New driveability improvements for Volvo Trucks' transmissions

Volvo Trucks is to introduce new features to improve safety and driveability on bumpy or slippery roads.

Terrain Brake, Change Direction and Active Grip Control along with an updated cruise control will all be made available to help improve driveability and manoeuvrability of Volvo Trucks.

“Thanks to several smart updates of the I-Shift gearbox, we have managed to make a range of new functions available that improve driveability, safety and comfort. Each is designed to give the driver greater control and ease of operation when manoeuvring,” said Pär Bergstrand, Volvo Trucks heavy duty transmission manager.

Terrain Brake is for driving at low speeds over rough and uneven ground and applies the brakes as soon as the driver releases the accelerator. Terrain Brake holds its position without rolling, which enables small movements, with great precision – for example, if balanced on a large rock or on a curb – preventing the truck from rolling off.

“The Terrain Brake is ideal for off-road conditions like construction sites, mines or uneven roads, but it can also be useful for manoeuvring in cities and navigating over speed bumps and street curbs. Regardless of the situation, it will give the driver much greater agility and control, making the job safer and easier,” added Bergstrand.

Change Direction makes it easier to manoeuvre a truck at low speeds. Instead of applying the brake, the driver can switch into reverse while still moving forwards and will automatically ease the vehicle to a standstill and then start moving in reverse, while the driver simply holds the accelerator pedal. To move forward again, the driver just switches into forward gear and keeps holding the accelerator.

Active Grip Control improves stability and acceleration in slippery conditions through sensors which detect if the truck starts to skid. It has been designed to reduce the risk of jack-knifing and oversteering when driving unloaded.

Updates to the cruise control enable it to now be activated at set speeds as low as 4kph and 2kph when using crawler gears.

“I’m really proud that we have managed to develop so many useful features that are not only improving driving at construction sites, but are also helpful in many other situations, such as timber transport and when driving in cities,” Bergstrand said.

Volvo will be exhibiting at Road Transport Expo at NAEC Stoneleigh (30 June to 2 July). Register now for FREE.