Volvo Launches All-New Volvo VNR at TMC – Equipment

Volvo Trucks North America kicked off ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting in Nashville on the evening of March 10 with the launch of its all-new Volvo VNR.

According to Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America, the new truck is the safest, most versatile, and fuel-efficient solution purposefully designed to reshape the regional haul market.

The new VNR features a 90% redesign over the previous generation truck, according to Volvo. This means that truck was integrated with the latest proprietary safety systems from the ground up.

New Volvo VNR Designed for Shorter Routes and More

The new VNR is optimized for shorter-range operations, with a tighter turning radius for navigating urban routes, while having the versatility to carry out long-haul operations when called upon. 

Advanced safety, connectivity, maneuverability, and visibility features also make it well suited for areas with heavy pedestrian activity. 

The VNR will be made at the Volvo Trucks New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, with sales starting in the coming months.

“Volvo Trucks has a legacy of providing innovative, purpose-built solutions. The all-new VNR is a versatile option that was designed specifically for the demanding nature of regional and urban delivery. Fleets now have the tools to tackle a wide range of operational needs with our most customizable truck,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. 

Versatility and Customization

The new Volvo VNR configurator tool helps fleets customize the ideal truck for their operations, including selecting the cab model, trim level, and designated technology and driver amenity package.

The all-new Volvo VNR was developed with versatility in mind. Volvo said the truck is available in a variety of Class 8 configurations, including 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 tractors, as well as straight trucks with multiple body types.

These include:

• VNR 300 – Volvo said this model is perfectly suited for the demands of urban delivery. With an amazingly tight wall-to-wall turning radius, the all-new Volvo VNR 300 is one of the most maneuverable Class 8 trucks on the road, according to the company.
• VNR 440 – a compact, highly maneuverable mid-roof 42” sleeper that provides a comfortable place to rest when a driver has reached a mandatory break or must stay an extra night on the road.
• VNR 640 – a mid-roof 62” sleeper ideal for drivers operating for multiple days in bulk haul or flatbed deliveries that can be weight sensitive.
• VNR 660 – the premium and most spacious all-new Volvo VNR 62” high-roof sleeper in the new lineup. This truck is well suited for both regional deliveries and long-haul trips, combining aerodynamics for highway driving with the tight turning radius and maneuverability of the other VNR cab configurations. It’s also an option for fleets needing a sleeper truck while operating in areas with stringent length restrictions. 
• VNR straight truck – Available in any cab size – day cab or sleeper options in the 300, 440, 640, and 660 models. The customizable configurations are designed to meet the demands of diverse applications whether outfitted as a box van, flatbed, roll back, expeditor or tanker application.

Two Interior Trim Levels For Truck Driver Comfort and Practicality

The design of the all-new Volvo VNR series features high-strength steel construction and offers versatile solutions with customizable exterior and interior design options, available in two trim levels — Core and Edge.

The Core trim level is ideal for fleets with multiple drivers or applications that require frequent cab entry and exit. 

The interior door panels, kick panels, and dash are all made of tough molded polymers, making it easy to clean and to hide wear and tear. Exterior trim pieces that may be impacted by high-traffic operations can be repaired and replaced with no painting needed. 

The Edge trim level features bold styling with chrome accents around the grille and air intake, as well as a new chrome-plated metal bumper designed to handle regional and local deliveries. 

Other upgrades include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, soft touch dash and armrests.

24-Volt Electrical Architecture Paves the Way for Future Volvo Truck Innovations

As part of its redesign, the all-new Volvo VNR incorporates the 24-volt electrical architecture that was introduced with the all-new Volvo VNL in 2024.

Volvo Trucks was the first OEM in North America to introduce a 24-volt electrical architecture. The OEM said this meets the need for more voltage allowing for less amperage that is becoming critical in North America. 

Volvo felt it important to bring its global 24-volt system to the all-new Volvo VNR. The OEM said the advanced system is capable of supporting everything from the powertrain to active safety systems, uptime, and driver productivity. 

The 24-volt architecture allows for faster and more accurate diagnostics, minimizing battery and electrical failures. Its design incorporates lighter components and more reliable, serviceable wiring harnesses, reducing wear and tear due to the lower amperage while ensuring maximum operational efficiency. 

