Volvo Trucks Launches New FH, FH16, FM And FMX Heavy Duty Trucks In Malaysia

Volvo Trucks Malaysia has launched 4 new heavy duty trucks i.e. FH, FH16, FM and FMX, with a focus on safety, fuel efficiency and driver comfort. With this multi-model launch, Volvo not only aims to help customers with productivity and profitability, but also help them with recruiting good quality drivers.

“Volvo Trucks Malaysia is extremely proud to be launching this big forward-looking investment for customers in this market. Introducing 4 new heavy-duty trucks all at once in the current environment is by far our biggest and boldest move but we do it because we are very confident and excited that these new trucks will be able to deliver unparalleled driver experience, efficiency and performance,” said Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

“These new models are developed with the driver in mind, as good drivers ultimately contribute to business productivity. We understand the various challenges faced by our customers and finding or retaining good, qualified drivers is one of them. For this reason and more, our new truck range has been developed with the driver’s environment in focus – in an effort to further increase safety, productivity and uptime. Our aim is to be our customers’ best business partner by making them even more competitive and help them attract the best drivers in an increasingly tough market,” he added.

Securing skilled and qualified truck drivers is a global issue. And with the expected growth demand in the logistics sector, it puts pressure on industry players to recruit and retain drivers. To help customers with this, Volvo Trucks has put focus on developing the new trucks to make them safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools for qualified drivers.

The truck models in Volvo Trucks’ range are available with different cab models and can be optimised for a wide range of applications. For long-haulers, the cab is often the driver’s second home. In regional transport trucks, it often serves as a mobile office, while in the construction sector, the trucks are robust, practical work tools. As such, visibility, comfort, ergonomics, noise level, manoeuvrability and safety were key focal points when developing the new truck models. The truck exterior has also been upgraded to reflect the new trucks’ properties and create an attractive overall design.

Improved Space And Comfort

The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX feature a brand new cab, as well as many of the same instrument display functions as their larger Volvo counterparts. The interior volume has been increased by up to 1 cubic meter to provide better comfort and more working room for the driver. Further, the visibility has increased by 10% with the application of larger windows, a lowered door line and new mirrors.

Better Safety Features

Volvo has a philosophy of zero accidents involving its trucks and products. To help increase safety, Volvo has fitted the Passenger Corner Camera to the new trucks to further minimise blind spots while on the road, especially when negotiating a corner. A fully automated smart high beam which can automatically adjust if there’s a vehicle coming from the opposite direction has also been added to the new trucks. On top of that, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Advanced Emergency Brake System (AEBS) in the new trucks can automatically measure the distance between the truck and the vehicle in front it in all speeds to avoid collision.

Increased Cost Efficiency

The new Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX trucks are built to be fuel efficient. The D13TC engine found in the FH and FH16 is combined with the innovative I-Save feature and a package of other features that contribute to improved fuel efficiency. These models can deliver fuel cost savings of up to 10%. The Volvo FH and FM are also available in LNG (liquefied natural gas) versions which can help to further reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

Volvo Connect

All the new models come with the Volvo Connect system as an option. And Volvo is working to make this feature available for customers in Malaysia very soon. Volvo Connect is a new customer portal with various digital services and connectivity functions combined into a single interface, making it easier to access information, news and functions that are essential for running an efficient business.

“With Volvo Connect, we make it a lot easier for customers to access the full benefits of digitalisation and connectivity without having to manage different systems and interfaces, given that more customers are now adopting telematics and digitalisation for efficient fleet management. In future, other aspects of the operation such as help with administration and legal compliance can also be included in Volvo Connect,” commented O’Connell.

Once available, Volvo Connect will comprise Dynafleet – an updated version of Volvo Trucks’ fleet management system; Service Planning – an application for viewing scheduled services and maintenance; Data Access – a new service that allows vehicle data to be stored and accessed via the cloud; Dynafleet Safety Service – an application designed to track and identify critical safety indicators such as harsh braking and seat belt usage, which can then be used for driver coaching and training for more optimised operation; and Vehicle Status – a service for tracking key components in the vehicle and identifying potential faults either for immediate repair or for the vehicle’s next service.

The flexibility of the Volvo Connect interface also allows customers to configure intelligent, easy-to-use reports based on the parameters that are important to their business, and tailored to their needs and preferences. The report can gather and analyse vehicle and driver data, to show where fuel savings can be made to further reduce costs and CO2 emissions, as well as track critical safety indicators, among other features.

“Volvo Connect combines connectivity and data analytics, and it allows us to open up new opportunities to support our customers and increase their competitive edge,” O’Connell said.

The first of the new truck range is expected to be delivered to its first Malaysian customer in January 2022. The new trucks will also be available at the dealerships in Prai, Ipoh, Kuantan and Johor for customer viewing and test drives from January next year. Additionally, a physical showcase of the trucks will be at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) from 10 – 12 March 2022 in Klang Valley.