New Volvo FM low-entry truck launches at CV Show 11 April 2013

As promised, the wraps came off the new Volvo FM at the Commercial Vehicle show (NEC, Birmingham (9—11 April 2013), with the world first showing of Volvo's revamped all-rounder truck – now redesigned with its low-entry cab and Euro 6 11- and 13-litre engine range.

Among the new truck's other most obviously new features are Volvo's new styling and an improved driver's cab, as well as the innovative Volvo Dynamic Steering, improved suspension front and rear, and the I-See intelligent transmission, now at version 2, which collects topographical information from all such systems, wherever they are, and is claimed to cut diesel consumption by a further 5%.

"The new Volvo FM is easy to customise to suit individual needs," said Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks. "To use the language of football, the FM is that invaluable all-round player that does an equally brilliant job wherever it is needed," he explained.

Less obvious are lower weight, new axle configurations, new engine mountings, new weight-optimised chassis, optional Telematics (linking remotely not only to the transport office but also the R&M garage) and improved clarity around the interfaces for bodybuilders – the goal being to allow the customer to tailor the truck for the job.

"Volvo Dynamic Steering is a world-class technical innovation," stated Nilsson. "It benefits the truck driver in all operating conditions by creating a safer, more comfortable ... working environment."

And he continued: "On the highway, the dynamic steering system provides exceptional directional stability. At low speeds, even a heavily-laden truck is easily manoeuvrable."

The claim is that this system automatically compensates for heavily cambered roads and side winds, allowing the driver to steer straight ahead without correcting the steering wheel.

As for the specials, watch out for a new 8x2 rigid tridem with three steered axles – one at the front and two at the rear on the 8x2 with tridem, two at the front and one at the rear on the 8x2 with two front axles.

Production gets under way for European operators in September 2013.

To see the film about the new Volvo FM, click on the link below:

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Websites
http://www.youtube.com/VolvoTrucks

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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