Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/856429
August 2017 | Overdrive | 55 Those aerodynamic upgrades include new chassis and roof fairings, reposi- tioned air intakes to reduce turbulence and an aggressively sloped hood and tapered fenders that help channel airflow from the front to the sides. The Position Perfect steering wheel Volvo introduced on the VNR also will be available in the VNL. The three-way positioning system allows the steering wheel to tilt up to 20 degrees in relation to the column, as well as traditional col- umn tilt and telescope movements. Position Perfect allows the smallest and largest drivers "to make the adjust- ments for better visibility and to be more comfortable," said Spence. Also like the VNR, seven seat options will be avail- able for order independent of the three trim level packages selected. The steering wheel also has 21 but- tons that allow the driver to navigate the new 5-inch color LCD driver infor- mation display, answer and end hands- free phone calls, engage cruise control functions and more. Previously, many of these controls were on a stalk, requiring drivers to remove a hand from the wheel to operate them. "We brought those controls to the front because the interface that the driv- er has today with the vehicle is much more than what it was 20 years ago," said Spence. The driver can select which gauge information appears on the display screem, including battery voltage, fuel economy average, average speed, engine temperature and more. Bunk options include a dinette/work station and a reclining bunk that was introduced on the Volvo FH in Europe that allows the driver to sit up in bed while relaxing or watching television. The cabin control panel has been relocated to the rear cab wall, allow- ing easier access to lighting, audio and temperature controls. A new blue LED ambient lighting option is available for cab illumination, puddle lamps and accent lighting. All new VNL models except the VNL 760 will be in production in September; the VNL 760 enters production in November. The steering wheel has 21 buttons, providing more control without hands leaving the wheel. Drivers can choose which information gets shown on the driver information display. OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM NOW STANDARD ON VNL, VNR MODELS Volvo's Advanced Driver Assist System, unveiled last October, will be standard on all VNL and VNR models. The VADA System includes the Bendix Wingman Fusion, a camera- and radar-based collision mitigation system that is integrated with Volvo's in-dash Driver Information Display. The system's sensors detect metallic objects and vehicles that are stationary or vehicles braking in front of a truck. If a metallic object of size is detected, audible and visual warnings, including red warning light flashes reflected on the windshield, alert the driver. Warn- ings are displayed up to three seconds before an imminent impact with the object. If the system recognizes the station- ary object as a vehicle and the driver does not take action, VADA automatical- ly will alert the driver and brake to help mitigate the potential collision. Braking assist is available at speeds greater than 15 mph. VADA also works with cruise control to help drivers maintain a set following distance. If the forward vehicle slows, the system alerts the driver and, if necessary, reduces throttle, applies the engine brake, downshifts the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission and applies the foundation brakes and brake lights to help maintain a following distance based on the vehicles' speeds. OVD Video 6 Pack_one sixth VT.indd 1 6/12/17 9:00 AM