Volvo Trucks launch all-new FMX model

Swedish manufacturer introduces future-proof version of its most robust construction truck

VOLVO Trucks have launched their all-new Volvo FMX with an entirely new cab, increased payloads and innovative safety features. With increased front axle loads of up to 20 tonnes and a 38-tonne bogie, Volvo say the new FMX is built for the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments.

‘Our construction industry customers are facing ever-increasing demands to improve in areas such as sustainability, cost-efficiency, safety and productivity,’ said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks. ‘With the launch of the new Volvo FMX, we are proving our commitment to supporting these customers by creating robust trucks and innovative services to assist in making their operations easier, safer and more profitable.’

Built on an entirely new cab platform, the new Volvo FMX is designed to give a superior combination of agility and durability. The completely new cab includes a front section with easily replaceable robust parts, headlamp protectors and new V-shaped LED headlamps, whilst new anti-slip footsteps make it safer and easier for drivers to enter or exit.

The new truck comes with increased space in the day cab and up to 800 litres of storage capacity. Drivers also get improved visibility thanks to a lowered door line and new rear-view mirrors. Visibility can be further improved by adding a camera on the passenger side to provide a complementary view of the side of the vehicle.

The interior is characterized by a new dashboard with more storage space, new colours and a modern cluster. It includes a dynamic 12in high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface, allowing the driver to immediately see relevant information and select between four different screen views, depending on the driving situation. The instrument display comes ready for future updates and connected services.

A 9in side display provides infotainment, navigation support, transport information and camera monitoring. The display, which is easy to reach, allows the driver to interact in numerous ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel. In addition, a new steering wheel with a neck tilt option offers the driver a more ergonomic driving position.

The new FMX also comes equipped with a new traction-control panel that helps the driver easily and quickly handle potentially dangerous situations, both on and off the road. To gain more traction, the driver can engage the differential locks by turning a knob, viewing the traction status on the instrument display at the same time.

The newly designed sleeper cab comes with improved storage possibilities, including a large storage compartment underneath the raised bed and an upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers. Cab comfort is further enhanced through improved insulation that helps keep out cold, heat and noise. Moving from the seat to the bed is easier than ever with the new, slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector.

The new Volvo FMX features the heaviest addition to Volvo’s chassis range – a 38-tonne bogie that allows for a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 150 tonnes. In addition, the front air-suspension has been updated, allowing for front axle loads of up to 10 tonnes, or 20 tonnes for double front axles. For trucks with a steered tag or pusher axle, the steering angles have been increased, resulting in better manoeuvrability and reduced tyre wear. All these improvements add up to greater productivity and cost-efficiencies for construction transportation tasks.

The new Volvo FMX comes with the option of adaptive cruise control (ACC) that now works at all speeds down to zero km/h. Further safety-enhancing features on the Volvo FMX include descent control, which sets a maximum speed to help prevent unwanted acceleration when travelling downhill.

In addition, the electronically controlled brake system (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as collision warning with emergency brake and electronic stability control, is now standard on the new truck, whilst Volvo Dynamic Steering, with its lane-keeping assist and stability-assist safety systems, is also available as an option. A new road sign recognition system increases safety on the Volvo FMX by displaying traffic signs such as speed limits, overtaking restrictions and road type in the instrument display.

For particularly harsh applications, such as quarrying, the Volvo FMX comes with an optional steel roof hatch with an emergency exit handle that removes the entire hatch.