Transcript
Introducing the new
Fingertip steering
Office on wheels
The heavywEight champion
Built for bodybuilders The golden promise
Your drivers will love it Your accountant will too The new Volvo FM uses clever ideas to keep your drivers happy. Like fingertip steering to lift tonnes of weight from tired shoulders. Or the new remote control, which makes loading and unloading so much easier. Or the easy handling on winding roads. Your finance department will have something to smile about, too. When it helps your business become greener and more fuel-efficient. When it takes bigger and heavier loads. And when the factory customises it to save you even more time and money. Inside these pages, you can take a closer look at the new Volvo FM. You never know, even you might love it even more than before. 3
TOP TEN STORIES
When meeting the most extreme emission demands so far, better new fuel-saving technologies are needed and provided.
Contents
A multitude of configuration possibilities
We connect the driver with pedestrians
Fingertip sensitivity becomes a reality with Volvo Dynamic Steering – the biggest news since the servo was invented.
Discover how the suspension has been upgraded to give it car-like handling qualities.
Cleaner than ever before, the two new drivelines that meet Euro 6 with identical performance and drive
The truck with countless of opportunities to become exactly what you need.
Design
Steering
Handling
Fuel
Flexibility
Just like the new Volvo FH, the design of the new Volvo FM brings it in line with the new generation of Volvos. Designer Jonas Sandström introduces the friendliest-looking truck in the world and explains how it will effect relationships out on the street.
Learn how the new option takes the strain out of s teering and cancels disturbance from all sorts of uneven road surfaces.
The nuts and bolts of geometry changes with two of the specialists responsible.
ability to their Euro 5 predecessors. Plus two smart ways to save fuel – I-See and Fuel Advice.
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Johan Eknander explains how flexibility in design and manufacture make economical sense for c ustomers.
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Save up to 5% fuel with I-See
What I-Shift did for gearboxes, this will do for steering Stefan Axelsson
Part of the new distinctive appearance comes from the new headlights which bring a major improvement in light performance.
T HE NEW VOLVO F M
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Easier to adapt to an exceptionally wide range of superstructures, the new truck is even better prepared for bodybuilders.
How do you get an elephant to stand on your axles? Find out on page 24.
Load capacity for both front leaf and front air suspension can be increased by one tonne. The rear pusher axle
Everybody is talking weight gain, we’re losing 75 kilos
Axle Load
Weight
by one and a half – and the rear tag axle by two and a half tonnes!
Jonas Odermalm and Christer Pehrsson explore the implications of being weight sensitive.
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Low chassis height and high load capacity like no other truck
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You can’t go for a swim with it
Jarkko Aine
To save your legs from climbing in and out so much, let your fingers do the loading.
The new Volvo Gold Contract promises 100% uptime and the new Volvo FM has the necessary technology to keep that promise. The VAS-button:
Workplace
Remote contol
Uptime
Your office on wheels now comes with clean design, better storage and more room to move around. If that’s not enough to help you keep it tidy, the new cab has one more thing that will.
“If you need assistance, The new remote control can accommodate functions Volvo speaks your language”. for the superstructure, such Page 34 as a tail-lift. This way the driver only needs one device. Page 32
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Louise Karlsson 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 owing to the limitations of the printing process. We reserve the right to alter product specifications without prior notification. 2013-gb0268 Printed in Sweden
TOP TEN STOR I ES
Work Remote can’t do much about the weather, but it’s built to stand up to it.
“A little more attitude and a lot more character ” jonas sandström, EXTERIOR DESIGNER
Design
1. Design
Arriving at the Volvo design studio we are greeted by Jonas Sandström, exterior designer at Volvo Trucks. “I’m in a good mood today. And why shouldn’t I be when I’m looking at the friendliest looking truck in the world?” he asks as he stands proudly next to the new Volvo FM.
“It’s a friendly, safe and hard-working truck” “The Volvo FM is made to operate in regional and urban environments,” Jonas Sandström points out. “That means regular routes with regular stops. This vehicle will become a part of everyday community life wherever it operates. So it has to fit in. That’s why we gave it a less assertive look. It’s closer to the ground and the graphics give the impression that the window line is lower. Visually, we’re connecting the driver with pedestrians, cyclists and anyone else who might feel intimidated by trucks in traffic. With the new Volvo FM, it’s easy to make eye contact with the driver.”
