“Knight Transportation made an important statement with this order,” says Scott Kress, Volvo Trucks senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Volvo has invested many years of research, development and testing in SCR technology, and we know it is clearly the best way to reduce emissions while improving fuel economy. We’re gratified Knight’s management recognized the benefits of Volvo’s technology, and we think their example will help others in the industry make the same choice.”
Volvo says its SCR system produces near-zero emissions while meeting the 2010 regulations, improves fuel economy by up to 5 percent and eliminates active regenerations of the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Knight’s Volvo VNL670s are equipped with Volvo D13 diesel engines rated at 425 hp and 1,450/1,750 lb-ft of torque with Volvo’s Eco-Torque feature.
Knight is a long-standing Volvo customer; about 3,000 of the 3,736 trucks in its fleet are Volvo VNs. The new Volvos will be used across Knight’s fleet in all of the company’s operations. The company’s trucks can average 120,000 miles apiece in a typical year. The aerodynamic VNL670 has a full-height raised-roof sleeper compartment for driver comfort.
“We want to have this new technology from Volvo,” says Dave Williams, Knight Transportation’s vice president of equipment and maintenance. “We will gain fuel economy. We’ve tested the technology, and we’re comfortable with it. These trucks are better for the environment, and they’re better for us.”
