It’s all about the numbers

With the release of a new 16 L engine Volvo Trucks can now claim to produce the most powerful production truck in the world. The new improved to FH16 pumps out a massive 700 hp and has been unveiled for the European market. How long the engine will take to arrive here for sale in the Australian market is a matter for conjecture.

Although the company is describing this as a major development for their engine and for their range, it is difficult to believe the extra power will make much difference to the driver or to the load on the road.

Let’s talk

The prospect of trucks talking to each other as they head down the highway will be taking a great leap forward this week. Volvo Trucks along with a group of partners are demonstrating inter-vehicle communication on a German test track.

Hybrid Volvo TV ad

Volvo have posted a short film explaining how their new hybrid garbage truck works while saving energy, carbon dioxide polution and disruption in the city.

Volvo layoffs in Europe

Volvo says the company is taking measures to downsize capacity in its European production system to meet the declining demand for trucks in the European market. As a consequence, the company say they will initiate negotiations with the unions regarding staffing level cutbacks of approximately 1,400 employees at the company’s plants in Ghent in Belgium, and Gothenburg and Umeå in Sweden. A cost-reduction plan will also be implemented to meet the lower sales levels and increasing raw material cost.

Aussie Volvo cab for Europe

The deeper Volvo FH developed here in Australia to maximise the amount of cab interior space and still fit into the 26 metre B-double dimension rules looks set to be introduced into selected European markets.

Alcolok from Volvo

In an effort to promote safer driving and help reduce traffic fatalities, Volvo Trucks say they are introducing Alcolock. It will be fitted as an option as a fully integrated solution requiring the driver to take a breath test before the engine can be started.

UD in Japan to use Volvo engine

Reports from Japan indicate Nissan Diesel will be fitting a new low emission engine from Volvo in their medium duty trucks for the domestic market next year. The reports in the Nikkei newspaper and Bloomberg suggest the engine will be fitted in a four tonne truck.

New 11 litre fills a gap

To meet the demands of weight-sensitive applications such as tanker and bulk transport, Volvo is introducing a new 11-litre engine for the Volvo FM 4×2 and 6×2 tractor in the European market.

New range from Volvo

Volvo has unveiled its new truck range for Europe with improvements of the driver environment, a new engine and a number of new active safety systems.

Truck security fears

Owning and driving a truck in Europe can be a dangerous occupation according to statistics pulled together by Volvo to promote the latest security innovation on their trucks.