Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024:
Volvo offering tech package options on new VNLs
Volvo Trucks will now offer technology packages on its new VNL trucks. The company previously announced it will offer trim levels on the new model; the tech packages will innovate the spec'ing process further, Volvo said, offering savings and driver convenience.
"The all-new Volvo VNL is the most driver-centric truck ever built for North America," said Johan Agebrand, director of product marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. "When we began working on our packaging strategy, we focused on building the Technology Packages to enhance the overall driver experience and help fleets attract and retain today's drivers, who desire a modern, connected truck loaded with advanced features and thoughtful design.”
Volvo's technology packages include a radio package that offers a range of listening options, Volvo said, with Sirius XM 360L with over-the-air connectivity – an industry first. Sirius XM is complimentary for the first three months with the standard technology package.
Customers who opt for the upgraded technology packages get access to Sirius XM 360L on the optional 9-inch Volvo infotainment system. A premium radio package includes additional speakers, an amplifier and subwoofer to provide higher audio clarity. It also offers cell phone integration for seamless access to navigation, messaging and music apps.
[Related: Volvo adds DHL to its autonomous trucking network]
Both the navigation and navigation-plus packages are available as part of the VNL's infotainment system. The standard navigation system provides essential route planning, including easy-to-read, turn-by-turn directions displayed on the screen. An upgraded navigation-plus system offers more tools for long-haul trucking, including real-time traffic updates and enhanced route optimization for truck-specific restrictions.
Volvo's VNL also offers an optional push-button ignition, and trucks equipped with the button can be started remotely with a key fob. Drivers can start warming or cooling the cab and activate external lighting with the fob as well. The Volvo Parking Cooler is an integrated climate-control option that can also be activated from the fob. The truck also has electric windows with auto up and auto down feature on both doors.
Another option is the wireless charging pad in the doghouse, providing a way for drivers to keep cell phones charged without cords or adapters. Wireless charging is also available in the sleeper for medium and large sleepers.
Intelligent lighting includes automatic headlight activation, automatic high beams and cornering lamps that provide additional lighting when entering and exiting turns or curves at low speeds. Rain-sensing windshield wipers activate automatically when rain is detected. A tire pressure and temperature sensor shows the information, updated every 10 seconds, in the DID or on the infotainment display.
The Core trim level includes the standard technology package. The Edge trim includes technology package No. 1, and Edge Black and Ultimate levels feature technology package No. 2. The packages build on one another, Volvo said, allowing an efficient way to select features to enhance driver comfort and productivity.
[Related: A quick spin in Volvo's all-new VNL]
Mack utilizing AI for preventive maintenance
Mack Trucks recently announced that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) for adaptive maintenance as part of its Premium Service Contract. Mack’s Premium Service Contract increases customer uptime, return on investment and improves service for small- and medium-sized fleets, the company said.
Through AI, maintenance service intervals are automatically adjusted dynamically by reviewing data such as fuel usage, engine hours, idle time and oil usage. This results in an optimized maintenance schedule, customized to the customer’s operations and actual data, allowing fleets and truck owners to come in for maintenance when needed – not too early and not too late.
“Utilizing AI, which constantly consumes connected customer data, Mack is able to adjust in real-time maintenance schedules and needs best for the truck and our customers’ operations,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Adaptive maintenance, including time-based or mile-based engine hours, triggers the dealer to schedule maintenance at the appropriate time, reducing downtime.”
The Mack Premium Service Contract offers dedicated maintenance management with a single point of contact at local dealers to manage the scheduling of maintenance, upfront parts and labor costs offering cost consistency, adaptive maintenance optimized based on each customer’s unique operations allowing for improved vehicle health, and consistent repair and maintenance through Mack Certified Uptime Dealers.
“When AI detects that the truck needs to receive a valve adjustment at 150,000 miles and an oil change at 120,000 miles, then the truck is serviced at 120,000 miles to reduce an additional stop,” said Mike Furst, director of contract services and business technology solutions.
Vehicles eligible for the Premium Service Contract are powered by Mack engines, including vehicles already in service with completed service intervals. Preventive and adaptive maintenance, as well as fleet management, are included in the contract.
The Mack Premium Service Contract is available for normal-duty, heavy-duty and severe-duty applications.
[Related: Volvo introduces AI-powered preventive maintenance for trucks]
Used-truck sales mostly flat from October to November
Used-truck sales volumes in November held steady, bucking a typical seasonal trend of a big drop-off in sales, according to preliminary monthly data from ACT Research.
ACT reported used-truck retail sales volumes only fell 1.3% from October and were 24% higher than November 2023.
“Given that typical seasonality called for a decrease of 18% m/m, the small dip was a big win,” said Steve Tam, Vice President at ACT Research. “Preliminary auction activity declined 11% from October while wholesale transactions forged ahead 7%. Combined, sales fell 4.7% m/m. While it is too soon to know for certain, it is possible that fleets waiting on presidential election results may have been a part of the driving force behind better-than-expected sales volumes.”
In addition to the slight dip in sales volume, used-truck retail prices were up 4% in November from October, while they were 4% lower than November 2023.
The average number of miles on used trucks sold last month was flat from October and down a percent from the previous year. The average age of used trucks sold was also down a percent from October and down 2% from November 2023.
