Volvo FH Trucks for Sale (129)

Volvo FH Key Milestones

1993 – The Volvo FH launch

The FH replaced the ageing F Series as far back as 1993.  Initially there was a choice of the FH12 with the new D12A engine and the FH16 which was lifted from the outgoing F16.

1998 – Time for a facelift for the Volvo FH

As Volvo had made some improvements in the electronics and engine for the launch of the smaller FM in 1998, the FH benefitted. Now with the D12C engine at 460HP the FH12 had the right power for the job.

2002 – New Version of the FH

This was more than a facelift – there were aerodynamic changes, improvements to the engine, electronics and the introduction of the now famous I-Shift automated transmission.  A day cab was introduced for the first time.  Now available with 500HP from the revised D12D engine.

2003 – New 16-Litre engine for the FH16

Not ready at the time of the 2002 facelift, the D16C arrived with a flourish to claim the top powered truck crown with some 610HP available (since been massively increased to some 750HP!).  It was also available in a more sensible 550HP for those truck operators not intending to trek across the alps every day.

Volvo Celebrated 25 Years of the FH in Film

2005 – Even more power for the FH16 & a new 13-litre engine

Not content with (just) 610HP for the flagship FH16, in 2005 Volvo increased the power to 660HP.  At the same time Volvo rationalised the range of engines available in the FH, replacing the 9-litre and the 12-litre D12D with one 13-litre engine – the D13A.  Available with 360, 400, 440, 480 and 520HP, this flexible new engine was designed for Euro 3 emissions legislation, but with an eye to the impending Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards.

2007 – EGR fitted to the 13-Litre

To improve emissions and meet the Euro 4 standards, Volvo fitted the EGR system to their D13B engine.  This means that they could reach the standard without the need for an SCR aftertreatment system which consumes Adblue.

2008 – FH Series Upgrade with yet more FH16 Power

To coincide with the launch of the Euro 5 emissions standard, Volvo updated the FH range, albeit focusing on the driver comfort side, since the technology was largely in place already to meet the Euro 5 standard.

New safety features were introduced, look out for used trucks of this era with Driver Alert System, (DAS), Lane Keeping Support(LKS) and Lane Change Support (LCS).

Keeping the ball rolling in the top power competition, Volvo increased the FH16 to a whopping 700HP early in 2009.

2012 FH Euro 6 Launch

Although truck operators would not be investing in new Euro 6 Volvo FH trucks until late into 2014 in an significant numbers, 2012 saw the launch of the FH at Euro 6.  No expense spared, the launch included a live broadcast and took place in a number of countries simultaneously.

Now using the D13K and a brand new front suspension system, I-See – a package to change gear based on the anticipated roads ahead, I-Torque – delivering high torque from low revs.

Here’s Volvo’s view on the pre 2020 Volvo FH model: “What you see here is the latest generation FH. And we are not talking about a facelift, this is a brand new truck,” said Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Truck. “We have invested almost 1.3 billion euros (£1.05 bn) in the new Volvo FH. It is an outstanding long-haul truck, with technology way ahead of its competitors.”

There was a choice between four cabs: short day cab, normal sleeper cab, Globetrotter cab and extra-spacious Globetrotter XL cab.  Using just one engine size, it was available as a 420 up to a 540HP – operators could upgrade to the FH16 for yet more power.

2020 – Facelift for Volvo FH

In February 2020 Volvo launched a facelifted version of the FH.  A few visual changes – look out for changes to the front headlights and indicators – they moved slightly.  You will also see a larger Volvo logo on the front of the truck.  The easiest way to check if the used Volvo FH you are buying is the earlier model or the new 2020 version is to look inside the cab.

The changes were all driver focused with new dashboard including two screens – one replacing the main dials and the other controlling the infotainment and satnav.  The I-Shift selector was moved and there was a host of safety features included.

At the time of launch, Volvo also claimed that the new FH was up to 7% better on fuel than the outgoing model.

The 2020 Model Volvo FH In Brief

Cabs: Low sleeper cab, Sleeper cab, Globetrotter cab, Globetrotter XL and Globetrotter XXL. Exterior and interior trim packages for individual design.

Engines: Volvo FH is also available with Euro 6, Step D compliant gas-powered LNG engine in selected markets.

Volvo FH with I-Save for Euro 6

Gear changing system: I-Shift / I-Shift Dual Clutch with software packages for different areas of application.

Read more about the FH 2020 Launch

2020 – Upgrade to I-Save Variant

Volvo claims that the new generation Volvo FH with I-Save will be up to 10% more fuel-efficient than a standard Volvo FH equipped with a 13-litre Euro-6 Step D engine; which is three per cent more than the earlier Volvo FH with I-Save, which was introduced in 2019.

2024 – Launch of Aero Version

In January 2024, Volvo announced the launch of their new Aero version of the FH cab. This cab takes advantages of the recently introduced dimensions regulations for the lengths of trucks in Europe. The regulations allow a longer cab if the additional length is used to benefit the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The additional 24 centimetres added to the front of the FH cab means an improvement in fuel efficiency of some 5% compared to the standard model. These trucks are easy to spot – partly due to their sleeker look, but also thanks to the much larger Volvo Iron mark logo on the front and the camera mirrors which improve air flow further. The arrival of the trucks in the UK is scheduled for later in 2024 and early 2025 in right hand drive form.