Volvo Launches New Regional VNR Model

[kscarbel2]

Volvo Trucks to Launch Regional VNR Model

Heavy Duty Trucking  /  April 12, 2017

Saying it will "change antiquated perceptions of what trucks should look like," Volvo Trucks North America will launch its new VNR Regional Haul truck at the ExpoCam show in Montreal later this month, with new streamlined experior styling and features such as a steering wheel that tilts like a car’s.

Volvo says the new truck is groundbreaking in terms of modern design. To gauge impressions of the VNR’s streamlined exterior styling, Volvo recently offered a sneak peek to a few people — none of whom are actors, most with no connection to the trucking industry — and filmed their reactions. The new videos can be seen here and here. (Volvo has had great success on Youtube in the past, most notably with its famous Jean Claude Van Damme video, which showed the actor doing a split atop two European Volvo Globetrotter trucks. The video went viral in the fall of 2013.)

"The VNR is wholly reimagined inside and out. It melds a modern, connected workspace inside the cab with bold exterior lines and optimized dimensions for maximum efficiency," said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. "This is a truck built to deliver the versatility our customers need to face the challenges of the rapidly evolving North American freight network. We expect that the VNR’s bold, dynamic appearance will change antiquated perceptions of what trucks should look like.”

Volvo has been adopting automotive features to help make driving freight vehicles easier and created what it says is a state-of-the-art driving environment to help attract more drivers to the industry. This design philosophy is reflected in a host of new features on the truck, Volvo says, including proprietary steering wheel that tilts like a car’s — the first and only one in the industry, according to the company — more ergonomic seats, an advanced infotainment system and a new instrument cluster with many new functions in the driver information display.

Other new features include an updated version of the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission and Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control that memorizes road topography help shift more efficiently. There will be enhanced passive safety features as well as the Volvo Active Driver Assist, which the company says makes the new VNR the safest Volvo ever.

“Volvo as a brand has always been innovative. We’re always driving progress,” said Nyberg. “Especially in this new Volvo VNR, we wanted to apply technology to meet specific needs articulated by our customers. We’re giving them a better tool to apply to the complexities of their regional haul applications.”

The new Volvo VNR will make its public debut April 20 at ExpoCam in Montreal. HDT's Jim Park will be on hand to cover the unveiling.

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[kscarbel2]

Volvo previews new VNR regional haul model

Fleet Owner  /  April 12, 2017

Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) offered a glimpse of the shape of trucks to come with two preview videos for its new Volvo VNR regional haul model.

“The VNR is wholly reimagined inside and out. It melds a modern, connected workspace inside the cab with bold exterior lines and optimized dimensions for maximum efficiency.  This is a truck built to deliver the versatility our customers need to face the challenges of the rapidly evolving North American freight network” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We expect that the VNR’s bold, dynamic appearance will change antiquated perceptions of what trucks should look like.”

To gauge impressions of the VNR’s streamlined exterior styling, Volvo Trucks mentioned it recently offered a sneak peek to a few people—none of whom are actors, most with no connection to the trucking industry—and filmed their reactions. 

Volvo Trucks noted it has been adopting automotive features to help make driving freight vehicles easier and created a state-of-the-art driving environment to help attract more drivers to the industry. New features include a proprietary steering wheel that tilts like a car’s—the first and only one in the industry—more ergonomic seats, an advanced infotainment system and a new instrument cluster with many new functions in the driver information display.

An updated version of the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission and Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control that memorizes road topography help shift more efficiently. Enhanced passive safety features and Volvo Active Driver Assist makes the new Volvo VNR the safest Volvo ever, according to the company. 

Designed and engineered expressly for regional haul applications, the new Volvo VNR was developed to be adapted to bulk transport, flatbed, liquid tankers, port drayage, and other urban pickup and delivery operations.

“Volvo as a brand has always been innovative. We’re always driving progress,” said Nyberg.  “Especially in this new Volvo VNR, we wanted to apply technology to meet specific needs articulated by our customers. We’re giving them a better tool to apply to the complexities of their regional haul applications.”

The new Volvo VNR will make its public debut April 20 at ExpoCam in Montreal.

[kscarbel2]

Volvo Trucks USA Press Release  /  April 12, 2017

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[BC Mack]

What... nothing from Swishy???, maybe on the 20th then??

