Truck drivers recently had the opportunity to experience the new changes to the Volvo VN, introduced by Volvo Trucks North America last August. The Volvo test drive tour crossed the finish line on a sunny November day at the Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, OR.

“We had a great response,” says Mike Cantwell, senior product application manager for the company and one of the tour team members. “At every stop, truck operators had the chance to see and test drive four of our new Volvo VN series trucks, two of the long-haul VNL model 780's and two 670's. We also gave every driver the opportunity to make comments for the on-line log of the tour, which you can see at www.drivevolvotrucks.com.”

According to Cantwell, drivers had plenty of questions about the new specs, including questions about the new 2002 engines. “The first question most people asked was, ‘What has changed since the first VN?’ notes Cantwell. “After that, they wanted to know about costs.”

The changes to the model line are numerous and dramatic, including a redesign of the VNL with a detailed eye to enhancing aerodynamics by making a variety of changes such as sloping the hood, streamlining side fairings to reduce the gap between tractor and trailer, and smoothing the contours of the split-design mirror. The new models are also trimmed down weight-wise, by as much as 400 lb. compared to the previous VN.

Cantwell and his team members told drivers inspecting the new Volvos that oil-change intervals and warranties would not change for the new engines, although new components on the EGR system would be added to the warranty coverage. Concerning fuel efficiency, they advised drivers to expect “a zero to 2%” impact.