Filling the heavy-haul product gap between its VNL highway tractor and its VHD vocational truck, Volvo Trucks North America has introduced a new VNX, available in daycab and sleeper configurations with integrated Volvo powertrains or high-horsepower Cummins X15 engines paired with Eaton transmissions.
The VNX is available for order and goes into production this May.
“The revitalization of our new VNX model shows we’re capable of handling heavy haul to support customers operating forestry and logging, heavy tanker operations, heavy flatbed and lowboy applications, and B-Trains,” said Chris Stadler, VTNA’s product marketing manager for regional haul. “Heavy haul is not a very big market but it is a very specialized market--there is no typical application or operation in heavy haul. There are different dilemmas and limitations to deal with. So our purpose [with the new VNX] is to bring more value to this market; to bring VNL features into the VNX and give customers more value than what they expect.”
Approved gross combination weight ratings (GCWR) range from 125,000 to 160,000 pounds, with ratings of up to 225,000 pounds available with application approval and appropriate components.
There are range of optional steer axles, lift axles, tridem drive axles, and longer fifthwheel slides available help meet a diverse range of weight distribution requirements, including: 6x4 tandem, 8x4 tandem, and 8x6 tridem configurations; front axle ratings range from 16,000 to 20,000 pounds; up to 445 tires to match front axle load capacity; rear axles ranging from 46,000 to 55,000 pounds; and a “premium” rear heavy-haul suspension that ranges up to 52,000 pounds. Dual steering gears also help provide better maneuverability while under a heavy load, VTNA said.
The standard powertrain package for the VNX is a Volvo D13 engine with 500 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque, paired with the 13- or 14-speed Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission (AMT) with crawler gears. The tractor can also be spec’d with the Cummins X15 Performance Series engines, with ratings of up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 lb-ft of torque, paired with either an Eaton Ultra Shift Plus AMT or Eaton manual gearbox.
Like all Volvo models, the new VNX series cab is built with high-strength steel and exceeds both the Volvo Swedish Cab Safety Test and ECE R-29 rollover requirements. The industry’s only standard driver’s side airbag is now joined by an integrated, seat-mounted rollover airbag on the driver’s side.
Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST), an electronic stability control system, is standard on all Volvo VNX models. By continually monitoring operating parameters, VEST detects imminent loss of control, jackknife, or rollover events. The system automatically reduces engine torque and selectively applies braking to help the driver keep the truck on course
The Volvo VNX series is equipped with automotive-quality LED headlights that produce abundant bright light to improve visibility. Automatic lighting and rain-sensing wipers are also available to improve safety.
“The new VNX is a heavy-haul work tool for demanding jobs, and it gives professional drivers a comfortable working environment for performing at their best,” said Stadler. “The workspace was designed for maximum comfort and productivity, while the sleeper was designed to offer drivers a calm, restful space for their hours off the road.”
The dashboard on the VNX has been optimized to reduce distraction by displaying the critical information a professional driver needs at a quick glance and by grouping frequently used controls within easy reach. A configurable, five-inch color driver information display with improved graphics works with steering wheel-mounted controls providing key operating information, as well as the ability to choose your preferred diagnostic data.
A dash-top tray with multiple USB and 12V connections provides a safe, convenient home for a driver’s many gadgets, which can also be linked to the optional in-dash infotainment system. Always in view, the instrument cluster’s clean, symmetrical layout and diffused, light-green backlighting makes it easy to read, reducing eyestrain and fatigue.
All Volvo VNX models come standard with Volvo’s factory-installed connectivity hardware for access to Remote Diagnostics, which provides proactive diagnostics and monitoring of critical engine, transmission and aftertreatment trouble codes. The same hardware also allows customers to perform software and parameter updates over-the-air with Remote Programming, which helps improve uptime and vehicle efficiency, while reducing downtime costs.
Support for Volvo trucks is provided by Volvo Action Service (VAS), a dedicated team of professionals available around the clock at Volvo’s world-class Uptime Center in Greensboro NC. VAS agents monitor critical vehicle codes and go beyond diagnostic technology to deliver actionable solutions. If an issue is detected, VAS agents will assess the severity and provide the vehicle’s designated contact with actionable information to determine whether to keep operating the truck or take it for immediate service.
All details from the service process are captured and tracked through ASIST, Volvo’s online service management and communication platform. This gives the driver, customer contact and dealer real-time visibility to case status, repair scheduling, and parts and service bay availability. Remote Programming updates are also facilitated by VAS agents.