LOL

BC Mack

[kscarbel2]

BC, I myself am still trying to interpret the two videos, and guess who their target audience is.

[BC Mack]

I think it should be called the "LSD", those interviewees are definitely on something....!!!

never seen this 'angle' used for a truck launch, hope they didn't use Hillary's advertising agency...

should be about as "exciting" as the NEW Cascadia 

can't wait til Thursday

BC Mack

[Swishy]

My feelings for the 'V'Bus (Volvo) POS seems 2 B well known

Clikity .................................................................................ClikClikClik

 

cya

 

§wishy

[james j neiweem]

Mack C model reborn.

[TeamsterGrrrl]

Volvo really needs to find a new ad agency!

[Dirtymilkman]

These are the pictures I saw so far. Nothing impressive or good looking here. I can't stand the Volvo plastic interior. So cheap and cold looking. 

[41180]

nice to see they spent millions developing this little piece of crap and shelved the d16:/mp 10 .....

[james j neiweem]

Just as ugly as the previous Volvo if not a little more so. Hopefully the new Mack will look better than this pos. The only good looking Volvo is the VHD IMHO.

[Red Horse]

Yawn!

[TeamsterGrrrl]

Not really much new, pretty much just a nose job on a two decades old design. Normally a European maker would be replacing this 90s design for the 2nd time by now, makes one wonder if Volvo is considering leaving the North American market...

[fjh]

On 4/18/2017 at 7:57 AM, kscarbel2 said:

BC, I myself am still trying to interpret the two videos, and guess who their target audience is.

Kev, they showed a bunch of stupid people. That must be the target market! OH WAIT! They are promoting a Volvo! Kind goes without saying.

[RoadwayR]

Look what else was introduced today:

https://www.internationaltrucks.com/trucks/rh-series

Think I will like it better.  Notice only the MAN-based diesel is offered?

 

 

[TeamsterGrrrl]

I like the International better, that sloping hood makes for great visibility. The Scania influence is starting to show in the steering column mounted gearshift/engine brake switch for the automated manuals, looking forward to seeing more MAN and Scania features migrate to International.

[DailyDiesel]

Ummm, the Volvo looks nearly the same as before?

And isn't the International RH just the old ProStar?

Nothing make sense anymore.

[kscarbel2]

Volvo Unveils VNR Regional Tractor

Jim Park, Heavy Duty Trucking  /  April 19, 2017

MONTREAL -- Volvo Truck North America has just added a new regional tractor to its stable. The unveiling took place here Wednesday on the eve of Canada's largest trucking trade show, ExpoCam.

We haven't learned a lot about the truck yet, as the official press conference takes place Thursday morning. Volvo has said it expects the regional and short-haul segments will be areas of growth in the near future, and the VNR is poised to be the truck of choice for that application.

"We have been listening to food retailers and petro-chemical producers, and this is the truck they tell us they have been looking for," said VTNA president Goran Nyberg.

Goran said the industry is shifting toward a hub-and-spoke or a relay-type of operation to attract drivers.

"Many drivers are leaving the industry because they aren't happy being away for weeks at a time," said Nyberg. "Relays and hub-and-spoke will get drivers home regularly and more often, and many fleets are already tailoring there operations that way to attract the best drivers."

Volvo's VNR at a Glance

 The VNR will be available in three configurations:

-VNR 300 basic daycab local service,

-VNR 400 42-in. flat-roof sleeper for regional overnight trips

-VNR 640 61-in. mid-roof sleeper for regional multi-day trips

Design changes to the cab and hood, shorter 113" BBC, better wall-to-wall turning radius, better visibility fore and sides

Three interior trim levels: Fleet, Express and Premier

Volvo D11 engine is standard, 325-425 hp / 1,250-1,550 lb-ft

Volvo D13 engine is optional, 375-500 hp / 1,450-1,850 lb-ft

Transmissions: Volvo I-Shift, Eaton-Fuller 10, 13, 18 or Allison 5-6 speed automatic

The VNR will be available with most of the fuel saving, safety and maintenance features available in the current lineup, such as a downsped drivelines, remote diagnostics and more.

It's not markedly different in appearance, but it has a 113-in. BBC and a more rounded hood and front bumper. There's some styling clearly reminiscent of Volvo's SuperTruck.

We'll have more details on the new VNR after the press conference here on Thursday morning.   

