Latest news with #VolvoVNL
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
The Future of Autonomous Trucking Is Being Tested Today
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. There are millions more jobs driving trucks than there are drivers for those trucks. According to IRU, an organization representing 3.5 million mobility and logistics services globally, there are 3.6 million unfilled positions in 36 countries. Those 36 countries represent 70 percent of the global GDP. Technology that can help ease the problem is on the way. Many companies are testing driverless tractor-trailers on highways, including U.S. Interstates 35 and 45. Among those companies gearing up for an autonomous future is Volvo Group. Volvo Trucks currently sells 25 different types of trucks, from gasoline-powered long-haul transporters to the Volvo FM Low Entry, a high-capacity truck for urban work like garbage hauling or construction work. "At Volvo Group, our Volvo autonomous solutions are currently focused on hub-to-hub freight transport and mining, however the benefits of autonomy extend across multiple industries including construction and public transport," Lars Stenqvist, chief technology officer of Volvo Group, told Newsweek. Face of the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck. Face of the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck. Volvo Trucks More than just workforce shortages, Stenqvist views autonomous driving technology as safer for roadside workers and public transit riders. "Autonomous technology is already helping to address some of the logistics industry's most urgent challenges, such as driver shortages, growing freight demand, and long transit times. In construction, autonomy can deliver many of the same benefits, mitigating the shortage of skilled operators, enabling continuous operations, and improving site safety by removing people from hazardous environments. Similarly, in public transport, autonomy can help ease driver shortages, improve safety, and add much needed capacity," he said. Rather than replace drivers, Stenqvist envisions autonomous trucks as being able to perform "specific tasks on routes where autonomy can add the most value." The Volvo VNL heavy-duty truck was launched with autonomous operations in mind. "The Volvo VNL Autonomous is built on the all-new Volvo VNL, launched in January 2024. This truck model represents a 90% redesign from the ground up, with significant improvements in fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, and safety, making it the ideal platform for autonomous operations. "At Volvo Group, we made a deliberate choice to develop a new truck platform specifically for autonomous use. The Volvo VNL Autonomous is purpose-designed and purpose-built from the start, ensuring that every aspect of its design caters to the unique requirements of driverless operation—there are no afterthoughts, upgrades, or retrofitting involved," Stenqvist said. Each VNL Autonomous is equipped with redundant safety technology and equipment including brakes, steering, communication systems, power and energy storage, vehicle motion management operations and lights. The VNL Autonomous also has Aurora's self-driving technology, Aurora Driver, integrated into it. "We view autonomy as a fully integrated system, not as an add-on. From redundant harnessing to protected sensor mounts, every component is engineered for durability, safety, and scalability. Autonomy is embedded, not bolted on, and every design choice reflects our commitment to this principle," Stenqvist said. Volvo manufactures the truck at the company's New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia. Autonomous driving operations are enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). "AI is not just at the heart of autonomous transport, it enables intelligence across the entire solution stack. At Volvo Group, we view AI as the critical layer that empowers perception, decision-making, and intelligent vehicle control while always being anchored in safety, reliability, and operational integrity," the CTO said. "Our Volvo VNL Autonomous in its first application is powered by the Aurora Driver, which incorporates Aurora's carefully engineered approach known as Verifiable AI. In parallel, we also have a partnership with Waabi. The Waabi Driver brings a next-generation approach using generative AI trained in advanced simulation. Their system is designed to learn quickly, adapt across regions, and smoothly integrate." There isn't one particular area of autonomous driving that stands out to Stenqvist as being the most challenging."Autonomy is a systems challenge," he said. Stenqvist continued: "Autonomy presents a multifaceted challenge that goes far beyond perception and control. It demands system-level safety, full redundancy, large-scale validation, and seamless integration into complex operational environments. "Building an autonomous truck is particularly demanding. It's not just about software or retrofitting sensors—it involves adding over 200 components, including advanced sensors and redundant systems for all safety-critical functions. These must be integrated from the ground up into a cohesive, fail-operational architecture that performs reliably at highway speeds and across a wide range of weather and lighting conditions. "Sensor fusion, redundancy design, and robust autonomy stack performance are major engineering challenges. Delivering this capability on a scale, with OEM-grade quality and consistency, is equally critical. This is where Volvo Group has a distinct advantage, drawing on decades of experience in vehicle safety, industrialization, and high-quality manufacturing to make autonomy viable at scale." And the company sees autonomy not just as a next step but as a game-changing solution for the trucking industry. "Autonomy is more than a technological leap—it's a critical enabler for meeting growing freight demand, improving safety, and addressing labor shortages. At Volvo Group, we see autonomy as a key driver of long-term efficiency and progress, paving the way for a more resilient future for the transport industry," Stenqvist said. Daimler Truck's Freighliner Cascadia being tested in an autonomous driving scenario by Torc. Daimler Truck's Freighliner Cascadia being tested in an autonomous driving scenario by Torc. Daimler Truck Volvo isn't the only company in the throws of autonomous truck testing. Torc, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, is testing its driverless trucks along routes in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. Like Volvo, the company has built redundancies into its fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia, which is used for the tests. Torc and its parent company aim to enter the U.S. market with an SAE Level 4 autonomous truck by 2027, it said in April. SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks can operate without a driver under limited conditions. The companies plan to market the truck for use between freight hubs.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo Trucks Wins Prestigious Design Award for New North American Truck Model
