Trucks get a bad rap for being intimidating road companions, but looks like Volvo is trying to flip that narrative with its safety technologies.
Not only that, but Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s (Volvo Trucks) latest range of heavy-duty trucks are also designed to revolutionise Malaysia’s logistics industry by boosting fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
With a focus on safety and sustainability, the new models align with the country’s growing need for greener and safer transportation solutions.
“Safety is at the heart of what we do,” Volvo Trucks Southeast Asia and Japan Managing Director Anna Engblom said in a press release. “These new trucks are engineered to protect both drivers and road users while addressing environmental challenges.”
Like modern cars today, these trucks are equipped with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control lane-keeping support. These features aim to reduce the risks associated with heavy vehicles on Malaysia’s roads.
Its new Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) system ensures stability under varying conditions, while an optional Camera Monitoring System (CMS) offers enhanced vision, reducing blind spots and improving night-time visibility.
Designed for Malaysia’s logistics needs
Malaysia’s logistics sector is thriving, ranking 26th globally in the 2023 World Bank Logistics Performance Index. Volvo’s updated trucks are tailored to the demands of this ecosystem, offering:
- Aerodynamic design: The Globetrotter cab enhances fuel efficiency by up to 9%.
- Cruise control with I-See: Smart cruise technology optimises speed and gear changes based on road topography.
- Euro 5 compliance: Meeting international emission standards, the trucks support businesses striving for sustainability goals.
These features could be game-changers in helping businesses deliver goods more efficiently while reducing costs and emissions. Not only that, it also aligns with Malaysia’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030, a policy framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
Enhancing driver well-being
Truck drivers are vital economic frontliners, and Volvo Trucks has also prioritised their well-being. The newly designed cabins feature:
- Ergonomic controls and intuitive interfaces to minimise fatigue
- Spacious resting areas for improved comfort on long-haul drives
- Enhanced audio systems and USB-C ports for modern connectivity needs
These upgrades aim to provide drivers with a productive and comfortable environment, contributing to safer and more efficient operations.
Supporting the industry
Volvo Trucks is also investing in driver training to ensure operators can maximise the benefits of the new trucks. Additionally, its Iron Women Programme, launched in 2024, aims to upskill and empower women to become heavy-duty truck drivers. Five women have already graduated, with plans to train 100 women by the end of 2025.
Volvo Trucks continues to set benchmarks in safety, recently earning a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for its Volvo FH and FM models. This recognition underscores its position as a leader in innovative and reliable heavy-duty truck solutions.
Trucks don’t usually get the spotlight when we think about innovation or sustainability. But Volvo’s latest heavy-duty trucks might have just represented a technological leap and also a commitment to a better, greener tomorrow for Malaysia’s transport industry.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
