LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- New Volvo air disc brakes, SmartWay-compliant aerodynamic chassis fairings and a mount for flat panel TVs are the product enhancements Volvo Trucks will be making to its VN models this year.
Volvo’s new air disc brakes reduce stopping distances from 355 to 250 feet, the company claimed, adding the brakes also create smoother stops and reduced brake fading, providing a more comfortable ride. Longer brake pad life is another benefit, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Volvo air disc brakes will initially be available on all VN model front axles in August 2013, expanding to include all axles in 2014.
Volvo VNM models equipped with new aerodynamic chassis fairings are now SmartWay certifiable. The aerodynamic fairings optimize air flow around the cab and chassis, significantly improving fuel efficiency by reducing drag, according to Volvo. The VNM chassis fairings are also completely removable for ease of maintenance.
Driver comfort directly impacts driver productivity. In an effort to increase comfort, Volvo designed a TV mount available in its VNL models. The mount accommodates a 19-inch LCD TV on the Volvo VNL 630 and 670 models and a 22-inch LCD TV on the 730 and 780 models. The new mounts make it possible for the TV to be visible from both the upper and lower bunks without sacrificing storage space. The TV mount will be available November 2013.