Volvo Trucks North America's new truck model – the all-new Volvo VNL - has earned the 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design in the commercial vehicles category – a prestigious international honor recognizing excellence in design. All-new Volvo VNL Design Team All-new Volvo VNL Interior Greensboro, N.C., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Red Dot Award is globally regarded as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for outstanding design and this year a big-rig truck has taken the honors. The all-new Volvo VNL was reengineered by its U.S. team through six years of intensive research and dedicated product development, and that effort has led to recognition beyond the trucking industry. In January 2024, Volvo Trucks North America introduced the state-of-the-art new truck for long haul, which represents a 90% redesign from previous models. Tailored to address the dynamic challenges of the North American freight transport sector, the all-new Volvo VNL features hundreds of next generation enhancements to drive productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability for trucking companies while transforming the driver experience with noticeable design enhancements that make life on the road easier and better. 'When most people hear design, they think of automotive or fashion, not heavy-duty trucks. However, for our team, design plays a critical role in everything from fuel efficiency to driver comfort,' said Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America. 'With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model. Inside, we transformed the driving environment and sleeper into a space that feels more like a home away from home.' With its dynamic lines, optimized aerodynamics, curved windshield, and wedge-shaped profile, the exterior design signals a significant industry shift and reflects the Volvo brand strengths in a visually striking way. Aesthetically, the elevation pattern echoes throughout the entire product, starting with the distinct angled front grille, headlights and intakes. Inside the cabin, the driver-focused interior introduces an all-new 24-volt electrical architecture that brings industry-leading features such as dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, task/ambient lighting, and comfort and storage amenities. The customizable cab and sleeper configurations, along with the innovative versatile bunk setup, provide flexibility for driving teams and customer needs. Whether it is a better workstation for drivers or airline-inspired window shades for blocking light in the sleeping berth, the all-new Volvo VNL caters to a driver's requirements and has been met with very positive driver feedback. 'The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,' said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. 'Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.' Facts: About the Red Dot Award The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world's largest design competitions with 51 categories ranging from consumer electronics and vehicles, household appliances and furniture. The competition started 70 years ago in Essen, Germany and has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after marks of quality for outstanding design. The award will be officially announced on July 8 at the Designers' Night in the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany. Read more at Volvo Trucks has a history of excellent product design and won the Red Dot Award in 2021 for the new Volvo FM model. Videos: Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Designed to change everything Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Design Inspiration Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Driver Focus Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Own the wind Volvo Trucks – Volvo VNL 840 – Exterior Walkaround Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL Driver Productivity Pillar Film To learn more about Volvo Trucks North America, visit the company website. High-resolution images associated with this press release and others are available at For further information, please contact: Cecilia Carlsson Director Brand, Marketing & Communication 336.230.4788 Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization. Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2024 approximately 134,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks' work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care. Attachments All-new Volvo VNL Design Team All-new Volvo VNL Interior CONTACT: Lawren Markle TRC Companies, for Volvo Trucks North America 424-224-5364 lmarkle@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo Trucks Wins Prestigious Design Award for New North American Truck Model
Volvo Trucks North America's new truck model – the all-new Volvo VNL - has earned the 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design in the commercial vehicles category – a prestigious international honor recognizing excellence in design. All-new Volvo VNL Design Team All-new Volvo VNL Interior Greensboro, N.C., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Red Dot Award is globally regarded as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for outstanding design and this year a big-rig truck has taken the honors. The all-new Volvo VNL was reengineered by its U.S. team through six years of intensive research and dedicated product development, and that effort has led to recognition beyond the trucking industry. In January 2024, Volvo Trucks North America introduced the state-of-the-art new truck for long haul, which represents a 90% redesign from previous models. Tailored to address the dynamic challenges of the North American freight transport sector, the all-new Volvo VNL features hundreds of next generation enhancements to drive productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability for trucking companies while transforming the driver experience with noticeable design enhancements that make life on the road easier and better. 'When most people hear design, they think of automotive or fashion, not heavy-duty trucks. However, for our team, design plays a critical role in everything from fuel efficiency to driver comfort,' said Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America. 'With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model. Inside, we transformed the driving environment and sleeper into a space that feels more like a home away from home.' With its dynamic lines, optimized aerodynamics, curved windshield, and wedge-shaped profile, the exterior design signals a significant industry shift and reflects the Volvo brand strengths in a visually striking way. Aesthetically, the elevation pattern echoes throughout the entire product, starting with the distinct angled front grille, headlights and intakes. Inside the cabin, the driver-focused interior introduces an all-new 24-volt electrical architecture that brings industry-leading features such as dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, task/ambient lighting, and comfort and storage amenities. The customizable cab and sleeper configurations, along with the innovative versatile bunk setup, provide flexibility for driving teams and customer needs. Whether it is a better workstation for drivers or airline-inspired window shades for blocking light in the sleeping berth, the all-new Volvo VNL caters to a driver's requirements and has been met with very positive driver feedback. 