GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Group claims to have assumed the number one position for US sales of 13-litre engines, America’s new favourite engine size.

The manufacturer noted that for the first time, 13-litre engines have become the top choice for US Class 8 truck customers.

“This success of our engines in North America reflects the strength of the Volvo Group and our globally proven technology,” said Ron Huibers, Volvo Trucks senior vice-president, sales and marketing. “Volvo’s fully integrated engines and I-Shift transmission work in concert to maximize performance, driving Volvo Trucks’ industry leadership in fuel efficiency. The recently released Volvo XE13 package is the latest example of our commitment to innovative powertrain solutions. With our Volvo 13-litre D13 engines, delivering up to 500 hp and 1,750 lb.-ft. of torque, customers get all the power and efficiency they need without unnecessary costs.”

Volvo cited year-to-date Class 8 US truck registration data from R.L. Polk, which showed it as the 13-litre leader as well as data that showed it atop the 11-litre market segment. The figures include sales of 11- and 13-litre engines from Mack.

“We’re seeing a shift in the market to less than 15-litre engines as customers increasingly focus on operational efficiency,” said Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice-president, US and Canada. “Mack’s leadership in the 11-and 13-litre engine segments also reflects strong customer response to our MP series engines with ClearTech SCR Technology and growing demand for our Mack mDrive transmission. The powertrain technologies we have in the market today allow us to deliver tremendous horsepower and torque through smaller litre engines while offering significant savings, both in terms of upfront cost and fuel efficiency.”