The move to a 24-volt architecture also paves the way for future innovations and reinforces Volvo Trucks’ commitment to leading the industry into the next generation of mobility.

Safety Innovations Built Into New Volvo VNR Truck

The all-new Volvo VNR features the proprietary Volvo Active Safety Platform, which includes Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. 

Volvo said industry-first safety features such as the E-Call emergency response system and integrated cab-mounted side curtain airbags available on both the driver and passenger side are all part of the latest step in Volvo’s commitment to developing next-generation safety and accident-prevention technologies. 

Optional advanced safety packages (VADA Plus) with Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) offer lane keep support and blind spot monitoring. Using radar on each side of the truck, the system detects when other road users, like pedestrians or cyclists, might be in the truck’s path.

The passenger-side system informs the driver via a solid light in the A-pillar or Camera Monitor System and flashes with audible warnings if the turn signal is activated or the vehicle is turning. A driver-side option is also available.

VDS helps drivers maintain effective maneuvering, steering control, and stability under various speeds and road conditions – including high crosswinds, highway crowning, and emergency situations like tire failure – reducing driver fatigue and neck and shoulder strain while bolstering safety. 

The fully integrated Camera Monitor System allows for smaller, more aerodynamic cab-mounted mirrors versus the large, traditional mirrors. The Camera Monitor System provides superior visibility and supports safe maneuvering for the driver. 

Driver productivity is further supported with infrared technology for low-light operation that eliminates blinding from headlights of the vehicles behind the truck. 

Digital reference lines help the driver judge the end of the trailer and the distance to objects behind the truck, while the Auto Pan feature allows the camera to follow the trailer. These advanced safety features support the driver’s ability to make lane changes more safely in congested areas. 

The tire monitoring system provides general pressure and temperature warnings for the truck tires as well as low-battery warnings for valve sensors. Choosing the optional Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides automatic updates on tire location whenever tires are rotated.

The electronic parking brake offers both auto-activate and auto-release functions. When the truck detects no driver activity and the door opens, a safety alarm sounds. Then the auto-activate function engages the parking brake. 

This feature is especially beneficial for drivers who frequently enter and exit the cab during deliveries, helping to ensure that the brake is engaged automatically for added safety. 

Fuel Efficiency Improvements Up To 7.5%

The all-new Volvo VNR series delivers up to 7.5% improved fuel efficiency compared to the legacy VNR through enhanced aerodynamics, powertrain innovations, and idle reduction technologies reducing fuel costs and emissions for fleets. 

Eco-roll technology will disengage the driveline on a downhill grade and let the truck roll for an optimal amount of time to help save energy.

The wedge-shaped cab of the all-new Volvo VNR guides airflow to balance aerodynamics and cooling. The sleek design eliminates the need for an exterior sun visor, further optimizing airflow over the roof of the cab. 

The aerodynamic windshield has an aggressive curvature that reduces drag and is bonded to the steel cab for improved airflow over and around the cab. All these features reduce air turbulence, driving greater fuel efficiency. 

A fully customizable idle shutdown feature helps fleets to reduce fuel consumption, especially helpful for local delivery routes.

Voorhoeve, said the new VNR offers fleets a 7% fuel savings compared to the previous model. “If one truck is running 80,000 miles a year, that translates to 750 gallons less fguel per year per truck,” he noted. “That’s about $2,800 per year.”

Over five years, the savings grow to $14,000 per truck, Voorhoeve added. “Now, if you have a fleet of 50 new VNRs, we’re talking about cost savings of $700,000 over a five-year period.  And that is Volvo’s idea of total cost of ownership.” 

Regional Truck Driver Comfort and Productivity

Drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, and the all-new Volvo VNR ensures those hours are as comfortable and productive as possible. The cab features three levels of seat comfort, with frequently used seat controls repositioned to the right-hand side for easier adjustments. 

A wraparound dashboard design keeps key controls within reach, minimizing distractions. Steering wheel-mounted controls allow drivers to operate critical functions without taking their hands off the wheel, while optional navigation displayed directly in the Driver Information Display (DID) keeps routing information at eye level.