We connect the driver with pedestrians
Jonas Sandström
SAME, SAME BUT VERY DIFFERENT Working with an established model raises a number of challenges. How far can you push change without creating something entirely new? Jonas Sandström pauses for a moment before answering. “I think it’s a very successful design. We’ve brought the new Volvo FM into line with the rest of the f amily. For example, it has the same distinctive headlights as the new Volvo FH, but we’ve retained the characteristics that made the previous model so popular. It’s familiar, but with a little more attitude and a lot more character,” he says. CAPTURING THE ESSENCE The Volvo FM is an exceedingly flexible truck.
According to Jonas Sandström, it’s designed to look the part, too. “The rounded corners express the efficiency and drive of the Volvo FM. The one-piece steel front panel is not only aesthetically pleasing, but aerodynamically superior too. All in all, it’s a friendly, safe and hard-working truck.”
TOP TEN STOR I ES –DESIGN
Headlights have the new and distinctive Volvo appearance.
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Steering
You can now turn the wheel as easily as you turn the page
2. Steering
An inescapable sense of excitement surrounds the three specialists in the Gothenburg meeting room. They are about to introduce the biggest news in steering since the servo. The new system reduces the forces on the driver by up to 85 per cent. More than enough to reduce wear and tear on the driver and increase productivity. With very precise turns and go-cart like steering it was easy to see how the new system could improve long-haul driving. But no one could anticipate how much difference it would make when manoeuvring a fully-loaded truck at low speed. Bosse Franzon speaks from experience: “When the truck was fully laden I was able to steer with one finger. I tried the same thing in my car afterwards but my fingers weren’t strong enough!”
What I-Shift did for gearboxes, this will do for steering
MOVING FREELY The new steering ualities are ideal in the Volvo FM, or q wherever a lot of manoeuvring is needed.
“Take urban distribution,’’ says point of view it can prolong development engineer Kristoffer your active career without Tagesson, “When entering bringing on shoulder a roundabout you often see problems. And if you are drivers lean forward to get more less tired after eight or nine upper body strength. Turning at hours of driving, there are low speed can be a real struggle.” going to be fewer incidents.” Kristoffer Tagesson The servo torque is progressive, PREDICTABLE, NOT TIRESOME so there’s more assistance at lower Even at high speed the driver is pushed speeds. This takes a lot of the strain out of everyday driving. And with less fatigue, and pulled around all day by irregularities in the road surface. Here, disturbance safety is improved. cancellation filters out the imperfections WEAR AND TEAR INJURIES Even young to make the drive more relaxing. Volvo drivers are now starting to suffer from Dynamic Steering also gives the truck neck and shoulder problems. “In this light greater directional stability at high speed. Volvo Dynamic Steering isn’t just about According to Kristoffer Tagesson, this comfort,” says senior engineer, Jan-Inge helps make it predictable. “The steering Svensson. “This innovation can reduce itself is very clean and crisp. The added wear and tear injuries on drivers – along assistance provides the right force to the with sick leave statistics. From a driver steering wheel at each and every moment. This makes the steering less tiresome and more predictable.” CRUISE WITH LESS DRIFT
Normally the road is cambered to one side, but the vehicle strives downwards. So even on a new
Potholes give the steering wheel a kick, but Volvo Dynamic Steering cancels the disturbance before it gets there.
“ Take some weight off your shoulders 60 tonnes or so” highway the driver is continually forced to compensate the drift. Pull drift compensation calculates the average banking of the road and compensates for it accordingly. In this way Volvo Dynamic Steering takes strain off the driver’s shoulders during long-haul driving. UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY Volvo Dynamic Steering is powered by an electric motor which controls the steering 2,000 times per second. “This gives you an idea of its precision,” explains Bosse Franzon. “The technology is developed on a Torque Overlay platform, which means we have a very wide scope to extend its functionality in the future. I believe that this will do for steering what I-Shift did for gearboxes. It’s going to become a very popular option.” REVERSE TAKES A STEP FORWARD Volvo Dynamic Steering offers assistance where it’s often needed the most – in reverse gear. The steering wheel returns to its neutral position just as naturally as when driving forwards. This
Research shows that neck and shoulder pain is common among drivers of all ages.
