Cutting-Edge Range Designed with Greater Driver Support, Enhanced Safety and Fuel Efficiency Features, Customisable to Businesses in Malaysia
Malaysia is the second-best performing ASEAN country in global trade logistics, as it ranked 26th globally in the 2023 World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), up from 41st place in 2022. Seeking to support Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its logistics ecosystem, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks) has launched its newly updated range of Heavy-Duty Trucks that will support businesses enhance fuel efficiency for lower carbon emissions, productivity, and safety for both driver and road users.
“Safety, Quality and Sustainability or environmental care, are our core values at Volvo Trucks. Volvo Trucks remains passionate about delivering solutions that elevate safety for both drivers and operators across the transport industry. The presence of industry partners and government agencies here today indicate a genuine interest in innovative solutions that contribute to better safety for heavy-duty truck drivers and road users, as well as care for the environment. And this supports our strategy to introduce our Newly Updated Volvo Heavy-Duty Trucks today,” said Volvo Trucks Southeast Asia and Japan Managing Director, Anna Engblom.
Road safety continues to be a topic of discussion, particularly in relation to heavy vehicles. While road safety in Malaysia generally falls under the purview of agencies including the Road Transport Department, the Malaysia Institute of Road Safety and Research, and the Land Public Transport Agency, Volvo Trucks believes the private sector can be active contributors through safety innovation. A position the brand hopes to strengthen with the launch of its newest range of heavy-duty trucks.
Standout performance
The new range of heavy-duty trucks features aerodynamic design upgrades, enhanced driveline systems, improved driver environment, and intelligent safety systems for Volvo’s signature FH, FM, and FMX models. Understanding Malaysia’s unique logistics ecosystem and demanding haulage industry environment, the new range of trucks is purpose-built to help businesses achieve fuel savings while enhancing driver well-being and operational safety.
Key highlights of the Newly Updated Volvo Heavy-Duty Trucks include the aerodynamics of the Globetrotter cab which contributes up to 9% enhanced fuel efficiency. Volvo Trucks has also made the Forward Collision Warning system with an automatic emergency braking system a standard feature in the newly updated range of heavy-duty trucks. Furthermore, the new range is now designed for the trailer parking brake to be engaged when the parking brake is activated.
The Cruise control with I-See is another key feature that integrates smarter cruise control technology which optimises speed and gear change according to topography, thus contributing to fuel efficiency.
Leading Safety for Drivers and Road Users
Technology is revolutionising road safety with solutions designed for prevention and even shorter emergency response times. Volvo, a foremost innovator in safety, historically designed the three-point seat belt that shaped the course of preventive safety in all vehicles.
Decades on, the brand is redefining safety for the trucking industry with features like the Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) which stabilises the vehicle under varying conditions, and Camera Monitoring System (CMS), available as an option in Volvo’s newly updated range of trucks. The CMS system is equipped with a night infrared function which enables panning for enhanced vision around the truck and reduced blind spots. Features such as LED lighting also improves visibility, supporting drivers with safer night-time and low-light driving conditions. The CMS, which will be available in the second quarter of 2025 is another contributor to fuel efficiency as well as improved safety.
Volvo Trucks recently achieved a milestone in global safety recognition being awarded the top rating of five stars from the European consumer test organization, Euro NCAP, for both its Volvo FH and Volvo FM models. “It is the first time ever Euro NCAP assessed the safety of heavy-duty trucks. This further reinforces our position as a leader in safety, the bedrock of trust among our customers,” Engblom said.
The scope of the truck test by Euro NCAP encompassed three key areas namely, safe driving such as occupant monitoring and speed assistance. The second area is collision avoidance such as frontal collisions and low speed manoeuvring collisions, and thirdly, post-crash specifically rescue information.
Supporting Businesses to Achieve Sustainability Commitments
In line with Malaysia’s environmental goals, the Newly Updated Volvo Heavy-Duty Trucks are designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. This feature supports businesses looking to move the needle in achieving sustainability commitments that contribute to lower emissions for better air quality. Furthermore, transition of existing fleets supports Malaysia’s progress toward sustainable environmental practices within the transport sector.
The decarbonisation of Malaysia’s transportation sector is outlined in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030. Using the policy framework, The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) works closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability to assesses the best options in energy and Green House Gas mitigation planning in the transport sector.
In support of the nation’s low carbon emission efforts, Volvo’s newly updated range of trucks aligns with a key action plan within the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint which focuses on the exploration of low emission vehicle technologies. This supports businesses making an effort to achieve sustainability goals by transitioning to truck fleets with lower emissions.
Redefining Support for Heavy-Duty Truck Drivers
Heavy-duty truck drivers are crucial economic frontliners. They endure demanding work environments from long-haul drives to physically demanding tasks to ensure an endless supply chain that drives the nation’s economy. This highlights the importance of ensuring that drivers are equipped with an environment which supports optimal productivity.
With this in mind, Volvo Trucks has made upgrades to the driver cabin with ergonomic controls, intuitive interfaces, and spacious resting areas with the new range. The redesigned interior provides a comfortable environment, allowing drivers to stay focused and less fatigued on long-haul journeys.
Driver safety support features including Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control Lane Keeping Support, Lane Change Support, Driver Alert Support and Trailer Connect Indicator are available from Volvo Trucks’ Safety+ package to help enhance driving experience and performance.
The new range is also designed with an improved in-cabin audio system and comfort with better audio and an information display interface that comes with two USB-C ports.
“We take this opportunity to thank our customers and industry partners for their continuous support and trust in Volvo Trucks. Keeping our ears to the ground is a crucial part of our industry-leading position. It enables us to support our customers and the industry as a whole,” said Engblom in her address at the launch which was graced by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Yang Berhormat Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
To compliment the launch, Volvo Trucks is also poised to deliver driver training sessions to update drivers on the Newly Updated Volvo Heavy-Duty Trucks and how to optimise its features on the road. Volvo Trucks also recently launched the Iron Women programme in September 2024, a new initiative that upskills and empowers women to become truck drivers. Todate, five women aged between 27 years and 40 years have graduated from the programme. The initiative aims to empower approximately 100 women heavy-duty truck drivers by the end of 2025.
To learn more about the Newly Updated Volvo Heavy-Duty Trucks and other initiatives, contact Geetha Menon at geetha.menon.c@volvo.com
