Conclusion
As additional greenhouse gas regulations for the
coming years – 2020, 2024 and 2027 – come into play,
the industry will see additional steps to improve fuel
economy when it comes to heavy duty vehicles.
Advanced technologies like vehicle connectivity,
electrifi cation and automated driving functionality
will play an ever-larger role to increase safety and
improve fuel economy.
VehicleServicePros.com/10122991 July 2018 | VehicleServicePros.com 25
Volvo
Within the course of a year, Volvo has
relaunched all three of its distinct models: the
VNL for over the road and long haul, the VNR
for regional haul and the VNX for heavy haul.
All three truck models share consistency in driver
comforts and shared interiors.
Volvo Active Driver Assist is
now standard for VNR and
VNL models. Utilizing radar
and cameras, this safety system
is a combination forward
collision mitigation system,
adaptive cruise control and
a lane departure warning
system. In addition, all come
standard with the I-Shift
automated manual transmission.
As for the drivetrain, the
VNL series comes with a 13L
Volvo D13 engine. Daycab and
VNL 400 models also have an
optional 11L Volvo D11 spec.
In addition, fleets may opt for
the 15L Cummins X15.
In 2017, Volvo introduced
Remote Programming capabilities
for 2018 model year
trucks, allowing fleets to provide
vehicle system updates
including parameter changes.
While Remote Diagnostics
has been available since
2012, last year Volvo introduced
the functionality for
legacy vehicles as well.
Western Star
While the truck manufacturer
hasn’t introduced any new
models recently, Western Star,
a division of Daimler Trucks
North America, has provided
a number of updates and
options now available on
existing models. Some of
those updates include:
• RollTek Seats: Designed as
an extra safety parameter
to protect the driver in the
event of a rollover situation.
• Sealed frame rails: Designed
to help minimize rust
and reduce corrosion.
• Detroit 23,000-lb Front
Steer Axle: This front steer
axle is designed for applications
requiring a higher
front axle weight rating.
» Volvo has relaunched all three of its
distinct models: the VNL VNR and VNX.
Photo courtesy of Volvo Trucks
» The Western Star
5700XE model, part of the
company’s 5700 Series.
Photo courtesy of Western Star
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