With the launch of the all-new Volvo VNL, Volvo Trucks North America has revolutionized the world of connected services. This VNL sets a new industry standard for connectivity features designed to increase customer productivity and profitability. These features are only the beginning as Volvo Trucks will continue to introduce new features to its expanding connectivity portfolio.

“The all-new Volvo VNL is integrated with Volvo Connect, a comprehensive fleet management portal, which provides a one-stop shop for all of Volvo Trucks’ digital services. This includes vehicle data insights, diagnostics, remote programming, fuel economy reports, safety reports, plus map and location services. All of which can be accessed under one platform. With the new Volvo MyTruck app, drivers can stay in touch with their VNL truck from wherever they are, and Volvo Trucks’ Uptime Center remotely monitors the truck 24/7, alerting customers to critical issues,” explains Magnus Gustafson, vice president of connected services for Volvo Trucks North America. “The all-new Volvo VNL is the most connected truck ever designed by Volvo Trucks and transforms the way fleets maximize the benefits of their VNL trucks.”

Integrated ELD solution enhances driver convenience

With Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandates in place across North America, Volvo Trucks has taken the lead in providing a fully integrated ELD solution, powered by Geotab. Drivers can easily maintain their logs through the truck’s optional infotainment screen and eliminate the need for an externally mounted ELD device. Drivers can review logs while resting or away from the truck simply by logging in on a smartphone or tablet.

All-in-one fleet management portal

The all-new Volvo VNL and fleet operations will continue to be optimized through advancements in Volvo Connect, the all-in-one fleet management portal launched in October 2023. Fleet managers can see every Volvo truck in their fleet through one secure portal. Fleet managers can view critical truck data such as fuel mileage data, over-the-air software updates, driver behaviors and safety practices, and potential Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). With easy-to-read reports, fleet managers can quickly access and analyze data points related to fuel consumption and safety. These reports provide details on total driving time in top gear, fuel efficiency, idle time, and seat belt usage to name a few.

Volvo Connect provides both near-real-time and historical data for fleet managers. Through live maps, fleet managers can monitor vehicle and route information, traffic conditions, speed, fuel level, odometer, engine hours, and more. Fleet managers can also view the specific truck specs, comparing those specs to duty cycles. Through Volvo Remote Programming, parameter settings can easily be viewed and updated by calling Volvo Action Services to optimize truck performance and efficiency, such as road speed limit and idle shutdown.

“Volvo Trucks worked collectively with customers on designing Volvo Connect to benefit every area of their business,” says Chayene De Souza, product marketing manager at Volvo Trucks. “Pairing Volvo Connect with expanded Remote Programming and Remote Diagnostics maximizes uptime. They allow routine software updates and parameter setting changes to occur while the truck is being loaded or the driver is taking a break. It can reduce unplanned stops and keep trucks running efficiently. This holistic approach to connectivity brings unprecedented benefits to our customers including a 24% reduction in unplanned stops, which leads to greater uptime.”

MyTruck app—connection between driver and truck

With the driver in mind, the MyTruck app provides the driver access to their truck through their smartphone or tablet. The MyTruck app includes essential truck information such as engine fluid levels, like oil and DEF (diesel exhaust fluid), as well as information on potential exterior light faults, low coolant levels, and more. Drivers can also use the MyTruck app to control and schedule the climate control on their all-new Volvo VNL to start on specific days and times, ensuring the cab is at the preferred temperature before arriving to start the workday.

Advanced connectivity

Software status and available updates are areas where fleet managers can utilize Volvo Connect to maximize uptime. With the Volvo Connect portal, managers can view current updates and notify the driver or fleet maintenance technician to perform the update. These updates help keep trucks performing at peak levels and may prevent issues or unplanned stops from occurring. An updated and optimized truck performs better as software is continuously enhanced to optimize the driveline and other components on the truck. When regularly updated with Remote Programming, Volvo trucks experience 24% fewer unplanned stops, which results in increased uptime.

While preventive maintenance and repair work may be inevitable through the life of the

truck, by leveraging Remote Diagnostics, repair work at an authorized dealer may be transmitted in advance to expedite the service event and return the truck to service as quickly as possible. Through a completely new electrical architecture, the Remote Diagnostics capabilities on the all-new VNL are more accurate and monitor more areas on the truck than ever before. Additionally, with Remote Diagnostics, fleets can determine if the truck can remain in service until the next planned maintenance event or if it needs to come out of service for immediate attention. All monitoring is facilitated through Volvo Trucks’ 24/7 Uptime Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Commitment to the customer

Every new Volvo truck comes standard with two years of Volvo Uptime Care with Volvo Connect and the MyTruck app. With Volvo Uptime Care, customers can take advantage of Remote Programing and Remote Diagnostics, ASIST, and Volvo Action Service. The Volvo Connect portal provides location data, reports and analytics, and more. While the MyTruck app brings more truck visibility to the driver, identifying key areas which may need attention during a pre-trip inspection.