takes the effort out of turning the wheel during a critical driving situation. Kristoffer Tagesson explains: “When the truck’s front axle is loaded with nine or ten tonnes, reversing is heavy work. With Volvo Dynamic Steering you put the truck in reverse and start steering with the minimum of effort. Then you can let go of the wheel and watch it turn smoothly back until the truck s traightens up.” HANDS OFF “If you park the tractor-
The first time you reverse into a dock you’ll feel blessed
trailer combination straight, then select reverse and take your hands off the wheel you can virtually reverse as far as you like. After a hundred metres you might notice your trailer axles are not perfectly aligned any longer. But try the same thing without Volvo Dynamic Steering this would result in a jack-knife after twenty metres,” says Bosse Franzon.
TOP TEN STOR I ES – STEER I NG
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You’ll forget you’re driving a truck
Handling
Suspension in the new Volvo FM has been completely revised to match the handling performance of the new Volvo FH. In particular, course stability and steering control are noticeably improved. The Volvo FM might even feel like it hugs the road more – as the driving position is lower. In geometry the smallest changes can sometimes make the biggest differences. Vehicle dynamics expert Niklas Fröjd begins with an example of this – the positioning of a stabiliser. “When a fully-loaded truck starts cornering there is a lot of roll torque coming into the tractor frame from the trailer. This force can feed through to the axles and cause wheel misalignment – an unpleasant sensation for the driver who will need to compensate for it. But by placing the stabiliser close to the fifth wheel position, that force now gets fed into the ground. This makes a big improvement to the cornering stability of the truck.”
EVERY LITTLE THING In
ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER The new stabiliser position is also helpful in evading the forces that normally enter the chassis from an uneven road surface. This, of course, makes the ride more comfortable and improves course stability. A further benefit occurs in cornering: “Let’s say you are driving round a roundabout, for example – The cornering forces cause the cab to roll, but the new stabiliser installation in the rear suspension reduces this. The trailer now transmits much less force to the cab.”
TESTING SITUATIONS Stefan Axelsson has been responsible
Everything is either replaced, upgraded or enhanced
INCLINED TO BEHAVE BETTER
Steering control too, has been sharpened by geometry. “We have introduced a slight inclination in the suspension system,” says Niklas Fröjd tipping his outstretched hand a little. “Of course, none of this is visible, but previously it was parallel to the ground. The new angle creates a slight counter-steer when you’re turning and cornering.” Apart from preventing any tendencies to oversteer, this is one of the things that allows you to choose your line through the road ahead and then feel how the truck follows it.
combination with its improved geometry, the entire suspension has been revised and fine-tuned. So everything is either replaced, upgraded or enhanced to achieve the desired result – spring stiffness Niklas Fröjd and damping systems, for example. Even the engine suspension is improved to cause less vibration. Less vibration means less fatigue for the driver. And a driver who feels good is safer than one who is tired and exhausted.
for verifying the performance of the new suspension. He likes the fact that he feels he can trust the truck in tricky situations where there’s little margin for error. “When you meet an oncoming vehicle on a country road, for example, your mind goes through the margins in a fraction of a second. It’s at this point you discover how much steering control you have in the truck,” he says. ANY SURPRISES? Stefan Axelsson thinks long and hard before answering. “Not really, more of an insight I suppose. It’s surprising how exactly you can drive it on a winding road – now that it has car-like handling qualities. With other trucks you wouldn’t dare push it so hard.” THE REAL THING Niklas Fröjd believes this has a lot to do with
the tightness of the new set up. “There’s nothing masking your interpretation of the road as the geometry makes it feel more connected. And because it forms a dynamically stable truck and trailer system, it’s also more comfortable.” He admits that he’s proud, but what finally comes across is a sense of personal satisfaction. “You get what you want out of it – it feels like real driving.”
