Volvo takes aim at vocational trucks with 540-hp VNX launch

Volvo Trucks North America unveiled the all-new VNX vocational and heavy-haul truck on Wednesday, aiming to expand its market reach. The VNX shares an electrical architecture with the long-haul VNL and regional-haul VNR, resulting from a $3 billion investment in product development and manufacturing. Vocational work accounts for about a quarter of the North American truck market, with long haul making up half and regional haul composing the remaining quarter.

Volvo currently holds about 30% of the vocational market in Europe and Brazil, but only 2% to 3% in North America. Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, noted the company's existing VHD model since 2000, which has limited application range. The VNX is built around feedback from VHD owners, Volvo Construction Equipment's job-site experience, and aims to cater to the growing vocational segment.

Features include Remote Steer, allowing an operator to control the VNX from outside the cab at speeds up to 5 mph, and Terrain Brake, which holds the truck in place on steep, rocky ground when the driver lifts off the accelerator. The VNX powertrain runs on Volvo's D13 engine, rated up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 pound-feet of torque, with standard driver-side curtain airbags, making it the only North American OEM to offer them on a vocational truck.