'The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,' said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. 'Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.' Facts: About the Red Dot Award The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world's largest design competitions with 51 categories ranging from consumer electronics and vehicles, household appliances and furniture. The competition started 70 years ago in Essen, Germany and has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after marks of quality for outstanding design. The award will be officially announced on July 8 at the Designers' Night in the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany. Read more at Volvo Trucks has a history of excellent product design and won the Red Dot Award in 2021 for the new Volvo FM model. Videos: Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Designed to change everything Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Design Inspiration Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Driver Focus Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL – Own the wind Volvo Trucks – Volvo VNL 840 – Exterior Walkaround Volvo Trucks – The all-new Volvo VNL Driver Productivity Pillar Film To learn more about Volvo Trucks North America, visit the company website. High-resolution images associated with this press release and others are available at For further information, please contact: Cecilia Carlsson Director Brand, Marketing & Communication 336.230.4788 Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization. Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2024 approximately 134,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks' work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care. Attachments All-new Volvo VNL Design Team All-new Volvo VNL Interior CONTACT: Lawren Markle TRC Companies, for Volvo Trucks North America 424-224-5364 lmarkle@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
NTSB says trucker in deadly Texas crash didn't stop for slowed traffic
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a preliminary report for its investigation into a deadly semitruck crash on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas, last month. The incident on March 13 killed five people and injured others. The truck driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, was arrested the next day and charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter plus two counts of intoxication assault. One injured individual has since sued the driver, transportation company and Amazon for over $100 million in damages. Thursday's NTSB report stated that lane closures from construction work the day of the incident had caused lines of traffic to form near mile marker 245.4 on I-35. According to the report, a 2016 Volvo VNL truck-tractor combined with a 2022 CIMC Intermodal Equipment semitrailer operated by ZBN Transport LLC was southbound and did not stop when traffic ahead slowed. The truck rear-ended a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta passenger car and a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. It continued another 0.1 miles, causing a pileup of 13 more vehicles before coming to a stop on the left shoulder of the road, NTSB said. The report stated I-35 has six lanes – three northbound and three southbound – at this location. Just over 2 miles of short-term road work was underway when the incident occurred, and the speed limit was lowered from 70 mph to 60 mph along this section. 'As a result of the crash, all four occupants in the passenger car and one passenger in the pickup truck were fatally injured,' the report stated. 'The other two occupants of the pickup truck and the other occupants in the crash-involved vehicles reported various injuries ranging from minor to serious. The driver of the combination vehicle was uninjured.' The post NTSB says trucker in deadly Texas crash didn't stop for slowed traffic appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo Trucks leads the heavy truck market in Europe
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Volvo Trucks is the market leader in Europe for heavy trucks. In 2024, the company had an overall market share in Europe of 17.9% and 56,331 Volvo trucks were registered in the region. Volvo is for the first time ever the market leader for heavy trucks in Europe. Volvo Trucks was the market leader in heavy trucks, 16 tonnes and above, in Europe with a market share of 17.9% in 2024. The markets with the most registered Volvo trucks during the year were UK, France, Germany, Poland and Spain. "We are very proud to be the market leader in Europe. This is clear proof that our customers appreciate the fuel efficiency, safety and uptime of our trucks and that we have a very attractive product offering," says Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. "Our new FH Aero trucks that were launched in 2024 are just outstanding. These trucks are available with electric, gas and diesel powertrains and they have quickly become very popular on the market. Transport companies choose Volvo because our products and services help them grow their business and reduce CO2. I wish to extend a big thank you to our customers for their trust in us, and also to our dealers, suppliers and our colleagues within the Volvo Group for this achievement." Increased market share in 25 countries Globally, Volvo Trucks increased its market share in 25 countries in 2024. In Brazil, Volvo became the market leader in heavy trucks for the third year in a row with a market share of 23.7%. The company's flagship, the Volvo FH, was the most-sold truck model of all brands in Brazil in 2024. In Australia, Volvo's market share was 18.2%. In North America (US and Canada) Volvo Trucks had a market share of 10.5% (10.2% 2023). "We stand stronger than ever thanks to the complete renewal of our global product portfolio in 2024. In North America, where we aim to significantly grow our business, we launched a completely new platform that will be the base for a range of new models in the coming years. First out on the platform was the all-new Volvo VNL, which can deliver up to 10 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous generation," says Roger Alm. "Europe" means the European Union including UK, Norway and Switzerland (EU30).North America means USA and Canada. 19 February, 2025 LINK to high resolution images Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks' Media Hub: For more information, please contact:Helena LindMedia Relations Director, Volvo +46 76 5536257 This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: Volvo Trucks_market share release_final volvo truck S7A4662 volvo trucks 59A1644 PR Volvo FH Aero volvo trucks 59A2813 PR volvo trucks 59A5799 volvo trucks 0D3A3469 PR View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