TOP TEN STOR IES – H A N DLI NG
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Fuel
Fewer emissions At this point of the European countdown on emissions, most people know that tuning a Euro 5 engine to meet Euro 6 normally means a significant increase in fuel consumption. The fact that Volvo has met the challenge without a significant increase is excellent news. At the same time, the new Volvo FM is available with two new fuel savers – allowing c ustomers to meet Euro 6 and save fuel. Astrid Drewsen is the powertrain product manager responsible for the new Euro 6 compliant D11 and D13. “Compared Astrid Drewsen with their Euro 5 predecessors, the fuel efficiency of the new drivelines is almost on par, while performance and drivability are identical. This goes for the entire range with ratings from 330 to 500 horsepower.”
Fuel efficiency almost on par, performance and drivability identical
CLEAN AND MEAN The new Volvo FM meets the toughest environmental demands yet: oxides of nitrogen emissions are reduced by 80 per cent and particulate matter is halved. This has been made possible by improved Selective Catalytic Reduction technology and a more efficient Ad Blue dosing system. All new trucks will have to meet these new emission demands as of December 31, 2013.
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T HE NEW VOLVO F M
Less fuel SAVING FUEL FROM THE START – WITH I-SEE The fuel-saving technology recently launched with the new Volvo FH has taken a further leap forward. I-See can now save up to 5 per cent fuel – from the moment it starts driving. It does this by using information about the topography of the road to manage the speed and gear changes for optimal fuel efficiency. Now this data is automatically downloaded from the I-See database. “It knows – exactly – how to make the most of a hill or incline. Because it has the gradients of the road ahead it can tell the engine and I-Shift transmission what to do to take advantage of the kinetic energy. In this way I-See mimics the driving patterns of a good driver,” explains I-See developer Anders Eriksson.
Save up to 5% fuel with I-See
ACCESS TO A BANK OF FUEL SAVINGS I-See is able to record and upload gradient data. This means that if it comes to a road that isn’t yet in the database, it will automatically collect and send the data to the database. So it’s there for next time – and other I-See users can access it, too. “Major roads should be mapped just weeks or even days after launch. So every truck with I-See can start saving fuel straight away,” says Anders Eriksson. FUEL ADVICE: NEVER STOP SAVING Volvo’s Driver Development programme sharpens fuel saving techniques among drivers of all levels. But to sustain Anders Eriksson the savings over time, nothing beats the continual follow-up and advice of a personal advisor. Transport solutions manager, Jarkko Aine, outlines the new Fuel Advice service: “Until now only the largest operators have seen the benefits of a personal fuel coach. But this works as a subscription on the truck – so it’s economically viable for any number of trucks. After each analysis, a report is conveyed to the driver with actions to take. In addition the fuel advisor who creates the report can be contacted if a query comes up.” Fuel Advice helps to save up to 5 per cent fuel and can be used to carry on reducing monthly fuel expenses.
TOP TEN STOR I ES – F U EL
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Tractor, rigid, tanker, trailer, fire-engine, crane – or the ultimate car transporter for taking SUVs on the top deck. The new Volvo FM is designed, built and prepared for special applications. More than its predecessor, the new Volvo FM is specified and adapted to simplify custom solutions and the bodybuilding process. This saves the customer unnecessary expense and speeds up final delivery, so it can start making money sooner.
Built for bodybuilders
Flexibility
“There’s no such thing as a typical Volvo FM,” exclaims product planner, Johan Eknander. “And that’s one of our strengths as we are able to produce such a wide range and take care of so many specialised needs from the factory. If you imagine all the different models, the different chassis heights, suspension heights, cab sizes and so on – you end up with a multitude of configuration possibilities. And with the new Volvo FM we can deliver most of them.” FACTORY MEANS WARRANTY From the
moment a truck is ordered it becomes unique. This enables the factory to optimise the vehicle for its specifications from the beginning. For extreme applications the chassis can be tailor-made in the factory. Johan Eknander points out that this is unique for Volvo. “Apart from increasing quality and reducing lead time, this flexibility means the customer gets the full warranty scope – the full Volvo package. Nobody else can offer that.”