Photos of the launch event here.

[kscarbel2]

Volvo unveils new regional haul tractor

Jim Mele, Fleet Owner  /  April 20, 2017

VNR combines aerodynamics, maneuverabilty, advanced safety and driver comfort

MONTREAL. Echoing aerodynamic styling cues from its long-haul VNL Series, Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) has introduced a new regional tractor. The VNR Series features new interior and exterior designs intended to improve productivity, fuel efficiency, driver comfort and uptime, positioning it for an expected growth in regional hauling applications, according to Goran Nyberg, VTNA president.

Last year regional tractors accounted for 28% of U.S. Class 8 sales and day cabs roughly 40% of total tractor sales, according to figures provided by VTNA. Factors such as the growth of containerized traffic to East Coast ports with the new Panama Canal and a driver shortage pushing fleets to shorter routes and slip-seat operations that get drivers home at night should lead to continued growth in that segment, Nyberg said.

While there will always be a need for long-haul tractors, Wade Long, VTNA's dirctor of product marketing, said those shifting factors could reverse the 60/40 sleeper/day-cab split within the next five years.

The new VNR300 day cab model retains the 113-in BBC length of the Volvo VNM model it is replacing, allowing it to meet various regional overall length restrictions and maintaining maneuverability in tight P&D and urban environments.  It will also be offered in two sleeper versions – the VNR400 with a 42-in flat-roof sleeper and the VNR640 with a 61-in mid-roof sleeper. 

The VNR’s standard engine will be the Volvo D11 with ratings up to 425 hp/1,550 lbs.-ft. torque, and the D13 will also be available for applications that require up to 500 hp and 1,850 lbs.-ft. torque. Both will be matched with the company’s newest generation of the I-Shift 12-spd. automated mechanical transmission, and will be available with 4x2, 6x4 and Volvo’s 6x2 adaptive loading rear axles.

The VNR exterior “brings aerodynamics to a segment that does not typically get them,” Long said at a press conference introducing the new truck. The deeply sloped hood also adds improved forward visibility, while a three-piece bumper wraps in tightly to augment a 50-degree wheel cut for maneuverability. Additionally, flush-mounted integrated LED headlamps are placed on top of the fenders to reduce accidental damage in tight quarters.

The combination of aerodynamics and new Volvo powertrain improvements will deliver up to a 3.5% fuel efficiency gain over the VNM, according to Long.

Inside, the VNR has a completely new interior designed to accommodate a wider variety of drivers as well as ease the frequent exits and entries of local hauling. Highlights include a new steering wheel that not only tilts and telescopes, but can be adjusted by 30-degrees for head tilt and houses up to 19 control buttons. The dash features a 5-in. high-resolution driver information display that can be customized by a driver for relevant alerts and feedback. A separate touchscreen infotainment replaces the radio adding Car Play iOS and Android functions as well as navigation screens and rear view camera display.

The VNR will be offered in three interior trim levels and with seven seat options that include integrated heat and ventilation.  The driver’s seat also features a quick air-release function making it easier for a driver to exit the cab and then return the seat to full pressure. A modular dash rail system can be easily adapted to replace cup holders with a variety of device docks, and there are as many as 12 USB and 12V power connections available.

Like Volvo’s line-haul tractor, the VNR can be optioned with a variety of active safety systems, including its Active Driver Assist adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

VTNA will begin taking orders for the new VNR on May 1, with production scheduled to start in August. The current VNM regional tractor will be phased out of production by the end of the year.

Introducing the VNR to customers at an event during the ExpoCam truck show here, Nyberg acknowledged the forces slowly shifting more freight to regional hauling. “The climate [for trucking] is for sure changing,” he said as they unveiled the truck. “We’re here to help you navigate that change with the Volvo VNR, a completely new and re-imagined regional haul tractor.”

Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/equipment/volvo-trucks-shows-new-vnr-lineup

[kscarbel2]

Volvo Details 'Versatile' New VNR Regional Tractor

Heavy Duty Trucking  /  April 20, 2017

MONTREAL --  After unveiling its new VNR regional tractor, Volvo Trucks provided more details at the Expo Cam trucking trade show ihere on April 20.