For drivers operating in colder climates or making frequent stops, Volvo’s new Short Stop parking heater, available in day cab models, keeps the cab warm for up to 30 minutes without idling—reducing fuel consumption and enhancing driver comfort during breaks or while unloading. 

The all-new Volvo VNR sleeper models offer a restful, well-equipped living environment for those drivers who spend extended hours on the road. 

Available in 42″ and 62″ configurations, the sleeper cabs feature one of the industry’s largest mattresses and the only reclining mattress available in a Class 8 truck (standard in the VNR 660 and 640). 

The overlapping curtain system ensures a dark, restful sleep environment, while the adjustable lighting system minimizes glare with overhead, footwell, and backwall-mounted lamps.

Smart storage solutions, including an upper bunk that converts into additional storage and a wardrobe unit behind the driver’s seat, help drivers stay organized on the road. 

The integrated parking heater provides warmth without unnecessary fuel consumption, further enhancing the home-away-from-home experience.

New Volvo VNR Service and Uptime 

Volvo’s Blue Service Contract provides predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and access to a network of more than 400 Certified Uptime Dealerships, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency for the all-new Volvo VNR. 

Certified dealerships now feature concierge service through a designated Fleet Manager who can proactively schedule service visits for a time that is convenient for a fleet’s operation, ensuring that every visit is as smooth and efficient as possible. 

The Fleet Manager coordinates all needed service for campaigns, recalls and software updates, allowing fleets to focus on their core business.

With the adaptive Blue Service Contract, customers benefit from optimized service schedules that bundle maintenance into fewer stops, cutting operational costs. When trucks face demanding duty-cycles, the AI model signals the need for service sooner, preventing unplanned downtime. In either case, uptime improves, driving better economic results for customers.

One of the Most Connected Class 8 Trucks

Volvo Trucks delivers one of the most connected Class 8 trucks in North America, the OEM added. This means offering advanced connectivity solutions that reduce total cost of ownership while enhancing productivity. 

The Volvo Connect portal and MyTruck App give fleets comprehensive vehicle data, remote access, and precise control over operations. With the MyTruck App, drivers can remotely monitor fluid levels, check lamp status, and adjust settings directly from their smartphone, ensuring optimal performance and convenience.

Volvo Connect is a simple, convenient portal where fleets can analyze near-real-time data such as location reporting, route analysis, pending remote programing updates, fuel economy, and driver safety information such as cruise control use, harsh braking incidents, and seatbelt use. 

In conjunction with the launch of the all-new Volvo VNR, fleets will find additional functionality in Volvo Connect with the ability to change parameter settings, such as speed limits on trucks. 

Maneuverability and Efficiency

When spec’d with Adaptive Loading, the all-new Volvo VNR includes an innovative 6×2 lift axle designed to optimize fuel efficiency and performance. 

Adaptive Loading balances the weight between the axles when the truck is heavily loaded, and at an appropriate point, the non-drive front axle automatically lifts, reducing friction and saving fuel. During lighter hauls, Adaptive Loading improves traction by transferring more weight to the rear axle.

Volvo’s improved Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) makes trailer hookup and drop easier than ever. 

A tethered remote-control option allows the driver to operate the suspension height from outside the cab. The ability to adjust the height can be beneficial when docks don’t quite meet the back of the trailer. The optional Global Rear Air Suspension (GRAS) allows the driver to set different ride heights for better efficiency. 

Upgraded Powertrain

The key to great fuel efficiency is choosing an engine and transmission that is customized to a customer’s operations, according to Volvo.

Powertrain enhancements on the all-new Volvo VNR account for nearly 30% of the fuel efficiency improvement. 

The next-generation D13 VGT engine features design enhancements to drive greater fuel savings. 

There are several ratings available for the all-new Volvo VNR with the VGT engine, ranging from 405-455 HP and 1450-1850 lb-ft. 

Two additional low-NOx engine ratings are available for the D13. 

Customers can also select the D13 Turbo Compound engine, which harnesses a waste heat recovery system to capture lost energy in order to maximize engine efficiency. When paired with Volvo’s I-Torque package, the D13 Turbo Compound engine provides versatility for fuel efficiency and performance.