A multitude of configuration possibilities
POPULAR AMONG BODYBUILDERS “One of the things bodybuilders appreciate a Volvo for is that it has parallel frame rails starting directly behind the cab – building on a joggled frame can be a nightmare,” says Johan Eknander.
WIRED FOR CONTROL An Some things are just important part of integrating common sense, yet not the superstructure includes common in the industry: its electronic equipment. For “We try to keep our parts this the new Volvo FM has an away from the area interface specifically for the bodybuilders need to work in. bodybuilder. As well as providing And we provide proper body Johan Eknander power to the auxiliary equipment, mounting points throughout the the interface allows the driver to chassis with the necessary space control auxiliary equipment from the to use them.” He continues, “We can also dash, the remote control – or both. shorten the lead time by providing exact “Let’s say you have a fridge and the drawings of the unique truck at an early stage. This allows the bodybuilder to start temperature gets too high. This could set off a warning for the driver on the building the superstructure before they dash and offer a control to turn it down.” have even seen the truck.” The remote control has up to five input EXACTLY HOW FLEXIBLE? “We can put channels for different functions and the fuel tanks on either side, change the readings (see separate article on page 32). position of toolboxes, fuel tanks and “If you have a crane you might want to AdBlue tanks. The length of the rear see its exact height on the display while frame can be adjusted in increments of you are lifting,” explains Johan Eknander. 50 mm and we have a much wider range THINK DIFFERENT According to Johan of wheel bases. All this can be tailored Eknander, flexibility is all about mindset – from the factory to a far greater extent,” it’s an approach to solving problems. replies Johan Eknander. “Take the clearance behind the rear CRANE PREPARATIONS For crane trucks, wheels that lets you reverse closer to space is often needed directly behind the docks and equipment: That was made cab. With this in mind, preparations have possible when somebody thought of been made so that components that reverse mounting the anti-roll bar. Or would normally be placed here can be the suspension that’s been optimised to mounted further back. “This would quickly load and unload even the lowest otherwise take days of work for the swap bodies.” bodybuilder to rebuild – apart from the Perhaps he would say there’s no such expense of this, the customer’s warranty thing as a typical Swede either. But if there and legal compliance could be is, he might be the softly spoken yet sharp jeopardised,” adds Johan Eknander. witted Johan Eknander.
TOP TEN STOR I ES – FLEX I BI LI T Y
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Heavyweight champion
Axle Load
6. Axle Load
The increase in load capacity varies, but many axles can now take an extra tonne or more. This opens the door to greater loading efficiency.
“It’s stronger where it matters – on its axles” Together with the lowest chassis heights, stronger axles allow the operator to ensure the correct weight distribution of bigger, bulkier and heavier cargo. They also make it easier to stay within the boundaries of the law. AXLE ECONOMICS Johan Eknander is an engineer who enjoys
thinking about axle configurations. A sparkle in his eye gives him away when he talks about them: “Axle configurations enable the customer to find the optimal truck model. One that allows them to take loads their competitors can’t. With these new models the right configuration might mean going from a double to a single front axle – saving capital, fuel and service costs.”
Low chassis height and high load capacity like no other truck
THE SUV TRANSPORTER Volvo is known
for its low chassis, but by increasing axle capacity the truck becomes more flexible. The new car transporter is an excellent example of this. It combines a very low chassis with a higher load capacity on the front axle. And, thanks to its low cab height, it can take full advantage of this flexibility when SUVs need to be loaded on the higher deck. “The same principle applies to a truck with a front mounted crane that needs a low superstructure with a low chassis so it can be loaded, and still retain a low centre of gravity and running height to ensure legal height compliance or minimise risks of damage from bridges or overhead gantries,” adds Jonas Odermalm, Volvo’s manager for the construction segment.
FEWER WASTED JOURNEYS Jonas Odermalm continues to describe the practical benefits of greater axle strength.
“Sometimes you go to pick up a container and realise the load is distributed in such a way that it can’t be managed without exceeding the legal axle capacity on your front axle. Now that front leaf suspension can manage up to 10 tonnes the risk of this happening is significantly reduced.”
