Volvo Trucks North America (https://www.volvotrucks.us) invited a select group of North American trucking trade press editors to get “up close and personal” with its new VNR model during a two-day event in Winston-Salem, NC.
The VNR was designed specifically for the unique demands of the regional haul market – applications such bulk transport, flatbed, liquid tankers, port drayage and other urban pickup and delivery operations.
The VNR “doesn’t compromise,” Chris Stadler, Volvo Truck’s regional haul product manager, told me. “It delivers productivity and efficiency with quality and long-haul amenities.”
Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks.
Behind the Wheel
As part of the event, those who have a CDL – yours truly – had the opportunity to get a comprehensive driving experience – on inner city roads and highways. I drove several configurations of the new VNR regional haul model – a straight truck, daycab tractor hooked to a pup (28’ trailer) and a sleeper tractor hooked to a flatbed trailer, all of which were loaded. After my time behind the wheel, I came away impressed.
Reimagined
The VNR is “wholly reimagined” inside and out, said Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing and brand management for Volvo Trucks. It melds a modern, connected workspace inside the cab with bold exterior lines and optimized dimensions for maximum efficiency.
The VNR has a dynamic new exterior with distinctive contours that enhance airflow, and state-of-the art LED lighting for improved visibility and reduced maintenance, Koeck pointed out. Adding to the improved visibility is a large panoramic windshield.
Inside the Cab
It’s obvious that the new model was designed with the needs of the driver in mind.
Stadler noted that the seating – based on ergonomic research – has been refined and seat placement optimized. There is an increased range of adjustments and more accessible controls.
I really liked the “position perfect” steering wheel. It features a new, three-motion tilt/telescopic steering wheel that tilts in relation to the column.
Behind the wheel, the VNR’s sloped hood optimizes visibility. A wheel cut of up to 50 degrees and a BBC of just 113 inches maximizes maneuverability.
I found the interior to be thoughtfully organized and comfortable. Plus, it is very “tight” and quiet. (That brought to mind an industry joke that got me into hot water when I delivered it in my presentation to an annual convention of the American Truck Dealers.)
There is a redesigned dashboard that is well organized with a new, more symmetrical instrument cluster with easy-to-read gauges and a high-resolution 5” color LED screen.
To keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, multiple systems can be controlled through the steering wheel-mounted switches. The touch-friendly switch layout enables cruise control, entertainment and other settings to be changed with the driver not having to divert his attention from the road for too long.
Yet another nice touch is the easy cab ingress and egress. The doors – 3’+ wide and 4’+ high – open a full 70 degrees. Grab handles have been ergonomically-placed to help make getting in and out of the cab safe and secure.
An updated version of the Volvo I-shift automated manual transmission and Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control that memorizes road topography help shift more efficiently.
Engines for the new VNRs included the D11 – 325 to 425 hp, 1,250 to 1,500 ft-lbs – and the D13 – 375 to 500 hp, 1,450 to 1,850 ft-lbs.
There are improved engine and transmission options and gearing and loading efficiencies, plus passive and active safety systems and integrated connectivity.
R.J. Reynolds Building
Volvo Trucks was kind enough to house us in The Cardinal Hotel, which was the headquarters for R.J. Reynolds. A Winston-Salem landmark, the R.J. Reynolds Building, completed in 1928, has an Art Deco edifice that served as design inspiration for the Empire State Building, which is actually a replica of the R.J. Reynolds Building at a grandeur scale.
The R.J. Reynolds Building’s height of 314’ made it the tallest building in North Carolina at the time.