All-New Volvo VNL Leverages Connectivity to Deliver Intelligent Maintenance, Maximize Customer Uptime

Tue March 05, 2024
Volvo

With the launch of the all-new Volvo VNL, the most connected truck ever built by Volvo Trucks, customers will experience increased uptime through even more accurate, data-based maintenance and key product design elements targeted to save fleets time and money.

With the 24/7 Volvo Uptime Center, a customer service representative is always there to support, even if the driver and truck are thousands of miles from home. Volvo Trucks took this commitment to the customer a step further with the launch of the all-in-one fleet management portal, Volvo Connect, launched in October 2023. Now, with the launch of the all-new Volvo VNL, connectivity and data driven solutions are prepared to take customers into a more sustainable and efficient future of fleet operation.

"Our customers invest in Volvo Trucks because they want the best possible truck for their drivers and operations," said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. "We've taken a quantum leap forward with the all-new Volvo VNL — bringing the next generation of connectivity to the forefront, in vehicle health monitoring and intelligent maintenance. The all-new Volvo VNL will drive increased customer value through driver productivity, fuel efficiency, safety and uptime. At Volvo Trucks, we don't just sell trucks, we build sustainable transportation solutions to support our customers in their journey."

Volvo Connect Grows Suite of Services

The suite of connected services offered by Volvo Trucks continues to grow following the launch of Volvo Connect. Through Volvo Connect, customers can monitor their trucks in near real-time, see pending remote programing updates, and manage vehicle health data and safety items. The ability to see pending remote programing update availability in specific trucks from one single portal allows fleet managers to notify drivers to perform the update the next time they are stopped and safely parked.

On average, fleets with fully updated truck populations experience a 24 percent reduction in unplanned stops. With the all-new Volvo VNL, update speed has also been improved for faster downloads with an average download time of four minutes, the manufacturer said.

With the My Truck App, drivers also can receive insights on engine fluid levels, washer fluid and potential light faults before they arrive at their truck to begin their pre-trip inspection. They also can set the climate control to reach their preferred temperature before arriving to start their shift.

Connectivity is only one area where Volvo Trucks has increased uptime for the customer. With the all-new Volvo VNL, Volvo Trucks engineers have redesigned components for increased serviceability and longer service intervals.

Maximizing Uptime Through Extended Service Intervals

The all-new Volvo VNL features a redesigned exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS), featuring both longer service intervals and the ability to be serviced in three separate components. The Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) can all be serviced or replaced individually, avoiding the unnecessary disposal of a unit which still has extensive operational life remaining, benefiting the customer financially and helping Volvo Trucks meet its sustainability goals.

In addition to the improved serviceability of the EATS, Volvo Trucks engineers also were able to reduce the overall component weight by 75 lbs. and increase the service interval of the DPF to approximately 630,000 mi.

Longer service intervals also have been achieved in the all-new Volvo VNL due to advancements in certain components: air dryer (APM), engine air filter, HVAC filters, oil drain intervals, fuel filters and more. Additionally, valve adjustment intervals have been extended by nearly 20 percent. These improvements increase uptime and improve customer value through reduced maintenance cost and less downtime for service and maintenance. In total, a 20 percent overall reduction in maintenance time can represent an approximate $5,000 annual value to the customer.

Volvo Trucks also has introduced 24-volt electrical architecture on the all-new Volvo VNL. The 24-volt system has been proven in the European market and will be necessary for North America and the future of commercial transportation. New, lighter components, faster and more accurate diagnostic times, and the ability to design more reliable and serviceable wiring harnesses make the move to the 24-volt system paramount, the manufacturer said.

Blue Service Contracts Are Even Smarter

As an added level of service and customer care, Volvo Trucks introduced the Blue Service Contract at TMC in 2023. The Blue Service Contract comes with peace-of-mind for the customer, knowing that their truck is being monitored by the dealership and they have a dedicated fleet manager at the dealer location who will proactively reach out and schedule the truck for service, ensuring a service bay and the needed parts and supplies are on-hand and a certified technician is available to complete the service on time and get the customer back on the road.

The all-new Volvo VNL and the connected data coming from the truck, allows for more accurate and optimized care under the Blue Service Contract.

Additionally, with a Blue Service Contract and monitoring of the truck, additional services which are coming due soon will be pulled forward to eliminate additional trips to the dealership, maximizing customer uptime, delivering additional value to the customer, and reducing their trucks' CO2 footprint.

Dealer managed Blue Service Contracts offer inflation protection for the customer, with negotiated labor and parts rates at time of purchase and can be included in the truck financing at purchase through Volvo Financial Services. Today, there are 10 dealer groups with 53 locations certified to sell the Blue Service contract. To find a Volvo Trucks dealership near you that sells and supports the Blue Service Contract visit the company's Find a Dealer page.

For more information, visit Volvotrucks.us.