Skip to content.

Transport News Network

Sections

Personal tools

Fleet Management

Is this the 'new' Volvo FH?

Document Actions

Biglorryblog has his doubts...it's all in the detail.

Biglorryblog regular Barney has alerted me to this picture on the excellent Volvoworld website which purports to be the ‘new’ Volvo which is due to break cover in a couple of month’s time. Barney e-mails me to say: “Hi Brian, being a fan of all things Volvo I have found a picture of the 'new' Volvo FH being tested.If you scroll down to the second photo you will see it in all its glory.Maybe worth a few lines on big lorry blog?" And the picture above is what he's talking about--but take a look at the site as it has some great stuff on it!

Well one way to check is to compare the headlight on the white truck at the top of this posting with this picture---it

Well one way to check is to compare the headlight on the white truck at the top of this posting with this picture---it's an advance official close-up picture of the ‘new’ Volvo sent out by the Swedish truck maker as a teaser for truck journos like yours truly…and I can't see that the supposed new truck's headlight is 'split' like the official picture, which makes me wonder whether the white tractor is in fact a new one.....but if you visit the website you can see a bigger version of the above photo and make your own mind up. And when you do post a comment! So what do you think? New Volvo? Or not new Volvo? Meanwhile, the new FH/FH16 which will be launched next summer when both be "significantly upgraded", and although the press will see it soon (possibly next month actual production doesn't start until Autumn 2008, although operators are being encouraged to their place orders for the new trucks as early as this December.

So, apart from that new headlight Volvo says its new range will include “an entirely re-designed cab interior" and here’s an artist’s impression of it. Likewise, the storage compartments above the driver’s seat have been revised so there

So, apart from that new headlight Volvo says its new range will include “an entirely re-designed cab interior" and here’s an artist’s impression of it. Likewise, the storage compartments above the driver’s seat have been revised so there's more headroom, making it easier to move around standing inside the cab. Sliding shutters have now been fitted on the overhead lockers (like in the new Magnum) while the instrument panel has also been upgraded to give the driver more room.

Storage capacity under the now broader bed has also been increased--and if this design drawing of the new model is to be believed, they

Storage capacity under the now broader bed has also been increased--and if this design drawing of the new model is to be believed, they've also introduced a very interesting split bunk with raising head-section so it becomes like a 'lounger' . I like to try it. In common with it's Magnum sibling the new FH's passenger seat, can now swivel 90 degrees (and recline 15 degrees too). There's also a more powerful audio system with the possibility for USB, AUX, MP3 and TV inputs. And here's a computer view of the new dashboard too.

And just to make sure you can see you way around the cab at night they

And just to make sure you can see you way around the cab at night they've put in no less than 17 light sources "....and an advanced lighting control that includes a dimmer, so it's possible to deliver the light and adjust its brightness exactly according to the driver’s need." Red night-lighting is also available and the whole shebang prompts Volvo to claim modestly:"Our lighting system is among the very best on the market.” Other tweaks include rain sensors for the windscreen wipers and cornering lights for better visibility when turning with more new safety features due to be revealed at the launch next summer. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range FH16 get's an even more classy interior colour scheme with (and I'm quoting the PR blurb here) "....a purple-blue nuance and bronze highlights featuring throughout the fabrics, upholstery and in the steering wheel. Even the main instrument panel is shaped differently with bronze shade inlays. In addition, the ‘FH16’ emblem can be found embroidered into the door panels and in a number of other locations in the cab." Anyway just be patient and as soon as I have the story I'll put it on BLB!

by Brian Weatherley
25/03/2008

About TNN News Feed

Send this page to somebody

Print this page

TNN is committed to bringing you the latest information in the world of road haulage and logistics. If you have a story that you think we should cover please do e-mail us at news@tnn.co.uk.

All Trademarks recognised.