The all-new Volvo FM, FMX, FH and FH16 have made their way to Australia following the international reveal earlier this year. Available from 30 November 2020, the entire range of new Volvo models will be built at the Volvo Group production facility, Wacol, Queensland. No dates have been confirmed for the New Zealand launch.
The entire range of models now comes with options for Euro 6. In the new Volvo FM Euro 6 horsepower ratings include the 11-litre 283, 320 and 343kW (380, 430 and 460hp) options, the 13-litre range includes the 343 and 373kW (460 and 500hp) options. The previous range of Euro 5 engines with 246 and 373kW (330hp to 500hp) options will still be on offer. The Volvo FMX will also retain the option of a 402kW (540hp) Euro 5 powerplant.
The Volvo FH will also benefit from the addition of 13-litre Euro 6 variants including the 373kW (500hp) D13 Turbo Compound engine as well as the 13-litre in 402kW (540hp). The Volvo FH16 will see the existing Euro 5 range, that covers horsepower ratings from 447 to 522kW (600 to 700hp), complemented by Euro 6 variants at 410 and 485kW (550hp and 650hp).
The 500hp/2800Nm Euro 6 turbo compound engine is included in the Australian I-Save package and enables significant fuel and CO2 savings. In long-haul operations, the new Volvo FH with Australian I-Save combines the new Euro 6 D13TC engine into a package that also includes I-See which accesses centrally stored topographic data to optimise transmission performance and engine efficiency.
Other components included in the package are I-Shift with dash mounted gear selector and economy transmission software, I-Cruise with I-Roll, optimised 2.83:1 rear-axle ratio with fuel-efficient energy tyres, engine idle shutdown, and variable displacement power steering pump.
The Volvo FM and FMX interior cab space has increased by up to 1m3, giving drivers more room to move as well as additional storage space. Day cab models have also had a 40% increase in storage space.
A new ergonomically designed I-Shift transmission selector and simplified switchgear across the dashboard adds to the ease of use and comfort from the driver‘s seat. An all-new 12” instrument panel minimises driver distraction with clean, clear digital instrumentation, while a new larger touchscreen display with a simplified menu is now within easy reach of the driver. The functions within can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel.
Visibility has been improved by more than 10% on the Volvo FM and FMX, which now feature similar lines to the Volvo FH cab, with a larger windscreen, slimmer A-pillars, slimline mirrors, and a lower door line. To minimise blind spots the new passenger corner camera activates when the left indicator is used; the corner camera can also be activated at the push of a button, enabling the driver to check the area when required. The camera image is displayed on the 9” dash-mounted touchscreen display. This display can handle input from up to eight cameras.
FH and FH16 LED headlights feature the Adaptive High Beam function that partially dips the high beam headlights when the headlights or taillights of another vehicle are detected ahead of the truck. This means that the area surrounding the vehicle can remain illuminated by the partial high beam, increasing visibility, without blinding other road users. The system also detects the lights of smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and cyclists.
Other active safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for speeds down to 0kph and Hill Descent Control that automatically activates the wheel brakes when extra brake force is needed to maintain constant downhill speed. The electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, comes as standard on the new truck. Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.
“This new generation of Volvo Trucks has been designed from the inside out with the driver in mind,” says Volvo Trucks Australia vice president of sales Tony O‘Connell. “These trucks raise the bar in terms of comfort, performance and efficiency.
“This has been a massive project and we have invested heavily in our manufacturing capability to ensure that these trucks will be built at our Wacol production facility. And as always, will continue to be serviced by the largest dealer network in Australia and New Zealand,” O‘Connell says.
