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Volvo VNL Now Has Pedestrian Detection, Panoramic Windshield & Other New Safety Features
Volvo recently described the new safety and visibility features of its latest VNL semitruck. The new VNL has next-generation driver assistance and occupant protection technologies such as the Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) pedestrian detection and forward collision avoidance system, a wrapped windshield, side airbag options, blind spot cameras, and much more.
The new Volvo also has passive design features to protect the driver, including seatbelts with optional colors and a high-strength steel cab that meets rigorous Swedish Impact Test standards.
“At Volvo Trucks, developing safety innovations that help protect drivers and those around the trucks is a process that never ends,” says Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve. “The all-new Volvo VNL sets the new standard for active and passive safety in North America. At Volvo Trucks, we have a vision for zero accidents because it’s the only number that’s acceptable.”
Driver Assist Package
The Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) package comes standard with the new VNL to prevent and mitigate collisions with pedestrians, bicycle riders, and other vehicles in the forward arc. The system can alert the driver to potential accidents and automatically apply the brakes if someone or something is directly in front of the moving vehicle. VADA also offers adaptive cruise control with audible and haptic alerts to help the driver maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead.
The optional VADA Plus package adds pedestrian and bicyclist detection in the truck and trailer’s side blind spots to increase safety during lane changes and turns. VADA Plus works with the Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) system to support active lane centering, oversteer guidance to prevent rollovers, and other automatic steering technologies. VDS contributes to stability and control in the event of high winds or a tire blowout and makes the truck easier to steer in general, especially at low speeds in Volvo models with an I-Shift automated manual transmission.
VNL Driver Visibility
Volvo has improved driver visibility in the new VNL with an adjustable driver’s seat position and a new panoramic, wrapped windshield. The bonded windscreen enhances the driver’s sight lines and the truck’s aerodynamics, reducing wind noise at highway speeds. The new windshield is made of laminated safety glass, which minimizes shattering in the event of an impact. Optional laminated door and rear windows are also available.
Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) complements the side mirrors on the VNL, which in turn are reduced in size for less drag. CMS provides a broader visibility range, especially while changing lanes or backing up. Another camera recognizes road signs and displays them to the driver on the cab’s 12-inch Digital Information Display. The DID also displays navigation, but this can be outsourced to an optional 9-in. infotainment center, which also can show the views from seven exterior cameras.
The new VNL also comes with cornering lamps that activate as the truck enters or exits a curve or makes a turn at low speeds. The VNL’s headlamps have light-sensing, automatic high beams for safer night driving without dazzling other drivers.
Side-Curtain Airbag & Auto-911 Options
Volvo says it is still the sole manufacturer of Class 8 trucks with a standard front airbag for the driver. With the new VNL, the company is introducing optional side-curtain airbags to the North American semitruck market. During a rollover, the side airbags deploy along the doors and windows to protect the vehicle’s occupants. Volvo offers customization options to cover both the driver's and passenger’s seats.
The new VNL can automatically dial 911 after a rollover accident or air bag deployment. Other active post-crash systems include automatic engine shutdown and fuel shutoff, emergency parking brake engagement, hazard lights activation, and doors that automatically unlock so the driver can exit the cab or receive assistance.
Said cab doors have reinforced hinges to keep them securely shut in an accident. Volvo mounts the VNL’s engine and transmission on innovative flared frame rails that guide the massive powertrain beneath the cab—instead of toward its occupant—in the event of a significant frontal impact.
Volvo VNL Trim Levels & Configurations
Volvo offers its new version of the VNL with a package approach to trim level, powertrain, safety technologies, and more. The truck’s D13 engine is available in five power levels from 405 to 500 horsepower (302 to 373 kilowatts) and three torque packages with up to 1,950 pounds-foot (2,644 newton-meters).
The VNL is available in six cab configurations and four interior and exterior trim level packages (Core, Edge, Edge Black, and Ultimate). Volvo claims the new VNL can operate up to 10% more fuel-efficiently than its predecessor.
Source: Volvo