volumes on the one hand and road networks that “will not triple,” Bernhard said the challenge ahead for logistics is huge. On the other hand, he argued that “logistics takes place in a big network with the truck in its center… So far, the connections of this network are sketchy; sometimes they barely exist. [That’s] because the flow of information — of real-time information — is weak. The consequence is a waste of resources.” By contrast, he said that now “a revolution” is taking place. “We have a vision of the future where the entire transportation process is completely seamless. Where the flow of goods on the road is mirrored by a flow of information from the Internet in real time. Where the connected truck is the main data node at the center of the logistics network.” That’s the big picture. Bernhard predicted that over time, “connectivity will create a whole new universe of applications,” which will improve everything from fuel efficiency to load and route planning, loading/unloading times, empty miles, traffic congestion, border/customs clearance, insurance rates, and driver productivity and job satisfaction. Daimler pointed out that connectivity will involve advancing both vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications. The autonomous or “self-driving” truck is also part of the OEM’s picture, as it requires full-scale connectivity in the form of V2V communications to function. The company started down the connectivity road 30 years ago when its Prometheus research project “laid the foundations for today's fully networked vehicle.” More recently, Daimler showcased its Highway Pilot autonomous vehicle technology in two trucks, the Mercedes Benz Actros cabover, for European and other markets, and its North American counterpart, the Freightliner Inspiration Truck. The Freightliner Inspiration, based on the Cascadia production model, was the first autonomous truck to gain approval to operate on public roads, in 2015, thanks to the State of Nevada. Shortly after, a standard Mercedes-Benz Actros equipped with Highway Pilot was approved to run on German public roads as a test vehicle. It’s permitted to drive on all Autobahns in semi-automated mode. That means that while the vehicle drives autonomously, the driver must constantly monitor the system and be able to take control at any time. At its international media event in Dusseldorf on March 21, Daimler showed off its next advance in autonomous vehicles, the Highway Pilot Connect system, It enables several autonomously driving trucks — including the lead unit — to temporarily platoon as desired. A vehicle can pull out of the platoon at any time and equipped trucks can join the platoon at any time. Daimler called the Highway Pilot Connect extension “a further step in the rapid progress towards the transport system of tomorrow.”

Fleet Owner / March 21, 2016 Autobahn demonstration in traffic kicks off new focus on global connectivity services and solutions. “The hottest ‘things’ going online now are trucks,” according to Wolfgang Bernhard, head of Daimler Truck & Bus. “Connected trucks … will transform transportation completely,” he said during a press briefing. The highlight of the event was a public demonstration of the company’s latest connectivity technologies with a live truck platoon running down the A52 Autobahn in daytime traffic. An extension of Daimler Truck’s Highway Pilot semi-autonomous driving system, Highway Pilot Connect allowed three tractor-trailers to couple into a platoon and switch control of the two following trucks to autonomous steering, accelerating and braking. The demonstration included have a car cut between the two semi-autonomous trucks, which reacted by lengthening the following distance from 15 meters to 50 meters until the car left that lane. At that point, the trucks adjusted following distances to 15 meters again without any input from the drivers. While “autonomous driving is easy to explain,” Bernhard said, “Connectivity … is more complex.” It holds the promise of solving underutilized truck capacity, improving traffic congestion, improving logistics efficiency and making drivers’ lives better, he said. “Soon, these problems can be problems of the past. We have the solution at hand – connectivity. “This truck will always be driving, it will always be fully loaded, never be stuck in a traffic jam, it will never fail, and it will be piloted by a happy driver,” Bernhard said. Daimler Truck has received German government permission to continue testing its truck platooning technology on an autobahn corridor between Lake Constance and Würzburg. Company officials also referred to similar testing in the U.S. in the near future, but refused to provide further details. “Connectivity is being fully embraced by our company,” the Daimler Truck head said. “We have understood its potential and we are determined to realize it. Everything is set to launch those ideas into the market.” As part of that embrace, Bernhard announced the formation of a separate division to focus on digital solutions and services for the entire truck group. It will be staffed with 200 employees and will coordinate efforts with Detroit Connect in North America. Daimler Trucks Press Release - http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-614341-1-1892815-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-1549054-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1458635949446

