Volvo tractor units have always been extremely popular in the UK – as far back as the F88 in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Today’s trucks are just as popular and even more iconic. The top of the range Volvo FH tractor units are amongst the most powerful in the world, swapping the title with fellow Swedes Scania. With power outputs of 750hp the top-end, 16-litre FH16 Volvo tractor unit is the one that every driver would want. Hard to justify with maximum gross vehicle weights of 44 tonnes in the UK and a country that is not too hilly. The Globetrotter cab is present on nearly all Volvo Tractor units – at least it is the case for the FH model – there is also a larger cab, the Globetrotter XL for those truck buyers who spend a lot of nights out in their cabs. The range has developed further and now you can also buy used examples of Volvo tractor units with Globetrotter XXL cabs.
The FM tractor unit range uses a smaller cab and is better suited for more local or high payload operations – although a Globetrotter version of the narrower FM is also available.
January 2024 saw Volvo announce the launch of their revised cabs for their FH tractor unit range as well as upgrades to their FM range of tractor units.
The ‘Aero’ cabs use the recently introduced changes to the dimension regulations which allow trucks to be longer assuming the additional length is used for aerodynamic benefit. The new Volvo FH Aero tractor units have a 24cm extension to the front of the cab which, Volvo claim, improves both fuel economy and stability in windy conditions. The new tractor units are available as an FH16 with the enlarged 17-litre engine with a record-breaking 780hp available, the standard, 13-litre Euro 6, Step E engines, gas versions plus gas and electric versions.
In addition to a enlarged Volvo badge, the Volvo FM tractor unit received some new technology, including rear view mirror cameras, refinements to the I-See technology, updates to the braking system plus a revised infotainment and sound system.
Kent-based Castledene Transport has taken delivery of a brand-new Volvo FH 500 with I-Save Globetrotter XL 6x2 tractor unit, sporting a special livery to celebrate the customer’s 45th anniversary. Supplied by Steve Moon, Truck Sales Director at MC Truck & Bus, the truck joins a 40-strong commercial vehicle fleet, of which 90 per cent is Volvo-supplied. The FH with I-Save will be tasked with general haulage work on a variety of routes across the UK. Matt Clarke, Operations Director, Castledene Transport, says: “The majority of our fleet has been Volvo for many years now, and we’ve come to really embrace…
Palletline member HMT Group has extended its long-standing relationship with Volvo Trucks by welcoming seven new Volvo FH with I-Save 460 Globetrotter XL 6x2 tractor units. The deal ensures HMT Group’s articulated fleet remains exclusively Volvo. Supplied by Karl Davies, Customer Solutions Manager, Thomas Hardie Commercials, the trucks each feature a D13TC Euro-6 Step E engine, producing 460 hp and 2,600 Nm of torque. Mark Gallagher, UK General Manager, HMT Group, says: “We’ve been running Volvos on the fleet as long as I can remember, so we’re well versed in what the trucks bring to the table. The I-Save technology…
South-East based Lenham Storage has put its first zero-tailpipe emission trucks into operation, having taken delivery of two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units. The addition of the electric trucks marks the next step on the road for the forward-thinking, family-owned business’ sustainability drive. Supplied by Steve Moon, Truck Sales Director at MC Truck & Bus, the new additions join the fleet following a successful trial with a demonstrator vehicle, which highlighted how electric-powered trucks could fit seamlessly into Lenham Storage’s operations in and around London. Andrew Fulcher, Transport Operations Director at Lenham Storage, says: “As a business, we…
Bath-based haulier Stuart Harvey Transport has taken delivery of a high specification Volvo FH 500 with I-Save Globetrotter XL 6x2 tractor unit. The stunning new truck is equipped with I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission and numerous creature comforts to maximise driving experience and fuel efficiency. Supplied by Mike Gill, Area Sales Manager, Truck and Bus Wales and West, the FH is the latest Volvo to arrive with the customer, having first turned to the Swedish marque in 2019. Stuart Harvey, owner, says: “Since taking delivery of our first Volvo, we’ve been mightily impressed with the brand’s driving performance, fuel efficiency and…
It is a solid start – an operator with a 93-strong truck fleet has taken the plunge and invested in an electric tractor unit – a 666hp Volvo FM electric. Sensibly, the operator, Glastonbury-based business Sparks Transport took a look at their operations in conjunction with the Volvo Truck dealer, Truck and Bus Wales and West. As a result, they pinpointed a small section of their routes that could cope with the issues associated with electric truck operation. Next on the list was to put an electric demonstrator on the routes to see if the theory was correct. After the…
