Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/153582
start News & updates from the Volvo world Volvo increases fuel efficiency, safety, comfort New products add value to VN models New Volvo air disc brakes, SmartWay-compliant aerodynamic chassis fairings and a mount for flat panel televisions were unveiled during the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show. "With every new product enhancement, Volvo demonstrates to our customers that the investment they make in Volvo trucks will continue to pay dividends for their business," says Frank Bio, Volvo Trucks product manager–trucks. Building on Volvo's reputation as the industry leader in developing technologies to improve safety, Volvo's new air disc brakes reduce stopping distances from 355 to 250 feet, create smoother stops, reduce brake fading and extend brake pad life, providing a more comfortable ride and lower maintenance costs. Volvo air disc brakes will initially be available on all VN model front axles in August, expanding to include all axles in 2014. Volvo VNM models equipped with new aerodynamic chassis fairings are now SmartWay certifiable. The aerodynamic fairings optimize air flow around the cab and chassis, significantly improving fuel efficiency by reducing drag and are also completely removable for ease of maintenance. In an effort to increase driver comfort, Volvo has designed a TV mount available in its VNL models and available in November. The mount accommodates a 19-inch LCD TV on the Volvo VNL 630 and 670 models and a 22-inch LCD TV on the 730 and 780 models. The new mounts make it possible for the TV to be visible from both the upper and lower bunks without sacrificing storage space. New Volvo Blade Air Suspension provides smoother ride Volvo Trucks has launched its Volvo Blade Air Suspension, improving ride, handling and driver comfort, to say nothing of reducing tire wear and simplifying maintenance. Field-tested by customers for more than 3 million miles, VBAS features paired high-strength steel blades for each wheel end. The design acts to control windup for smoother and more effective braking and improved traction, especially at startup. "The Volvo Blade Air Suspension is an example of Volvo's enduring commitment to ensuring Volvo drivers are the most productive in the industry," says Frank Bio, Volvo Trucks product manager–trucks. "Ease of operation is a major factor in productivity as well as comfort for drivers, and if drivers are comfortable, they will be more productive on the job." 6 The Volvo Blade Air Suspension will be available on Volvo VNL and VNM models. In traditional highway trailing arm suspensions, braking and tractive forces cause the vehicle to rise during acceleration and drop during braking as the axle twists, increasing driveline bearing stresses and vibration. The VBAS design prevents excessive axle windup and resulting vibration, creating a more comfortable ride for the driver. Moreover, being less torque-reactive, the suspension allows higher input torque ratings. The blades are stiff vertically and flexible laterally, allowing them to track and reduce tire scuffing. Customer field tests reported up to a 25 percent improvement in tire wear. Additionally, Volvo Blade Air Suspension is lighter and requires less maintenance than trailing arm suspensions. Huck U-bolts are used to connect the axle seats to the axle housing and never require re-torqueing. There are no wear pads to wear out or bushings that need lubrication or maintenance. Because of the unique construction of the suspension, axle alignment is easier on VBASequipped vehicles. "Drivers are key to the success of our customers," Bio says. "With a smoother ride and easier handling, the Volvo Blade Air Suspension will provide greater driver comfort, making it easier for fleets to retain experienced drivers. With improvements in tire life and reduced maintenance, it also means Volvo customers will experience a significant return on investment." DRIVER 'S DIGEST #2/2013 DDQ213PG005-9_Start.indd 6 8/13/13 8:31 AM