New heavy truck from Volvo

Low operating costs, high reliability and a high comfort level. These are some of the arguments that will persuade customers to go for the Volvo badge when the company launches two new heavy truck ranges. The FM replaces the heavy trucks in the FL range introduced in 1985. The FM is designed primarily for regional distribution, construction duties and municipal operations. The FM is accompanied by a new generation of Volvo's big-selling long-haul truck, the FH, which since its launch in 1993 has sold almost 120,000 units the world over. The introduction of the two new truck models gives Volvo one of the widest and most modern ranges of heavy trucks on the market. The increasingly tough competition in the haulage industry requires each and every vehicle to be utilized to the maximum. Volvo has therefore invested major resources in further quality improvements and has concentrated even more on ensuring that the driver can work at his most efficient. The new models are based on the Volvo Trucks global modular concept, so about 78 percent of the components used in the FM are also found in the new FH, helping ensure uniform high quality. With such a high proportion of shared components, the two new truck models also have many characteristics in common for parameters such as comfort, safety, reliability and aerodynamics. Compared with corresponding models in the FL Series, the FM has 10-20 percent lower air drag. The cabs are tested according to the world's toughest safety norms and have features such as a three-point seat belt and a deformable steering wheel. A driver's airbag and front under-run protection beam are available as options. New electronics for increased reliability. Among the new features shared by the two models is an integrated network for digital communication between the truck's electronically controlled components. Electronics are used to monitor function, to register and store vehicle data and to provide detailed information to the driver, owner and mechanic. Electronics also offers the owner and bodybuilder new possibilities for further tailoring the truck to its intended application. The engine range has been updated and all the engines are tailored to suit the trucks' electronic systems. Two of the engines, the D7C and D12C, have undergone comprehensive improvements and offer both better performance and lower fuel consumption than their predecessors. A new series of extremely light-action gearboxes requiring 50 percent lower gear-changing force and a clutch pedal offering 30 percent lighter action help make the driver's job far easier. All the models have been fine-honed for low fuel consumption and low emissions. As of 1999, the FM7 will also be available with a filter that, among other things, will reduce particulate emissions by up to 90 percent. The trucks are recyclable to 96 percent, all plastic components weighing more than 50 grams are marked to aid sorting and the central lubrication system uses bio-degradable grease. Different models for different needs. Both the FH and FM are available in a wide range of models specified for different needs. For example, the FM is available as a version specially designed for heavy construction operations. The introduction of the new trucks is accompanied by the launch of a new maintenance programme which in most cases will mean longer intervals between services, as well as a new service system making it easier for the mechanics to correctly diagnose faults and cut standstill times in the workshop. The new FH and FM are initially being launched in Europe, but will be gradually introduced on other markets from early 1999. The FM will be made in Sweden and Great Britain, while the new FH will be produced in several Volvo plants around the world. In addition to the FM and FH, the Volvo product range includes the medium FL6 and FLC trucks. Engine range, FM ¤ FM7 with in-line 7.3-litre 6-cylinder engine featuring turbocharger and intercooler. Power outputs: 250 hp (184 kW), 290 hp (210 kW). ¤ FM10 with in-line 9.6-litre 6-cylinder engine featuring turbocharger and intercooler. Power outputs: 320 hp (235 kW), 360 hp (265 kW). ¤ FM12 with in-line 12.1-litre 6-cylinder engine featuring turbocharger and intercooler. Power outputs: 340 hp (250 kW), 380 (279 kW), 420 (309 kW). Engine range, FH ¤ FH12 with in-line 12.1-litre 6-cylinder engine featuring turbocharger and intercooler. Power outputs: 340 hp (250 kW), 380 (279 kW), 420 (309 kW), 460 hp (338 kW). ¤ FH16 with in-line 16-litre 6-cylinder engine featuring turbocharger and intercooler. Power outputs: 470 hp (346 kW), 520 hp (382 kW). Cab range, FM ¤ Short cab for single-day operations. ¤ Long cab with generous overnight accommodation for one person. ¤ Globetrotter - spacious cab with two beds. Cab range, FH ¤ Short cab with virtually flat floor, for single-day operations. ¤ Long cab with virtually flat floor and generous overnight accommodation for one. ¤ Globetrotter, spacious cab with virtually flat floor and two beds. ¤ Globetrotter XL with extra-high roof, virtually flat floor and two comfortable beds. August 3, 1998