Volvo's VHD debuts Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. is forging deeper into the heavy duty, on/off highway segment with its VHD family of Class 8 heavy duty chassis, replacing the Autocar and WG. The VHD is the product of what the Greensboro, N.C.-based manufacturer notes is an investment of approximately $95 million over a two-year development phase. Production of the 2002 model year units was scheduled to begin last month, with availability through North American dealers later this month.

Volvo reports that upwards of 2 million miles of durability testing at its track in Greensboro showed the VHD experienced 50 percent fewer faults than its toughest competitor model during a first simulated year of operation. Volvo Trucks President and CEO Marc Gustafson underscores the truck's toughness, durability and comfort characteristics. The VHD stands as a completely new platform against a pool of competing models whose designs originated as far back as the 1960s and 1970s, he adds.

The series spans truck and tractor models from 6 ??? 4 to 12 ??? 4 axle configurations. Customers can also choose set-forward or a set-back front axle models, with bumper distances of 29 inches and 51 inches. Factory-installed auxiliary lift axles optimize payload capacity according to regional needs, and customers can opt for as many as three auxiliary axles - two pushers and a tag or three pushers.

Driver safety and comfort Volvo officials cite the VHD's safety features: A lower, sloping hood and panoramic windshield provide a larger, unobstructed view in front of the vehicle, while a smaller turning radius means better maneuverability. Larger side windows and mirrors improve side and indirect visibility. Gauges and switches are within easy view or reach, eliminating driver distraction. And twin grab-handles inside the cab, coupled with stair-like steps, make getting in and out of the truck safer.

The Volvo VHD is standard with a driver's-side supplemental restraint system airbag, three-point safety belts in all seating positions and an energy-absorbing steering column. "Very often, VHD operators will be in a hard-hat environment, transporting heavy loads on difficult terrain," notes Keith Brandis, vice president of marketing. "We believe they increasingly want the level of safety equipment that's standard on the VHD."

At 89 inches wide and 114 inches high, the truck's cab is reportedly the widest and tallest available, while exhibiting reduced vibration and noise levels. Product engineers contend that cab environment is as quiet as many passenger car models.

Under the hood, the VHD features standardized locations and a factory-approved layout for easy access to components and accessories. For example, the truck is standard with a clutch-wear indicator designed to help technicians project the next required adjustment.

The VHD is standard with Volvo's VE 345 diesel engine. Optional engines from Volvo and Cummins up to 465 hp are available. The Volvo engine offers a competitive weight advantage, saving as much as 500 pounds, while the Vectro II management system provides detailed data to optimize vehicle performance.

The VHD's standard single rail is lighter, yet strong enough to do the work of a double frame - meaning lower costs, higher payload capacity and better handling, Volvo engineers contend. The VHD's frame technology is another advancement for vocational users: Rails are as much as six pounds lighter per foot, depending on the application. A wider selection of frame rails is available, as are frame liners for severe-duty applications.

Many of the VHD's features were designed with body-builders in mind so that delivery of the completed vehicle will be faster, Volvo Trucks reports. The manufacturer will include the truck in its quick-delivery program, with the goal of dispatching a work-ready model to any North American customer in 21 days.

To simplify body installation, the back of the cab and top of frame are free of components. The clean back of cab also helps maximize payload capacity by optimizing front and rear axle loads. Built-in junction blocks (left) for lighting circuits at the back of the cab or at the rear of the chassis ease electric connections. Product engineers note that the same thought went into the special air manifold, which has five ports for body-builders to plug into without having to splice any lines.

Standard equipment in the Volvo VHD cab also includes a body-builder console mounting plate, dedicated pass-throughs and specially routed wiring harnesses. These features are designed to eliminate time spent searching for circuits and the need to splice circuits or disassemble parts of the cab to route control harnesses for the body.

"Body-builders raised important issues that we addressed in the design of the VHD," says Volvo Trucks Vice President of Marketing Keith Brandis. "We made changes that will eliminate causes of unplanned stops. For the first time now, builders can plan on body installation without reworking the cab." A new system allowing body-builders to view specifications online will help shorten delivery time as well, he adds. Online specs will let body-builders start their work as the truck is being built.