DETROIT — Volvo says its new concept design is the future of visibility and aerodynamics in trucking.

On display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a one-quarter-scale model of Volvo North America’s new “BeeVan” compact heavy truck is said to combine unparalleled driver visibility with advanced safety technologies for Class 8 trucks. The Volvo concept is part of the Michelin Challenge Design competition.

“All of our vehicle designs begin with Volvo’s dedication to its core values of Safety, Quality and Environmental Care,” says Ruben Perfetti, director of design for Volvo Trucks North America. “Whether a design is intended for large-scale production or developed as a future concept, it must be a true Volvo in its design, as well as in its approach to transportation and society.”

The concept truck puts the driver front and center in the truck’s cab, instead of the traditional left-side position, in what Volvo’s designers call the FVDP — Full-View Driver Position. FVDP has more than 180 degrees of uninterrupted visibility, as the huge windshield arcs around the driver, while remote vision cameras eliminate blindspots. Dual armrest consoles place an array of other advanced technologies literally at the driver’s fingertips, including: lane tracking, vehicle proximity sensors and driver drowsiness detectors.

The advanced design concept begins even before the driver enters the vehicle, as the door slides back — not out into traffic — and hidden access steps slide out to “greet” the driver, explains Volvo. The steps retract when not in use for security, safety and aerodynamic efficiency.

The dramatic windshield is the backdrop for another bold design idea combining aerodynamics and improved engine efficiency.

Engine cooling is enhanced by positioning two radiators at the base of the A-pillar/dash transitions. Air is directed from the wraparound grille, through the radiators and exits via the roof. According to Volvo, this means the heat transferred from the radiator to the air is never in contact with the engine, for increased cooling efficiency. Plus, the engine benefits from direct airflow through the traditional grille opening for additional cooling and reduced drag.