NEW MODELS

	The FH Cab (above) offers drivers a wide range of creature comforts and safety support.      The new Volvo (left) models have focus on optimised driver environment and safety support systems.

Truck sales might be down but manufacturers have not been, and will not be, holding back on bringing to South African truck operators the best the world has to offer. An example is Volvo, which towards the end of last year launched its new FH and FM models. Max Braun was there to bring you his impressions. 

Following its best year ever in South Africa and hard on the heels of its best sales month in terms of unit sales last October 2008, Volvo SA arranged a hearty and enthusiastic welcome for its attractive new FH models. It’s not just the good looks, space and comfort of the new FH models - as Graham Thomson, area manager for the Truck Division describes them - that puts them in a new league. For me it is very much the flexibility, so rarely available in premium brand heavy trucks, that adds significantly to their appeal.

I’m talking not only about the choice of engine capacity or power output for each model in the range. Operators can also choose between manual and automatic transmission, wheelbase, single reduction or hub reduction rear axle with a large selection of back-end ratios, air or leaf springs and different chassis heights. You can then add to this a host of other items such as cruise control, engine brake and several safety support systems that are available as options. 

In short, users can choose the specification that best fits the type of transport that will be undertaken. Correctly applied, the level of compromise can be substantially reduced and transport efficiency significantly improved. 

The launch was held on the beautiful Nederberg wine estate overlooked by the impressive Wemmershoek Mountains on a near perfect Boland late spring day. It was much more than an opportunity to see and drive the new FH and FM models. The event included an extensive exhibition and demonstration of Volvo developed safety support and environmental efficiency systems. As we saw at last year’s IAA 2008 show in Hannover, these new Volvo trucks have huge emphasis on driver safety and comfort. 

Anders Lindblad, President for Volvo Area Southern Africa, is confident 2009 will be another good year for Volvo SA. “The new models are very acceptable to our existing and potential customers in South Africa. We also gain stability from the markets we have developed in southern Africa,” said Anders. 

Volvo SA’s branch network has progressively adopted a successful strategy that has focus on genuine Volvo service and maintenance programme, genuine replacement parts, genuine service agreements (maintenance contracts) and genuine roadside assistance services.

A return to basics is a good decision given the growing number of fleet owners that are dissatisfied with the level and reliability of after sales service and support which they claim is now virtually across the board when it comes to franchise dealers. 

Volvo SA has taken bold steps to address the shortage of properly trained technicians. Flowing from its support of a number of secondary schools, the company employs 45 apprentices who are currently being trained by Volvo. 

“Apprentices are carefully selected, receive all-round training and learn the Volvo culture. This is part of a larger initiative we have in terms of starting a sponsored technical high school in the next year or two, In this way, we can be more certain of meeting and retaining the technical skills we and our users will require in the future,” explained Anders Lindblad.

Driver safety & comfort

As expected, the new FH and FM models offer a variety of cab choices that include a day cab, sleepers with one or two beds and high line cabs where standing upright is possible. The improvement and innovative approach to comfort underlines the recognition that drivers are now getting throughout First World markets. A brief summary of just some of the features include: 

• An improved entry light. 

• Rain sensor (operates wipers automatically).

• External access to storage . 

• Passenger seat swivels (option). 

• Bed has adjustable head rest. 

• Pull out drawers. 

• Space for a fridge. 

• TV, mobile phone and fax connections.

• Shaped indicators to improve visibility when the vehicle is turning. 

Fleet owners can also choose from a number of driver safety support systems including: 

• LCS – lane changing support warns the driver of any danger when changing lanes. 

• LKS – lane keeping support warns the driver if he/she wonders or weaves. 

• DAS – driver alert system warns a weary/drowsy driver when wondering or weaving. The system is sensitive to steering wheel and pedal movements. A video camera keeps check on the middle of the road. 

• ACC – adaptive cruise control allows the driver to fit into the traffic flow and maintain a safe distance. The system controls the brakes and accelerator. 