Designed to be a versatile regional-haul tractor, the new model features refinements and innovations in aerodynamic design, working environment, engine and transmission options, gearing and loading efficiencies, passive and active safety systems, and integrated connectivity. T

Volco describd the VNR as made to be driven in urban areas for P&D, liquid tanker, dry bulk, flatbed, and other regional-haul applications.

“Our goal with the new VNR was to give our customers a versatile tool to meet their individual needs and challenges in the critical regional-haul market,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Our investment in this new truck is a clear signal of Volvo’s commitment to meeting the needs of regional-haul customers in North America today and in the future.”

As detailed at the unveiling, maneuverability and versatility in tight spaces was a focus in designing the new truck. With a 113-inch bumper to back of cab length, improved sightlines over the hood, and a 50-degree wheel cut, the truck can more easily navigate urban streets. Aerodynamics were also a point of emphasis, aimd at improving fuel economy when on the open road.

“The VNR model is a work truck, but it’s a dynamic, premium work truck, and aerodynamics are greatly important within the regional haul segment,” said Wade Long, director of product marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. “Regional routes often mean traveling at highway speeds, where aerodynamics becomes increasingly important. With the new VNR model, customers will see an overall fuel efficiency gain of up to 3.5% compared with our previous regional haul model.”

The driver’s experience in the cab was also of high importance, and the company’s chief designer said Volvo filtered every innovation “through the driver’s eyes.” This design philosophy found its way into the truck through features like a three-motion steering wheel, new seats with more adjustments to fit driver preferences, and various amenities.

Other driver-facing options include an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, offering high-end audio with WiFi, Bluetooth, navigation, apps, and an exterior camera. A new gauge cluster is larger with a color driver information display in the dash operated by wheel-mounted controls with access to trip information, performance data, and vehicle diagnostics.

Noting its power and efficiency, Volvo said it is offering the D11 as the VNR’s standard engine, rated for up to 425 horsepower. Available optionally is the Volvo D13 with up to 500 horsepower. Both engines feature wave pistons, a proprietary Volvo design that burns fuel more efficiently and a common rail fuel delivery system designed to be lighter, quieter and more precise. The engines were also designed to be easier to service with shimless rockers and quicker access to the exhaust aftertreatment system.

Each engine can be combined with an XE eXceptional Efficiency transmission package to make the VNR more efficient through downspeeding. Paired with a Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission as standard equipment allows the spec’ing of automated functions like Adaptive Loading to lift an axle when empty for more efficiency and Adaptive Gearing, which locks out overdrive when fully loaded.

The new Volvo VNR also offers passive and active safety technologies. Volvo Active Driver Assist warns drivers through sound and a critical warning signal projected onto the windshield when they approach too close to an object in front of them, and the system can automatically apply brakes to help mitigate a collision. LED headlights increase visibility and decrease light spillover onto oncoming traffic, making the road safer for everyone. Automotive features, like automatic lighting and rain-sensing wipers, provide convenience and help driver safety, while the lane change support system provides visibility to blind spots.

The VNR features Volvo’s high-strength steel cab and exceeds both the Volvo Swedish Cab Safety Test and ECE R-29 rollover requirements. In the event of a crash, available side airbags for the driver’s seat also help protect the driver in a rollover. The driver’s seat airbag complements the steering wheel-mounted driver's side airbag, which is standard on the VNR.

Lastly, the VNR comes standard with Volvo Uptime Services along with the OEM's telematics hardware, providing connectivity for predictive diagnostics and monitoring of critical engine, transmission and aftertreatment trouble codes through Volvo’s Remote Diagnostics. Customers can also perform powertrain software and parameter updates through Remote Programming, which was announced earlier this year.

Volvo said its around-the-clock support through Volvo Action Service can monitor critical vehicle codes and assess the severity of a fault code. VAS agents can take this information and contact a vehicle owner to decide whether to keep operating a truck or take it in for service. The entire process is documented and tracked through Volvo’s ASIST online service management and communication platform to give better visibility into case status, repair scheduling, and parts and service bay availability. VAS agents also facilitate Remote Programming updates.

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[kscarbel2]

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[james j neiweem]

Kind of like the integral sleeper as it balances out the hood. Kind of old school White. I guess they still own the rights to White. That grill has got to go. Not a fan of the head lights either.

[Dirtymilkman]

That grille is so boring and just.....Boring. Do they even try for something that looks attractive?

[kscarbel2]