Volvo Trucks in Stockholm, Sweden, this week unveiled a new version of its European flagship truck, the FH16. The truck’s new, cleaner burning engine was designed for heavy transport tasks, and meets European exhaust standards. The company invested roughly $300 million SEK, or $39 million U.S., in the project.
Other features include Volvo’s I-shift gearbox on FH16 trucks up to 60 metric tons. The company says its automated gearbox relieves pressure on the driver, saves fuel and increases safety. “Together engine and gearbox form a very powerful driveline, providing the opportunity for a higher average speed in time-critical haulage over hilly terrain,” Volvo says. The engine drive performs better than older models on inclines and declines, and has a 15 percent greater braking power, according to the company.
Volvo says demand for heavier trucks, which haul more and therefore cut the number of trips, is growing in Europe. The company sells trucks in more than 130 countries, including the United States.