• FUPS – front run-under protection system. 

FH16 models

The FH16 is powered by the advanced Euro 3 (also Euro 4 and Euro 5 compliant) D13 or D16 six inline overhead camshaft, under-square diesel engines producing between 294 and 382 kW at 1800 r/min. Torque characteristics display a very flat curve holding maximum effort from 2 000 to 2 500 Nm at 1 050 to 1 400 r/min depending on cubic capacity. 

The launch vehicles were fitted with the remarkable I-Shift 12-speed electronic automatic splitter box. This amazing technology is hugely kind to the driveline and makes for a very comfortable and stable ride. The driver can change from automatic to manual operation with a flick of the button. Correctly used by the highly experienced Volvo driver trainers afforded us a most interesting, smooth and quiet ride. The automatic correct choice of gears under all operating conditions should, under most onroad transport tasks, extend the economic life of the major driveline components. 

Fleet owners can choose a nine speed manual box with or without overdrive or a six speed direct drive automatic box with an economic or performance module if appropriate for their operations. The I-Shift package also comes in various spec levels to suit particular transport operations such as distribution and construction where drivers encounter tight manoeuvring situations. The optional choices include cruise control, heavy duty operations (abnormal loads), PTO and transmission oil temperature monitoring. 

Rear-axles are available in single or hub reduction. Both can cope with 3 100Nm of input torque and offer gross mass limits of 23 to 100 tons depending on the chosen spec. Eight different back-end ratios from 2, 64:1 to 7, 21:1 are available to suit the task. Front axle capacities are rated at 7 100 to 9 000 kg and 18 000 kg for the 8x4 rigids.

The low fifth wheel height of just 140 mm above the chassis will be an important factor for the growing high-cube container transporters.

FH16 - the Volvo flagship offers fleet owners a range of spec options rarely found in premium heavy vehicles. Operators should make maximum use of the opportunities to find least compromise of a truck best suited to the work they do.

FM models

The FM models are equally impressive and offer similar choices and options to suit particular transport operations. They are powered by the Euro 3 compliant D9 and D13 six inline motors with power choices ranging from 225 to 280 with maximum torque of 1 350 to 1 700 Nm and 264 to 353 kW with torque at 1 400 to 2 400 Nm, depending on which motor is chosen. The VEB+ engine brake is available as an option on these models. Transmission and back-end choices are also available. 

FE Hybrid

Volvo also updated us on its hybrid development programme showing that in this arena, it is far advanced. The FE medium weight rigid 4x2 hybrid is powered by a diesel engine and electric motor and is well–suited to cope with scheduled services such as refuse collection, bus routes and delivery vehicles working along a route. Developments so far suggest fuel savings up to 30% and a reduction in exhaust emission. 

The Volvo hybrid is quieter than conventional diesel powered vehicles and recoups the braking energyto charge the batteries. The diesel engine switches off during periods of idling, traffic jams, yard work and pulling away under normal conditions. 

The bad news is that even if these units go into production in the next couple of years, it will be a while before we can expect to see them in South Africa. Other than expecting the initial price to be at a premium, at least in the early stages of production, they are not likely to  come cheap. 

All in all, the FH and FM models are indeed impressive. In my opinion, the spec options will make a huge contribution to improving transport efficiency and productivity, a vital factor for all operators battling to cope with the challenge of high operating costs and tight freight rates. Volvo SA has a flexible approach to financial solutions and is set to provide tailored service contracts through its national branch network. 

The ISO I-shaped fifthwheel is just 140mm above the chassis. Attractive possibilities for high-cube containers

Volvo driver trainers (l/r) Timothy Sibisi, Solly Ncala', Elias Mohapi and Johannes Thabana were on hand to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the new FH and FM vehicles. With great skill and flourish we were introduced to the superb features of the I-Shift automatic gearbox that can be manually operated without a clutch - just a flick of a switch.

The lane changing system warns the drivers when other vehicles are approaching or in the process of overtaking.