GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo has introduced an Optimized Series of regional haul tractors, which the company says offer improved fuel efficiency and payload.

The series includes eight models intended for regional tanker, bulk haul, refrigerated, dry van or flatbed applications. The line also includes a mid-roof design for the VNM 430 and VNL 430 sleepers, providing additional headroom.

“In their constant quest for more fuel-efficient trucks, our customers are looking at every part of the fuel efficiency equation and that includes tractor weight,” said Gran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “For our customers, it’s all about the bottom line, and our Optimized Series delivers even greater value of ownership without compromising on features or performance.”

“The Optimized Series was born from our close relationships with motor carriers and a data-driven understanding of the optimum specifications for their intended purposes,” added Chris Stadler, Volvo Trucks product manager.

The new line includes: the VNM200 and VNL 300 day cabs; the VNM430 and VNL 430 flat-top sleepers; the VNM430 and VNL 430 mid-roof sleepers; and the VNM 630 and VNL 630 mid-roof sleepers.

The day cabs, 430 sleepers and VNM 630 feature a Volvo D11 engine with 405 hp and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission as standard equipment. The VNL 630 comes with a D13 engine featuring 435 hp and 1,750 lb.-ft. Each of the models comes with an aluminum fifth wheel, Michelin wide-base tires, aluminum wheels, and a 6×2 tandem rear axle configuration with rear tax axle, as well as Volvo’s optimized air suspension rated at up to 38,000 lbs.