Volvo Trucks South Africa has officially announced that it will commence serial production of Euro 6 FH long-haul trucks in the first quarter of next year. This follows the initial introduction of these trucks to the local market in April. The company has upgraded its semi-knocked down assembly facility in Durban to enable higher volume production of these low-emission and fuel-efficient heavy-duty vehicles.
The Euro 6 technology significantly decreases harmful pollutants, such as nitric oxide, emitted by diesel vehicles. The trucks utilise AdBlue technology, which involves a urea solution that converts nitrogen oxide into nitrogen gas or steam within the exhaust system. Additionally, they feature advanced emission control systems, including selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filters.
Enhanced Features and Upgrades
In addition to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, the Volvo Euro 6 engines are designed to lower operating costs through extended maintenance intervals and increased uptime. They also enhance safety and comfort for drivers.
Recent upgrades to the assembly plant include the installation of four skylifts, set to be operational in the fourth quarter. These new lifts will improve manoeuvrability and precise positioning, enhancing safety and efficiency on the assembly line and within repair facilities.
Currently, Volvo Trucks South Africa offers the FH Globetrotter and facelifted FH Aero Globetrotter models in Euro 3, 5, and 6 variants, alongside six electric truck models.
Future Developments
The company is also preparing to introduce a new electric FH truck model next year, which will have a range of 600 km. This model aims to support longer-distance travel, as electric trucks are typically better suited for inter-regional operations.
Volvo’s senior manager for sustainable solutions has indicated that the company is committed to collaborating with customers to achieve shared success, focusing on environmental care and sustainable operations.
To further reduce breakdowns and enhance uptime on South Africa’s roads, Volvo Trucks South Africa provides uptime monitoring systems as a predictive maintenance solution. This service tracks air filters, oil usage, clutch wear, brake pads, and APM dryer cartridges. The company estimates it has prevented 432 breakdowns between January and July through this monitoring service.
Looking ahead, Volvo Trucks South Africa plans to expand its uptime monitoring service to include electric truck components, such as batteries, in the near future.