Volvo has revealed a number of fuel-saving initiatives for a number of models
Volvo Trucks in Sweden has announced new fuel-saving features for its flagship range of FM, FMX, and FH models.
A combination of aerodynamic developments and engine enhancements which comply with the latest Euro 6 standards are able to reduce fuel costs by as much as five per cent according to a statement from Volvo Trucks headquarters in Sweden.
Engine modifications are largely applicable to the 11-litre D11 and 13-litre D13 models, and include low-friction pistons, an improved turbocharger, a higher compression ratio, and enhanced camshaft and software updates.
Aerodynamic improvements were achieved with redesigns to the front spoiler, air deflectors, mudguards, and a tighter wheel housing on FH models.
“Every drop counts,” Volvo Trucks president Claes Nilsson says. “We are constantly working on improving the fuel efficiency of our vehicles.”
“It is a philosophy of utilising every possible improvement and optimisation, small and big.
“These are a number of small improvements that can ultimately lead to significant savings.”
How much fuel these improvements can save will depend on the truck specification and application.
However, Volvo states that these combined optimisations can improve fuel consumption by up to three per cent in an FH model on long-distance transport.
Meantime, in applications such as timber transport, Volvo says its newly-introduced I-Shift automated transmission with crawler gears can contribute to a fuel saving of up to four per cent.
At this stage it’s not known when any or all of these enhancements will be available on Volvo trucks in Australia.