Trucks.com / March 21, 2016 Fresh from examining the 1975 White 4000, Matt Wood takes a closer look at its Highway 31 competition, the brand-new Western Star 4900FX My recent blast-from-the-past drive of the White 4000 may have left me with ringing ears and a numb shoulder but it was also hard to get the smile off my face. However, I was transported back to the present day with a first look at our Detroit-powered Western Star 4900FX. Behind those traditional looks, this gleaming prime mover has been loaded up with the latest in gizmos available from the Penske stable. Behind the gleaming King Bars bullbar is a 560hp Detroit DD15, and behind that is an Eaton UltraShift automated transmission. This ‘Star also features a four-camera blind spot display, electronic stability control, keyless entry, and push button start. Funnily enough the old White also features push button start! A massive walk-through Stratosphere Starlight sleeper adds some acreage to the cab area, which also features leather-clad driver and passenger seats. Liberal doses of chrome and stainless round out the package, along with some custom pipes. It’s a bloody nice looking rig. So while I roll along reminiscing about where trucking has come from, this 4900 represents the present and future of North American truck technology. Quick test of the 4900 I didn’t get to spend much time behind the wheel, but it does take a little while to adjust to the keyless entry and push button starter. Once the Detroit fired up there was a noticeable bark from the flash looking ‘Star through the custom slash back pipes. Every prime mover needs a trailer, so in keeping with the theme we got our hands on the latest Auto Mez Deck drop deck trailer from Freighter, equipped with AutoHold and auto curtains. GM to DD15, tarps and ropes to automatic curtains, manual gearboxes to automated ones, so much has changed in trucking technology over four decades. So we’re going to have a closer look at the ancestor White from the 1970s and the latest in tech from Western Star. We’re going to roll down the Old Hume Highway to relive the old school experience as well as looking at how much has changed with trucks, trailers, and the job of steering them in the 21st century. There’s an old school cool about the old V8 White, but it’s hard to ignore the new age trucking statement made by Western Star with this 4900. Crawl-through versus walk-through, manual versus auto, horsepower versus rpm. We’ll keep you posted as we look to the future by taking a walk down memory lane. To read about Matt's experience with the 1975 White 4000, click here. Photo gallery - http://www.tradetrucks.com.au/features/1603/highway-31-the-western-star-4900/

Trucks on a European tour for platooning Volvo Group Press Release / March 18, 2016 Today marks the start of the Volvo Group’s participation in the European Truck Platooning Challenge. On the initiative of the Dutch Presidency of the EU, three Volvo trucks communicating wirelessly and driving closely behind one another, in a method known as platooning, will travel through Europe to Rotterdam. The aim is to move a step closer to the introduction of platooning in Europe. When trucks can drive closely behind one another, fuel economy is improved as a result of the reduction in drag. Drag accounts for up to 25% of a truck’s total fuel consumption, and the closer the trucks drive to each other, the greater the fuel-saving potential. Using wireless technology, the trucks can drive with only about a one-second gap between the vehicles in a platoon. By communicating with each other, the trucks automatically match each other’s speed and braking. “Essentially, this means that the reaction time for breaking is reduced to zero, which in turn improves safety and minimizes the ‘accordion effect’ in connection with traffic congestion,” says Anders Kellström, Project Manager for Volvo’s participation in the EU Truck Platooning Challenge. It is currently not possible to utilize the advantages of platooning on Europe’s roads, since legislation in the various countries governing the safe driving distance between trucks differs. The Netherlands has initiated the European Truck Platooning Challenge in an effort to discuss and highlight the changes required in European transportation legislation that would facilitate the introduction of platooning. All truck manufacturers in Europe have been invited to drive truck convoys from their respective countries to a final event in Rotterdam in April. The Volvo Group will participate by driving three trucks in a platoon from Gothenburg to Rotterdam in the Netherlands via Denmark, Germany and Belgium. Volvo, in cooperation with the Swedish Transport Administration and the City of Gothenburg, will arrange a seminar in Gothenburg in conjunction with the start of the journey to address the potential to enhance the efficiency of transportation through platooning and autonomous driving. A similar seminar will be arranged by Volvo Trucks in Brussels on April 5, 2016. “We believe that platooning offers major advantages, mainly for our customers, but also for society in the form of fuel savings, reduced emissions and enhanced transportation efficiency. Together with the rest of society, the transportation industry needs to tackle such challenges as the harmonization of legislation, and in so doing promote the introduction of platooning in Europe,” says Anders Kellström.