Volvo Trucks North American announced that it is bringing Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) technology to North America for the first time.
VDS is an ultra-responsive steering system designed to lessen steering force up to 85%, Volvo says. It will be available as an option in the Volvo VNL and VNR models in early 2020.
VDS is an active steering system that features an electric motor mounted on top of the hydraulic steering gear. Input from multiple vehicle sensors, at over 2,000 times per second, determine the appropriate steering wheel response. The system continuously monitors drivers’ actions, environmental factors and road conditions faster than the blink of an eye. The motor provides additional torque when needed to keep the truck safely on the road. This supports driver reactions with greater control and less abrupt maneuvering.
VDS has been available in Europe since 2013. According to Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing and brand management for Volvo Trucks North America, in Europe it was found that “the system increases road safety, productivity and health for drivers.”
Further VDS features highlighted by the OEM include:
- Vehicle Stability Control leads to increased directional stability on the highway.
- Return-to-Center, or Zero Return, enables the steering wheel to return to the center position when the vehicle is in motion.
- Dampening allows the steering system to filter inputs from the road surface and, based on feedback from multiple sensors.
- Lead/Pull Compensation provides a torque offset within the steering system to compensate for crowned roads, steady crosswinds and other short-term conditions that can affect handling.