Jonas Odermalm
DIMINISHING LOAD Higher axle capacities help to reduce the problem of diminishing load. When the truck has a full load evenly distributed there’s no problem. Then, as the cargo is removed from the rear, perhaps when distributing to several places, there is nothing to counterbalance the cargo at the front of the body. At this point, the front axle of a rigid – or the drive axle of a tractor – can easily be overloaded. “A higher front axle capacity makes it easier for the driver to load and unload in the most time efficient way. This, too, improves productivity and ensures legal compliance,” adds Johan Eknander. GET DOWN AND GET HEAVY Johan Eknander knows of no other truck that can match the new Volvo FM for its combination of low chassis height and high load capacity. And he doesn’t seem too worried about the competition catching up. “It’s involved a lot of work: reinforced axle hubs, stronger springs and new design criteria to cope with the extra stresses and strains. We’ve also worked with suppliers to develop tyres and wheel rims for greater loads with lower profiles.” So what kind of operator will be able to make use of the improvement? “Every kind – wherever you have a truck loading to its limits the Volvo FM will have the advantage,” he concludes.
TOP TEN STOR I ES – A X LE LOA D
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THE Biggest loser
Weight
Over the last decade a lot of trucks have put on weight. Volvo have developed new optimised solutions to save weight for those operators where every kilogram puts pounds on the bottom line.
Thanks to Volvo’s weight optimisation programme the standard 4×2 FM tractor has lost weight, so it’s looking good. More importantly, it’s a weight loss without compromise – as the programme is tailored to the application of each truck. EVERYONE’S TALKING WEIGHT GAIN “Losing weight in car terms minimises fuel consumption, but for trucks to ensure maximum earning potential the biggest consequence is improved payload,” begins segment manager, Jonas Odermalm. All this was in mind when the weight programme was initiated. “One objective was to offset any weight increase brought about in meeting Euro 6. But things turned out better than expected: while others are talking about weight gain, with careful specification we can lose up to 75kgs.”
Everybody is talking weight gain, we’re losing 75 kilos
WHERE WERE THE EXTRA KILOS?
“We were able to find weight reduction potential in various places. On the front engine anchorage, the frame itself, one or two cross members and the rear cab anchorage, to name but a few. These are small improvements – a couple of kilos here, a few more there. Separately they’re nothing, but put them all together and it’s a significant reduction.” Jonas Odermalm goes on to explain how this has been
made possible. Two of the aspects are improved manufacturing processes and better control over material quality on individual components. Such as the new knuckles with integrated steering arms.
Christer Pehrsson
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER “Above all we
have applied our understanding of the market segments. By knowing exactly how each truck is driven we can optimise the design criteria for the specific application.” Standing at the whiteboard, Jonas Odermalm seems to have drawn a grid that includes every conceivable truck application. But in simplified terms “there’s no point in having off-road axle configurations on a truck made for smooth conditions.” Long-haul business manager, Christer Pehrsson speaks up from across the table, “When you can calculate the exact stresses and strains on every single part, a standard solution is senseless. That just makes most trucks heavier than they need to be. And you know our position on safety – we never take chances.” WHO SHOULD BE READING THIS? Volvo’s research shows that one in four customers are weight sensitive. Or in other words: they have to specify their trucks carefully to ensure maximum payload which means increased productivity. For more on payload, see separate article on page 25.
TOP TEN STOR I ES – W EIGH T
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Workplace
Spacious office with undisturbed view
8. Workplace
The new Volvo FM has a number of key roles to play. One is to be an office on wheels. After all, this is where drivers conduct their daily business. To get a feel for the new driver environment, we talked to product planner Louise Karlsson and feature manager Malin Gabre.
