“If there are no more questions, then we have one last thing to show you” Magnus Koeck said, before a video showcasing the all-new Volvo Trucks VNL started playing behind him. Koeck, vice president, strategy, marketing and brand management at Volvo Trucks North America, knew what was coming as he walked to the side of the stage, yet he neglected to even hint at it during the rest of the VNL event at Volvo’s New River Valley facility in Dublin, Va. As the promotional video wrapped up, yellow trim lights on the truck “drained” and were “filled” with green. Then, the screen lifted to reveal a VNL 440 electric poised behind it.
For now, details are scarce. Even speaking with Volvo executives after the show, they wouldn’t tell us any more about the prototype, speculate on any specifics or list a launch date. Still, this signals that Volvo is following through on its claims to use new VNL as the OEM’s platform for the future, and that it is actively working to use alternative fuels in Class 8 trucks, here in North America.
At the same event, Volvo held sessions to detail all the features that is said improve this new generation of VNL, explained how it says the VNL can save your fleet $20,000 per truck, per year, and even gave us a chance to get behind the wheel.