SWEDEN: Tomorrow’s transportation will be sustainable in terms of both ecology and economy - that will be Volvo Trucks’ main message at the IAA show in Hannover on September 23rd-30th 2010, when the company will stake out the path for the future by showing unique new green technologies. The new Volvo FMX construction truck will also be premiered at IAA.
Sustainable transportation is partly about finding the right fuel alternatives for the future, and partly about increasing the truck’s fuel efficiency. Volvo Trucks works hard on both fronts. Among its many models on display is a Volvo FM powered by a 13-litre diesel engine running on methane gas.
“No matter which fuels become available, we are convinced that in the future we will continue to offer highly competitive transport solutions, but with a far smaller environmental footprint,” says Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director at Volvo Trucks.
First to run diesel engines on gas
Volvo is the world’s first truck manufacturer to use the technology, which combines the diesel engine’s high efficiency rating with the benefits of gas power. Compared with previous generations of gas engines, the efficiency rating has been improved by between 30 and 40 per cent. This technology is one of the fuel alternatives that Volvo is evaluating and which has potential for the future.
“With a gas-powered Volvo FM, we are showing that gas is no longer limited to urban traffic, but is ideal for longer-distance operations too,” says Lars Mårtensson.
Volvo is equally focusing on energy-saving technology. Hybrid power significantly reduces fuel consumption, particularly in urban traffic with frequent start-stop driving. Visitors at the Volvo stand can see a hybrid driveline based on a 7-litre engine which will be launched in a hybrid version of the Volvo FE in 2011. Volvo is currently the only truck manufacturer offering hybrid technology for vehicles in the 26-tonne segment.
Both the hybrid system and the methane gas diesel engine technology are currently being tested by various customers throughout Europe.
Volvo Trucks will share its stand with Volvo Buses, which will present its first series-produced hybrid-powered city bus – the Volvo 7700 Hybrid. This vehicle offers up to 35 per cent lower fuel consumption than a conventional city bus.
Goes on the offensive in construction
The IAA also marks the truck show premiere of the latest model - the Volvo FMX - a robust construction truck built for tough conditions and demanding tasks. The model is a further development of the Volvo FM and was first shown at the Bauma construction machine show in Munich last April.
“With the Volvo FMX, we’re aiming to take the lead in the construction segment, just as we have in the long-haul segment with the Volvo FH,” says Claes Nilsson, President Europe Division at Volvo Trucks. “Customers have shown enormous interest so far and order volumes have been high in several of our markets. Customers who have test-driven the truck are particularly impressed with the Volvo I-Shift and the new construction software. This keen interest in the Volvo FMX shows that our product development was right on target.”
At IAA, the new Volvo FMX will be accompanied by one of its corporate siblings, the Volvo L180F wheel loader. It is equipped with Volvo Construction Equipment’s world-first driveline technology, OptiShift. This system cuts fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent compared with previous driveline solutions.
“Together with Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Buses, we’re showing that we are at the cutting edge in sustainable solutions for the future,” says Claes Nilsson.
Comprehensive product range lines up
The Volvo stand will display applications for the entire model range:
The Volvo FH16 - Volvo’s strongest truck - with a 16-litre engine producing 700hp, I-Shift and the powerful VEB+ engine brake. It is being displayed as an 8x4 heavy hauler with a Globetrotter XL cab.
The Volvo FH, the durable long-haul truck, is being shown in two versions – as a rigid and as a tractor – both powered by 13-litre engines producing 460hp and 500hp respectively.
The new Volvo FM for regional transportation, which was launched in March, is being shown as a rigid with an 11-litre engine producing 410hp.
A Volvo FM with a methane gas-powered 13-litre engine with 460 hp and I-Shift transmission.
The new Volvo FMX for demanding off-road construction work is on display as a tipper truck in two versions: 8x4 with a 13-litre engine producing 420hp, and 6x4 with a 13-litre engine producing 460hp.
The Volvo FE, the lighter truck in the heavy segment, with a wide chassis range that is optimised among other things for regional distribution and lighter construction duties. It is on display as a tractor powered by a 340hp 7-litre engine.
With its 12-18 tonne weight class, the Volvo FL fits into the medium-heavy segment and is optimised for local distribution or other transport assignments in the urban environment. It is slightly slimmer than the Volvo FE, making it particularly manoeuvrable in congested city streets. The version on display is a rigid powered by a 240hp 7-litre engine.
The safest workplace
Volvo Trucks will also focus on safety and driver environment. Its well-known FH cab will be at the stand, and visitors can also learn more about Volvo’s various active safety systems that combine to create one of the industry’s safest workplaces.