Louise Karlsson explains the essence of their thinking. “Every improvement we’ve made to the cab is designed to maximise productivity – comfortably.” MAXIMUM COMFORT WITHIN REACH “The environment has
been developed with reach in mind,” says Malin Gabre. “Drivers need to have information, controls and stalks within easy reach to do their job properly.” The concept of prioritising what is most important encompasses gauges and controls, too. “Vital information is visible at a glance,” explains Malin Gabre. The speedometer, tachometer and other key gauges are in the driver’s immediate field of vision. Less f requently used information is further away – to minimise distraction.” ROOM TO MOVE AROUND Drivers come in all shapes and sizes. Some need more room than others. “The cab in the new Volvo FM is designed to facilitate moving around… no matter who is driving,” says Louise Karlsson. “That’s why we mounted a number of controls and switches on the dash, including I-shift control, electric parking brake and USB port. Not only that, we actually designed them to follow the shape of the dashboard – to ensure they don’t get in the way. The storage compartment in the door has been redesigned too, making it easier for the driver to get in and out of the cab.” The new cab also features an innovation called flexible switches that allows drivers to rearrange and group some functions according to their needs – regardless of application. “It adds to the feeling of comfort and familiarity in the cab,” says Louise Karlsson. CAB GOES TO CLINIC FOR CHECK UP To make sure cab design is on track, Volvo talks to the people whose opinions matter most – the drivers. “We regularly run customer clinics where drivers are invited to evaluate our thinking. That way we can judge if our ideas are good enough,” explains Louise Karlsson. “The input we received from these clinics was crucial in optimising the driver’s environment in the new Volvo FM.”
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T HE NEW VOLVO F M
The driver is even more in focus SECONDARY INFORMATION OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE
The Secondary Information Display (SID) is integrated into the instrument panel with a new screen for easy navigation. It displays audio, phone, Dynafleet communication and up to four cameras. “It’s a better solution than the current pop-up because it doesn’t disturb the driver’s line of sight,” says Malin Gabre. And it wouldn’t be a Volvo truck if it did not come with a range of advanced safety features. “We’ve incorporated Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Change Support even on the day cabs.” CLOSE TO HAND Drivers bring all of manner of stuff with
them into the cab to help them do their jobs. From pens, clipboards and phones to cups, cans and personal items. “That’s why we created more storage spaces in the dash,” says Malin Gabre. “We also provide a number of accessories to reinforce the feeling of an office on wheels – for example a PC holder and waste-paper basket. We even have a fold-out bottle-holder with enough room for a 2-litre PET b ottle,” Malin Gabre adds.
Better storage helps to keep everything tidy inside the cab.
wheel has plenty of grip alternatives, so the driver will always find one that’s comfortable. We’ve also placed more functions on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to manage key instruments and the secondary display by hardly lifting a finger,” says Louise Karlsson.
Malin Gabre
GIVE THE BRAKE A BREAK The Volvo FM comes with a new e lectronic parking brake that takes care of itself. “It’s an excellent solution for drivers who have to make numerous stops during their shift,” explains Louise Karlsson. “The brake is engaged as soon as you switch off the engine. And you don’t have to release it. That’s done automatically in I-shift equipped trucks when you press the accelerator pedal.”
It’s easier for the driver to get in and out
NEW STEERING WHEEL Because drivers spend most of their working day behind the steering wheel. “The new steering
TOP TEN STOR I ES – WOR K PL ACE
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To discover what the Volvo FM’s new Work Remote is all about, we are introduced to a young component specialist by the name of Markus Olsson. “This is the perfect all-weather application for frequent loading and unloading, even here in wet and windy Gothenburg,” he says enthusiastically.
Work Remote –lets your fingers do the legwork
Remote Control
Designed in a town with 776 mm of rainfall a year “The remote control is designed to make the driver’s life easier and safer,” says Markus Olsson. “Not only can they switch the engine on and off and rev up with it, but the device also gives drivers full control over load distribution across the axles. They don’t have to run back and forth to check the load indicator during loading. This is especially useful when they’re working on their own. All they need to do is attach the unit to their belt clip and they have a portable electronic assistant. And because we’ve provided an interface for a tail-lift, the driver only needs one device instead of two.”
