September 2017 Volume 37, Issue 8
TRUCK NEWS Eastern Canada’s Trucking Newspaper Since 1981
Delivering daily news at trucknews.com
Pages 10-13
Page 20
Page 34
Page 48
Private matters
Show business
Coping with PTSD
Keeping up with the times
Coverage of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada’s annual conference.
What can you expect from the first ever North American Commercial Vehicle Show? We offer a sneak peek.
A trucker draws from his own struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder to help others.
Powertrain technologies have evolved, but have your spec’ing decisions kept pace?
Back to basics
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The Fergus Truck Show is history, but the first ever Great Canadian Truck Show proved the show can go on By James Menzies DURHAM, ONTARIO Rising from the ashes of the once mighty, now defunct, Fergus Truck Show, was the first ever Great Canadian Truck Show hosted at the Full Throttle Speedway in Durham, Ont., July 21-23. The event, organized by volunteers committed to keeping a truck show in the region, drew more than 60 trucks. One of those volunteers, Jennifer Hatch, told Truck News that many friendships were formed among show volunteers and the truckers who enjoyed the Fergus Truck Show in years past. It was important to them to offer a simpler, more grassroots show, where truckers could continue to gather and share their passion for trucks and trucking. For those who didn’t make it out to the Great Canadian Truck Show, but are familiar with Fergus, expect Continued on page 18
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Volvo takes wraps off new VNL ‘The most innovative, exciting new trucks from Volvo in 20 years’ By James Menzies DUBLIN, VIRGINIA Volvo has continued to revamp its North American product line, with the unveiling of a new VNL model at its new customer center here in mid-July. The first VN was launched in 1996, but was due for an update, Goran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America acknowledged during remarks before the unveiling. “Twenty years ago, we turned the industry upside down,” said Nyberg, moments before the truck was revealed for the first time. “We created a new commercial truck standard for aerodynamics, driver comfort, and safety. Since then, our competitors have been happy to benchmark everything we have been doing and they have slowly chipped away at our leadership position. In a few cases, I have to admit, we have lost the edge in areas where we stood head and shoulders above the competition. Well, that ends tonight. You’re about to see the most innovative, exciting new trucks from Volvo in 20 years.” The completely redesigned VNL is an upgrade in every imaginable way, particularly as it relates to driver comfort and amenities. As with the design of the VNR regional haul tractor Volvo introduced earlier this year, designers relied heavily on feedback from drivers. Rikard Orell, director, product design, said the new VNL was designed to be: bold, edgy, innovative, modern, and human. Its design was inspired by everything from sleek speedboats, race cars, and even the human
body. For example, the front and grille are wider at the top, and taper in towards the bottom, like the human body does from the shoulders down to the waist. Orell said Volvo aimed to capture a timeless design. It’s a sleeker looking truck, with a curvier front end and strong stance. Its lines give it a sense of motion, even when parked. But beauty runs only skin deep and this truck boasts more substance than just a prettier face. Jason Spence, product marketing manager, longhaul, said, “From the inside out, the driver was the informant, the person we asked. We went through surveys, we did clinics, we sat in the truck as drivers drove them, to get feedback, and we did this over and over and we refined these products so the driver is the focal point of this vehicle.” Volvo is predicting the VNL 760 with a new, larger, 70-inch sleeper will be the high-volume seller, replacing the VNL 670 with 61-inch sleeper that previously held that distinction. “We have confidence in this because our customers and their drivers have told us this is the truck they want,” said Spence. The new sleeper is nine inches longer and six inches wider than that found on the previous VNL 670. Improved aerodynamics deliver about a 1% improvement in fuel economy over the previous model, while engine enhancements this year add another 5.5% when taking advantage of the D13 engine with turbocompounding. The front bumper was moved 1.5 inches forward for improved aero, the bumper to back of cab (BBC) extended from 122.5 to 124 inches. Continued on page 44
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