Volvo has rocked the construction truck marketplace. In one bold move to strengthen its standing as a supplier of heavy-duty construction trucks, Volvo introduced the new VHD product line while simultaneously eliminating the 103-year-old Autocar nameplate that is familiar as the diagonal Volvo grille lash.
The Volvo Corporation introduced the VHD truck series and allied vocational customer services programs July 24-29 at the Volvo Construction Equipment headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina. The multi-day event was staged in sections to allow a "hands-on" touch and drive introduction to the VHD product for the trade press, Volvo district sales executives, and Volvo truck dealers.
"The introduction of the VHD and allied services signals a new road for the customer of construction and vocational trucks," said Marc Gustafson, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America. "The truck is designed for extreme- and construction-duty applications that require long-term durability, easy on-site serviceability, maneuverability, and increased payload capacity.
"By going out into the field and personally talking with the operators of these trucks, we gained understanding into how they view their trucks," said Gustafson. "This is a tool for them. It's just that simple. This is a tool that they need to complete their work."
Volvo realized that if the contractors suffered equipment failure midway through a job, they would go out and rent another piece of equipment to fill the void. "In construction, the timing of the job is everything," said Gustafson. "The job has to be finished on time, or there are penalties that have to be paid." Volvo acted on this information by announcing a work-ready truck rental program for contractors.
"What's really exciting about this introduction is the family of allied customer support services that Volvo is putting together to address the needs of the vocational buyer," Gustafson said. "We're not just introducing a redesigned road tractor but a new road for the vocational and construction truck customer that includes a total new design for the truck, a 24/7 web-based Vocational Truck-Virtual Technician with online diagnostic trees, and a dealer supported program for vocational and construction truck users with ready-to-work, fully rigged trucks that can be rented on a short-term basis.
"Volvo Trucks has created a total package by leveraging our association with Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Finance that promoted the development of this extensive support package for the construction truck user."
Retirement for the Autocar and WG The new truck series replaces the Volvo Autocar and WG series, two industry recognized signature products. With a total investment in excess of $95 million, and two years of research and development time, Volvo believes it is prepared to cover all of the immediate needs of the Autocar and WG buyer.
Gustafson said that the introduction of the VN product taught Volvo a lot about bringing a new series of truck products into the marketplace. "Based on that success, we decided to completely replace the Autocar and WG with the VHD. This will provide the best value for the Autocar and WG product, as well as a committed parts and service support program for our existing customers.
"Our customers are ready for the VHD and what the product brings to the field of the vocational and construction truck users because of how we designed the truck for the operator," Gustafson said.
Volvo focused on designing a truck that captures reliability, durability, and driver/owner appeal. "The truck manufacturing industry hasn't helped the vocational and construction industries meet their biggest challenges of operators retaining drivers and receiving the payback from investing in new technology," Gustafson said. "The VHD will be a leader in resolving those problems."
Standard features on the VHD show the attention Volvo has given to operators' needs, according to Gustafson. They include:
* Cab Construction: Galvanized high-strength steel, welded * BBC: 113.6 in * Wheelbase: 134 in - 320 in * Engine: Volvo VE 345, 345hp @ 1800 rpm, 1350 lb ft @ 1100 rpm * Transmission: Eaton Fuller RTO-14908LL, 10-speed * Front Axle: Meritor FL941, 18,800-lb capacity * Front Suspension: Multileaf, 18,800-lb capacity * Single Rear Axle: Meritor RS23-186, 23,000-lb capacity with multileaf suspension *Tandem Rear Axle: Volvo T-Ride VBT4012R, 40,000-lb capacity with Volvo T-Ride parabolic 40,000-lb-capacity suspension * Antilock System: Meritor WABCO, 4 channel * Brakes: 16.5 x 6 in. Front, 16.5 x 7 in rear * Frame: Heat treated alloy steel,11.81 x 3.54 x .31 in * Fuel Tank: 70-gallon left hand, steel, 22-in diameter * Wheels: 22.5 x 9.00 steel disc front, 22.5 x 8.25 steel disc rear * Tires: Michelin 315/80R22.5 L PXZY-1 front, 11R22.5 G XZE The VHD is available in truck and tractor models ranging from 6 x 4 through 12 x 4 axle configurations, with a choice of a set-forward or set-back front axle. The 89 x 114 inch cab incorporates several seating options.
Besides the predominant list of standard equipment that pulls together the industry's latest technologies, Volvo has engineered some new technologies into the truck.
"Volvo power is an area that we are excited about," says Gustafson. "We have added some new capabilities to Volvo engines, including a live PTO pump that's not clutch dependent."
Volvo has added a direct engine mount PTO and pump that will, in many cases, eliminate the need for a front or rear-of-cab mount PTO assembly. The unit mounts directly to the Volvo VE-345 and is easily accessible for service, after factory installation. Volvo offers several pump sizes to accommodate different flow rates.
The cab design will enhance driver comfort while adding to the overall safety of the driver and passengers. According to Gustafson, the VHD features include:
*A cab that has been tested under the industry's most severe cab strength test available and has been designed to maintain survival space in the event of a collision. The use of high-strength steel by Volvo offers a high strength-to-weight ratio when compared to traditional steel or aluminum. *A cab standard with driver-side supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbag and three-point safety belts in all seating positions. The cab design also includes an energy-absorbing steering column, deformable steering wheel, and energy-absorbing dash. *An engine that is designed to move downward and under the cab in a severe frontal impact, to assist in protecting the driver. *A vehicle entry/exit system that features a "step-down in full site" design for easy entry and exit from the cab. The cab is equipped with grabhandles mounted inside the cab entryway to provide a weather and elements-protected grip for the driver and crew. Performance for the Long Run
"From what we've seen on the track and on the job with customers, the VHD is half truck and half construction equipment," Gustafson said. "That's why we promise customers that it's the best truck and the best value they will find in a Class 8 vocational product."
The new VHD will be marketed and sold in the US by Volvo Trucks North America. Volvo Trucks will begin taking orders for the 2002 year model VHD immediately. Production runs begin in August at the New River Valley Assembly Plant in Dublin, Virginia.
The truck will be added to the worldwide product offerings of Volvo Truck Corporation, Gothenburg, Sweden, and initially be available for sale in Canada and Mexico in late September. It also will be sold in Colombia, Venezuela, and other export markets.