Volvo Trucks North America Showcases Technology & Safety in New VNL Model
Volvo Trucks North America recently presented its new VNL long-haul semi to industry observers,highlighting advancements in efficiency,sustainability,and - crucially – safety. Despite a current recession in the Class 8 truck market, the company appears well-positioned for growth, fueled by innovative features and a commitment to reducing operational costs and risk for its customers.
A key focus of the presentation was leveraging connected services and data analytics to optimize fleet performance. According to company representatives,Volvo Trucks utilizes advanced analytics derived from its connected services to minimize wasted mileage. These analytics provide a detailed view of each truck’s journey, displaying route maps and speed data, enabling better route planning and fuel efficiency.
Reducing “empty miles” – trips made without a payload - is another notable area of focus. Volvo Trucks cites that empty miles currently represent approximately 16% of all truck operations. To address this,the company has launched Load Finder,a consolidated load board aggregating data from over 40 existing platforms. Notably, Load Finder is offered at no cost to Volvo customers. Company representatives indicated a plan to closely evaluate the potential of this new offering.
Beyond efficiency, safety was a central theme. Safety Product Marketing Manager Ms. Sullivan emphasized the frequently enough-underestimated return on investment associated with safety measures. She highlighted the potential financial impact of accidents, citing an average court settlement of approximately $11 million in the event of a truck-related fatality – which she termed “nuclear verdicts.” The increasingly challenging legal landscape surrounding truck accidents was also underscored.
Current accident statistics reveal trucks experience 1.9 accidents per million miles, with 0.5 of those resulting in injury or fatality. Pedestrian involvement accounts for 11% of these accidents, frequently leading to fatalities.
Volvo Trucks is responding with enhanced safety technology. The VNL driver assistance system features improved forward pedestrian and bicyclist detection, providing alerts and activating automatic emergency braking. The system also extends to blind spot monitoring,alerting drivers to potential collisions. Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus further supports drivers with lane change assistance,active lane centering,and collision risk alerts.
Attendees received an advance preview of a forthcoming press release detailing the introduction of integrated side curtain airbags, designed to deploy during rollover events. Rollovers represent the most severe type of truck crash,accounting for roughly half of all truck occupant fatalities,according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Management.
Despite current economic headwinds and a Class 8 truck market in recession, Volvo Trucks North America believes the VNL’s advanced features and commitment to safety will drive significant market share gains.
