2007: Sharing the Road.
Scale Model on Display at Michelin Challenge Design™
Description:
The “BeeVan” concept truck from Volvo puts the driver front and center in the truck’s cab, instead of the traditional left-side position, in what Volvo’s designers call the FVDP – Full-View Driver Position. FVDP has more than 180 degrees of uninterrupted visibility, as the huge windshield arcs around the driver, while remote vision cameras eliminate blindspots. Dual armrest consoles place an array of other advanced technologies literally at the driver’s fingertips, including: lane tracking, vehicle proximity sensors and driver drowsiness detectors.
The advanced design concept begins even before the driver enters the vehicle, as the door slides back – and not out into traffic – and hidden access steps slide out to “greet” the driver. The steps retract when not in use for security, safety and aerodynamic efficiency. Opening the door also causes the driver’s seat to move rearward and rotate toward the driver for easy access.
Once inside the cab, innovative materials are used to support, refresh and insulate the driver from the outside environment, and to promote effective work and rest. The cab includes sleeper berths, a dinette table and other versatile components to combine office, relaxation, dining, personal storage and sleeping functions.
The dramatic windshield is the backdrop for another bold design idea combining aerodynamics and improved engine efficiency. Engine cooling is enhanced by positioning two radiators at the base of the A-pillar/dash transitions. Air is directed from the wraparound grille, through the radiators and exits via the roof. This means the heat transferred from the radiator to the air is never in contact with the engine, for increased cooling efficiency. Plus, the engine benefits from direct airflow through the traditional grille opening for additional cooling and reduced drag.
Volvo Trucks North America assembles its Volvo VT, VN and VHD trucks in the United States, at the ISO14001 and ISO9001 certified New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia. Volvo engines for North America are assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. Volvo sponsors the America’s Road Team national highway safety outreach program.
Volvo Trucks North America is part of the Volvo Group of companies, a publicly held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. With 2005 sales of approximately $31 billion, Volvo’s business areas include heavy trucks, buses, construction equipment, marine and industrial drive systems, aerospace, and financial services. In the United States, Volvo shares are listed on NASDAQ and are traded as ADRs (symbol: VOLV).
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