GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks North America wins The Red Dot Award for outstanding design for its all-new Volvo VNL.
“When most people hear design, they think of automotive or fashion, not heavy-duty trucks. However, for our team, design plays a critical role in everything from fuel efficiency to driver comfort,” said Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America. “With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model. Inside, we transformed the driving environment and sleeper into a space that feels more like a home away from home.”
New Volvo VNL
The all-new Volvo VNL was reengineered by its U.S. team through six years of intensive research and dedicated product development, and that effort has led to recognition beyond the trucking industry. In January 2024, Volvo Trucks North America introduced the state-of-the-art new truck for long haul, which represents a 90% redesign from previous models. Tailored to address the dynamic challenges of the North American freight transport sector, the all-new Volvo VNL features hundreds of next generation enhancements to drive productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability for trucking companies while transforming the driver experience with noticeable design enhancements that make life on the road easier and better.
“With its dynamic lines, optimized aerodynamics, curved windshield, and wedge-shaped profile, the exterior design signals a significant industry shift and reflects the Volvo brand strengths in a visually striking way,” Volvo said in a press release. “Aesthetically, the elevation pattern echoes throughout the entire product, starting with the distinct angled front grille, headlights and intakes.”
Inside the cabin, the driver-focused interior introduces an all-new 24-volt electrical architecture that brings industry-leading features such as dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, task/ambient lighting, and comfort and storage amenities. The customizable cab and sleeper configurations, along with the innovative versatile bunk setup, provide flexibility for driving teams and customer needs. Whether it is a better workstation for drivers or airline-inspired window shades for blocking light in the sleeping berth, the all-new Volvo VNL caters to a driver’s requirements and has been met with very positive driver feedback, according to the release.
Making Changes
“The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.”
The Red Dot Award
The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions with 51 categories ranging from consumer electronics and vehicles, household appliances and furniture. The competition started 70 years ago in Essen, Germany and has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after marks of quality for outstanding design.
The award will be officially announced on July 8 at the Designers’ Night in the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
Nice. All new truck manufacturers and purchasers need to be more aware of EMF intensities radiating at the driver seat from dashboard components. An EMF meter should be used for compliance. Several trucks I tested were the equivalent of having a microwave oven 2 feet or less away running all through my shifts when the engine was running. An industry wide survey and monitoring of these dangerous levels of EMF radiation from truck component radiation should be ongoing to assure driver health safety. Whether these components need to be replaced or relocated to different areas for safe distances is the single biggest issue for industry manufacturers to address to remain competitive leaders despite other technology innovations. Driver Safety is always #1.