Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Famco) has launched the new cutting-edge Volvo Trucks range in the UAE market, thus reinforcing its leading position in the emirates.

With the support of the Swedish truck brand, Famco has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and software to ensure world-class levels of service.

The new-generation FH, FM and FMX heavy-duty trucks have been redesigned to deliver even higher levels of productivity, class-leading safety features, as well as a more driver-friendly experience with an enhanced driver interface, interior space and overall visibility, says Famco.

Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Famco, says: “Revealing these new trucks in the presence of members of the Volvo Trucks international team is not only an honour, but also a return to some form of normality for us. Famco and Volvo Trucks truly are a team working closely together on a daily basis. And that is the secret to the success of these two brands, which then benefits our customers.”

Volvo Trucks’ flagship model, the new Volvo FH, is the next generation of truck designed with the driver in mind. This model features a re-imagined cab, innovative safety features and a driver-focused working environment. The new design aims to give the driver a more productive, safe and comfortable life on the road. The new-generation Volvo FH combines the most successful elements from the previous FH series with smart technologies and a functional, human-centric design. The result is an intelligent and sophisticated truck that helps the driver deliver outstanding performance under any conditions, says Famco.

The bold new look of the exterior is characterised by the signature V-shaped headlights which have now been moved outwards to align with the feature line of the cab doors.  The turn indicators have also been moved to the door, giving the truck both improved aerodynamics and a more confident look. The wiper panel is cleaner and slimmer while a bigger iron mark makes the new Volvo FH easily recognisable even from a distance.

“In these challenging times, launching our new FH, FM and FMX models in the UAE has been a real team effort from everyone involved,” says Frank O’Connor, Vice President – Middle East and Turkey, Volvo Trucks International.

“With a strong focus on the driver environment, safety and productivity, this new line-up will help us to deliver on our promise to be our customers’ best business partner. We can do this by helping them to develop the best drivers – responsible driving behaviour can help reduce emissions and fuel costs, as well as helping reduce the risk of accidents, injury and unplanned downtime, all of which will make them more competitive and profitable,” he adds.

O’Connor says moving inside the cabin is a lot easier than ever with the new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector.

“There is also a wide range of customisation options with new fabrics and colours. The attention given to drivers is most obvious in the updated interior working environment. Their workspace is centered around a modernised dashboard which features a fully-digital 12-inch high-resolution instrument display,” he explains.

The all-new FH globetrotter cabin includes a re-designed gear selector, spacious storage spaces, three USB slots, 33-litre refrigerator and other features which help the driver to have a fatigue-free driving experience.

“Coming to fuel saving, the trucks come with the Innovative Volvo Torque Assist feature, which helps in saving fuel up to eight per cent in a 100T application, with potential to increase this saving to a big extent,” says O’Connor.

The factory-fitted cab park coolers on the FH trucks ensure that the drivers still have an AC supply even when the truck engine is shut down, thus saving customers considerable amount of fuel loss, he explains.

Further enhancing driver comfort, the Downhill Cruise control is re-introduced as a standard feature on all the new models. It prevents the truck from exceeding the speed set by the driver and can be used in combination with the service brakes, and an option of improved Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that works at all speeds, even down to zero km/h.

The electronically-controlled brake system (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control, now comes as a standard with drum brakes on the new trucks, he adds.

Volvo Dynamic Steering, with the safety systems Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist, is also available as an option.

The new Volvo FM is designed to attract drivers with a new cab and better visibility. The heavy-duty truck will be the ultimate workplace on wheels in all segments.

The new Volvo FMX features the heaviest addition to Volvo’s chassis range – a 38-tonne bogie that allows for a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 58 tonnes. This is the biggest GVW offering here in the Middle East, says the company.

For particularly rough applications like mining, the Volvo FMX comes with an optional steel roof hatch with an emergency exit handle that removes the entire hatch. By designing the robust new FMX construction truck that can carry more tonnes and manoeuvre more easily, while keeping the driver safe and comfortable, Volvo Trucks can help increase both productivity and profitability in the construction industry, it adds.