Volvo Trucks Malaysia launches new generation of heavy-duty trucks
Shah Alam, November 2021 – Volvo Trucks Malaysia is introducing four new truck models, built with a strong focus on the driver environment, safety and productivity, to the Malaysian market today. The four heavy-duty trucks are Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX, which are now enhanced with innovations that demonstrate and present the highest levelS of standard in safety, productivity, fuel efficiency and driver focus.
“Volvo Trucks Malaysia is extremely proud to be launching this big forward-looking investment for customers in this market. Introducing four new heavy-duty trucks all at once in the current environment is by far our biggest and boldest move but we do it because we are very confident and excited that these new trucks will be able to deliver unparalleled driver experience, efficiency and performance.”
“These new models are developed with the driver in mind, as good drivers ultimately contribute to business productivity. We understand the various challenges faced by ourbcustomers and finding or retaining good, qualified drivers are one of them. For this reason and more, our new truck range has been developed with the driver’s environment in focus – in an effort to further increase safety, productivity and uptime. Our aim is to be our customers’ best business partner by making them even more competitive and help them attract the best drivers in an increasingly tough market,” said Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
An expected growing demand for transport is putting pressure on the availability of skilled drivers worldwide. To help customers recruit and retain the best drivers, Volvo Trucks has focused strongly on developing the new trucks to make them safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.
The various truck models in Volvo Trucks’ range are available with many different cab models and can be optimised for a wide range of applications. In long-haul trucks, the cab is often the driver’s second home. In regional transport trucks, it often serves as a mobile office, while in construction the trucks are robust, practical work tools. Therefore, visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, manoeuvrability and safety were key focal points when developing all the new truck models. The truck exterior has also been upgraded to reflect the new trucks’ properties and create an attractive overall design.
New cab, improved visibility
The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX have a brand new cab, as well as many of the same instrument display functions as their larger Volvo counterparts. Their interior volume has been increased by up to one cubic meter, providing better comfort and more working room. The visibility is increased by 10% now with larger windows, a lowered door line and new mirrors.
Increased safety features
Volvo’s safety vision is to have zero accidents with its trucks and products. To increase safety, the Passenger Corner Camera has been added to the new trucks to help avoid the blind spot while driving, especially when the driver negotiates a corner. A fully automated smart high beam which can automatically adjust if there’s a vehicle coming from the opposite direction has also been added to the new trucks. On top of that, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Advanced Emergency Brake System (AEBS) in the new trucks can automatically measure the distance between the truck and the vehicle in front it in all speeds to avoid a collision.
Fuel efficiency – reducted operational costs
The new Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX are great at fuel efficiency. Thanks to innovations like I-Save combined with the D13TC engine and a package of other features that contribute to fuel-efficiency in the FH and FH16 range, these models can deliver fuel cost savings of up to 10 percent. For Volvo FH and FM, these models are also available in LNG versions and this can reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions by up to 20 percent.
All the new models come with the Volvo Connect system as an option, which will be made available for customers in Malaysia very soon. Volvo Connect is a new customer portal with various digital services and connectivity functions combined into one, single interface, making it easier to access information, news and functions that are essential for running an efficient daily business.
“With Volvo Connect, we make it a lot easier for customers to access the full benefits of digitalisation and connectivity without having to manage different systems and interfaces, given that more customers are now adopting telematics and digitalisation for efficient fleet management. In future, other aspects of the operation such as help with administration and legal compliance can also be included in Volvo Connect,” commented O’Connell.
Once available, Volvo Connect will comprise Dynafleet, a newly updated version of Volvo Trucks’ fleet management system; Service Planning, an application for viewing scheduled services and maintenance; Data Access, a new service that allows vehicle data to be stored and accessed via the cloud; Dynafleet Safety Service, an application designed to track and identify critical safety indicators such as harsh braking and seat belt use, which can then be used for driver coaching and training; Vehicle Status, a service for tracking key components in the vehicle and identifying potential faults either for immediate repair or for the vehicle’s next service.
O’Connell also added that the flexibility of the Volvo Connect interface allows customers to configure intelligent, easy-to-use reports based on the parameters that are important to their business and tailored to their needs and preferences. The report can produce the gathering and analyses of vehicle and driver data, show where fuel savings can be made to reduce costs and CO2 emissions, and track critical safety indicators, among many other features.
“Volvo Connect combines connectivity and data analytics, and it allows us to open up new opportunities to support our customers and increase their competitive edge,” he said.
Customer test drives of the new trucks will be available at various dealerships such as Prai, Ipoh, Kuantan and Johor from January 2022 onwards. A physical showcase of the trucks will be held at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) from March 10-12 next year in Klang Valley. The first truck is expected to be delivered to the first Malaysian customer in January next year.