Volvo’s new flagship FH model was unveiled for the global trucking media today at the Hanover IAA show in Germany.
The completely redesigned FH will be Volvo’s Euro 6 platform, replacing the outgoing 19-year-old model.
In the flesh, the new truck retains a strong Volvo family look. However, the newly squared-off cab has benefited from a completely redesigned interior, gaining an extra cubic metre of space inside.
The new chassis has been engineered to resist flexing and improve handling, while also gaining the option of air suspended independent front suspension (IFS). The IFS option, however, will not be made available to right hand drive markets at this stage.
One of the more striking visual features is the sloping sunroof, which doubles as an escape hatch in case of an accident.
The addition of P-climate, Volvo’s new-look parked climate control system, will be certain to gain some interest from Australian buyers.
P-climate ensures that a driver can set the desired cab temperature while they are resting and a passive climate control system will maintain that temperature without the engine running. It does away with traditional aftermarket cooling and heating solutions.
The glued-in windscreen has also strengthened the front of the cab, and near vertical A-pillars have improved visibility from the driver’s seat.
The Euro 6 13-litre engine is only currently available at 343kW while Euro 6 development continues on the 16-litre engine.
Volvo President Claes Nilsson says Volvo has an ongoing commitment to providing “complete, competitive, business solutions”.
Volvo Senior Vice President Ricard Fritz declared at the launch that the new is FH Volvo’s “safest truck ever”.
The new truck is expected to roll off the assembly line for European customers in the second quarter of 2013. The first truck off the assembly line is being auctioned with the proceeds being donated to a South African HIV charity.
Find Volvo FH trucks for sale.