You can’t go for a swim with it
THE REMOTE CONTROL REMEMBERS LOADS Some
loading bays are tricky. Inclines and irregular surfaces make it difficult to bring the truck level with them. But as Markus Olsson points out, the new remote control removes most of the stress. “The driver can use the device and the Volvo FM’s air suspension to lower or raise the truck, tip it sideways and lengthwise, if necessary. This data can then be saved on the remote control’s memory. That way when a driver returns to the same loading bay, they can recall
the settings immediately. Up to five d ifferent settings can be memorised.” YOUR DEVICE, YOUR WAY “For different truck applications there’s an auxiliary control with five digital input channels. These allow the driver to check the status of a range of indicators, including on/off, temperature, warnings, status reports to name but a few,” says Markus Olsson. “With this remote control, Volvo has allowed the bodybuilders to connect the special devices each driver needs.” And the driver does not even have to be inside or next to the truck to use the remote control. “With free sight, I’ve used the device as far as 100 metres from the vehicle. Naturally, in a busy warehouse the range will be shorter,” Markus Olsson points out. DON’T BE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS OR WATER
When you design equipment for truck drivers, tough is a good adjective to include in the specification. Markus explains what tough means for the new remote control. “It’s tough enough to work in extreme temperatures, from -40°C to 85°C. And you can drop it onto a flat surface from two metres, and the device will still work.”
TOP TEN STOR I ES – REMOTE CONTROL
But how does the new unit respond to water? “You can’t go for a swim with it,” Markus Markus Olsson concludes with a smile, “but if you use it in a heavy downpour, you have nothing to worry about.” MY TRUCK IS IN MY POCKET “My Truck changes the relationship between me and my truck,” says transport solution expert, Jarkko Aine. He’s talking about a new smartphone app that lets drivers check gauges such as fuel, AdBlue and oil levels. But what Jarkko Aine thinks will be most popular is the opportunity to set up the cab climate in advance – from wherever the driver happens to be. This way the heater or cooler can have the ideal temperature ready and waiting for the driver. “You can set it up according to a weekly schedule or use it on the move. And you can even use it to check if you’ve locked and alarmed the vehicle if you’re prone to forgetting.” Jarkko Aine points out that My Truck is currently available for iOS devices, but adds that Android is in the pipeline.
100% uptime – a golden
Uptime
Some promises are easy to keep. Others can appear to be too good to be true. We decided to investigate which category Volvo’s new promise belongs to. We turned to service director Christian Gustavsson and transport solutions manager Jarkko Aine for answers. “Volvo doesn’t make promises it can’t keep,” says Jarkko Aine. According to Jarkko, the secret is “proactivity through connectivity.” That’s what gives the Swedish truck maker the confidence to offer customers a new Volvo Gold Contract that promises 100 per cent uptime. “We have great confidence in our technology, knowing it is not only rigorously tested but also supported by an extensive network of workshops throughout Europe,” he says. TELEMATICS GATEWAY – THE PROMISE KEEPER The Volvo FM is equipped with an advanced communications unit called Telematics Gateway that keeps a watchful eye on the truck’s vital components at all times. “It gives us the opportunity to do reality-based maintenance, rather than following a schedule that takes the truck off the road when there’s no need. The truck can be serviced when it’s not needed,” says Christian Gustavsson. “When brake pads or other key components are in better condition than expected, the workshop can adjust the maintenance plan. This has a positive impact on profitability.” PRESS A BUTTON AND VOLVO ANSWERS IN YOUR LANGUAGE When we point out that even the best designed and maintained truck can come to a sudden, unwanted stop, Christian Gustavsson agrees. “It’s highly unlikely, but of course we’ve planned for it – so even if the truck has an unforeseeable breakdown, the operator won’t have a nervous one,” he adds. “In the event of an unplanned stop, the driver simply presses the VAS-button. This automatically provides a direct line to Volvo Action Service On Call, which is open round-the-clock, 365 days a year – with over 1,100 authorised workshops across Europe. The driver is connected to an operator who speaks their language.” A DIGITAL TECHNICIAN ON BOARD Curious about the VAS-button, we ask Christian Gustavsson what actually happens when it has been pressed. “Telematics Gateway sends the diagnostic trouble codes and the truck’s GPS coordinates to Volvo Action Service. They contact the nearest Volvo workshop, so the right tools and parts can be swiftly dispatched in a service vehicle with an appropriately trained technician. The result is rapid repair and a speedy return to the road. Naturally, the VAS button can also be used in other circumstances, too – if the truck has had a break-in, for example. We just want drivers and operators to know we can assist,” Christian Gustavsson concludes.
promise
2013-gb0268 Printed in Sweden
