Trucks

25 Volvo FH Innovations

The Volvo FH has been changing the future from the beginning. It was a game-changer in 1993 and it continues to break new grounds in driver comfort, safety, performance and business adaptiveness. Here are 25 of the innovations that has taken Volvo FH to the top.
Volvo FH LNG truck

25: Volvo FH LNG (2017)
Volvo Trucks is always searching for new ways to increase efficiency and finding sustainable solutions. In 2017, the Volvo FH LNG was introduced. A heavy-duty truck running on liquefied natural gas or biogas. The trucks can cut CO2 emissions by 20 to 100 percent. That makes it possible to further reduce the climate impact of heavy regional and long-haul transport operations.
 


24: I-Shift with Crawler Gears (2016)

With the new low gears, the Volvo FH is capable of starting with even heavier loads on rough surface, which allows the driver to say yes to more jobs. And when driving empty, on a return trip, it is always possible to find a suitable gear that reduces the fuel consumption.


23: Tandem Axle Lift (2015)

Drive axles produce friction and rolling resistance – which increases the amount of fuel you consume. By disengaging and raising the axle when it’s not needed, the fuel consumption can be reduced up to 4 percent on a return trip with one axle lifted. This is ideal for drivers who drive heavily loaded in one direction and empty in the other.


22: I-Shift Dual Clutch (2014)

With I-shift Dual Clutch the Volvo FH got a transmission with race car technology. This allows for even smoother driving, especially on gradients.


21: Volvo Dynamic Steering (2013)
Volvo Dynamic Steering gives the driver a new experience. By determining the drivers’ intention 2,000 times per second and compensating for terrain and wind, the steering gets much less strained. This reduces the tension on the back and neck for drivers. At high speeds, Volvo Dynamic Steering keeps drivers stable and on course. And during slow and careful maneuvering, it provides great steering force, no matter the load.


20: Generation IV (2012)

In 2012, the new Volvo FH saw the daylight. This time with even more features to help the driver. The cabin was increased with one cubic meter extra space and the windows got even bigger to increase visibility. Handling was improved with refined chassis.


19: I-Park Cool (2012)

The Volvo FH is a complete workspace. And living space. To get a good night’s sleep is essential for road safety and with the integrated climate solution I-Park Cool, Volvo trucks set a new standard for keeping the temperature right – even at night.


18:  I-See (2012)
With the I-See software the Volvo FH uses knowledge of the roads traveled. The software uses the knowledge to maximize fuel savings with intelligent cruise control for every climb and slope.


17: Collision Warning with Emergency Brake (2012)

The Volvo FH has kept drivers safe since 1993. In 2012, Volvo Trucks introduced Collision Warning with Emergency brake. It is an active safety feature that combines radar and camera to identify vehicles in front of the truck.


16: FH Generation III (2008)

In 2008, the Volvo FH got a big upgrade. The cabin got an interior redesign, setting a new standard for driver comfort. The front also got a new recognizable look with a new grill, sun visor and headlights.


15: Driver Alert Support (2008)

Volvo Trucks keeps the roads safe. In 2008, Driver Alert Support was introduced. The system detects any erratic movements on the road. If the driver shows symptoms of tiredness, the system sends out an audible warning and a visual signal.


14: Lane Keeping Support (2007)

To keep the driver safe, the Lane Keeping Support tracks road markings with a camera and alerts the driver if lane markers are unintentionally crossed.

 


13: Volvo Engine Brake+ (2006)

When the Volvo FH debuted in 1993, the Volvo Engine Brake was one exiting feature. In 2006, the system got an upgrade increasing the braking power with up to 25 percent. This makes downhill stretches more relaxed and reduces the burden on the wheel brakes.


12: FH Generation II (2001)

With the second generation of the Volvo FH, a new standard was set. The already successful truck was given even more features that made the workplace better for drivers and more lucrative for business. The redesigned cab had even better aerodynamics. 


11: Electronic Stability Program (2001)

In 2001, Volvo Trucks introduced the world’s first stability program that handles both truck and tractor combinations. In risky situations the Electronics Stability steps in, reducing engine power and applying brakes to each wheel of the truck and trailer individually.


10: Energy Absorbing Cab (2001)
Volvo Trucks always finds new ways to increase safety. In the case of a collision, the energy absorbing cab transfers the energy backwards – maintaining a vital survival space inside.


9: I-shift (2001)

In 2001, the Volvo FH got the I-Shift gearbox. A revolution in transmission. It was a transmission system built exclusively for automatic gear changing, something no one else had done before for trucks. It gave the Volvo FH a great advantage – letting the driver focus on the traffic while getting optimal performance for long distance hauling.

 


8: Disc brake with Electronically-controlled Brake System (1999)

Great performance is important on all parts of the truck. With the disc brakes with EBS, the Volvo FH got in 1999 superior response while providing access to even more features to come.


7: Front Underrun Protection System (1996)
Safety is important not only for the individuals inside the truck. In the case of a head-on collision with a car, the Volvo FH is designed to absorb some of the force by recoiling backward. Volvo Trucks introduced this feature long before it became mandatory.


6: Airbag (1995)

As the first manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in the world, Volvo introduced the driver airbag in 1995.


5: D12A Engine (1993)

With the D12A engine the Volvo FH got a great head start. The new engine had outstanding performance. It had one unit injector per cylinder, overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. When drivers got to test it – the engine was one of the things that really stood out.


4: Volvo Engine Brake (1993)

Volvo Engine Brake gave the Volvo FH great braking power from the start. Reducing stress on the wheel brakes – and allowing higher average speed in hilly terrain with increased safety.


3: Aerodynamics (1993)

Like no truck before, the Volvo FH had gone through extensive testing in air tunnels to provide the optimal aerodynamics. This gave better performance and less fuel consumption.


2: Cab (1993)

One of the main advantages that the Volvo FH had at launch was that it centered in on the driver. The cab was designed after countless tests with real drivers. It was with their needs in mind that every decision was made. This resulted in a cab that really impressed the market. The Volvo FH was not just a place for driving – it was also a place for living.


1: Chassis (1993)

When the Volvo FH truck was created, it was part of a wider plan at Volvo Trucks. One of the things that made the Volvo FH so great from the beginning was the new chassis. It was designed as the ground from which all other engineers could build upon. This created stability and creativity – and also laid the ground for future successful truck lines.

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