Volvo introduces new VNR regional haul model

Volvo Trucks North America has announced a new truck, the Volvo VNR model for regional haul applications.

According to Volvo, the new Volvo VNR is ideal for urban areas, pickup and delivery, liquid tankers, dry bulk, flatbed and other regional haul applications, and features a new aerodynamic design, reimagined working environment, improved engine and transmission options, gearing and loading efficiencies, passive and active safety systems and integrated connectivity.

“Our goal with the new VNR was to give our customers a versatile tool to meet their individual needs and challenges in the critical regional haul market,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Our investment in this new truck is a clear signal of Volvo’s commitment to meeting the needs of regional haul customers in North America today and in the future. Everything about the new Volvo VNR represents the shape of trucks to come.”

With a 113-in. bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length and improved sightlines over the hood, the new Volvo VNR was designed for increased maneuverability and versatility in tight spaces and urban traffic to complement its 50-degree wheel cut, Volvo says. The exterior also features stamped steel bumpers that protect the lights and grille.

Features of the truck’s interior include Volvo’s Position Perfect three-motion steering wheel, which the company says allows for more optimal vertical positioning to help reduce arm, neck and shoulder fatigue. The interior also includes new seats with a variety of adjustments for drivers’ preferences. Additionally, the cab includes Apple CarPlay audio with WiFi, Bluetooth, navigation, apps and an exterior camera. Volvo says that drivers will also benefit from a new instrument cluster and large, color driver information display in the dash, which works with steering wheel-mounted controls to provide key operating parameters and access to trip information, performance data and a wide range of vehicle diagnostics.

In terms of safety, the VNR includes Volvo’s Active Driver Assist safety system, which was announced in October. The truck also includes standard driver’s seat airbag and steering wheel-mounted driver’s-side airbag, and available side airbags for the driver’s seat.

The new VNR model comes standard with Volvo’s D11 engine, which offers up to 425 HP and 1,550 lb./ft. of torque. The VNR can also be spec’d with a Volvo D13 engine rated up to 500 HP and 1,850 lb./ft. of torque. The standard transmission offering is Volvo’s I-Shift automated manual transmission.

Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America, introduces the new Volvo VNR.

The new Volvo VNR is also equipped with Volvo’s factory-installed telematics hardware, providing connectivity for predictive diagnostics and monitoring of critical engine, transmission and aftertreatment trouble codes through Volvo’s Remote Diagnostics. Through Volvo’s standard connectivity hardware, customers can also perform powertrain software and parameter updates over the air with Remote Programming, which helps improve uptime, reduce downtime costs and improve vehicle efficiency, Volvo says.

“I’m truly excited for our customers to drive the new VNR, and to hear how it makes every aspect of the job better and their businesses more profitable,” said Nyberg.

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