Archive, Product News

VGA launches new UD, Mack, and Volvo offerings

Volvo Group Australia has launched a new 6x4 UD, a 60-inch sleeper, and a ‘world-first’ Volvo waste truck

 

Volvo Group Australia has used the 2016 International Truck, Trailer, & Equipment Show to launch the UD PW 24 280, a 60-inch (152cm) Mack sleeper cab, and a Volvo dual-control waste truck.

A collaborative build by the UD Trucks teams in Australia and Japan, the new 6×4 UD truck is aimed at commercial waste management, recycling, construction, and general freight in the Australian and New Zealand markets, the company says.

“The PW 24 280 is brilliant example of how UD Trucks can combine local knowledge with international expertise and quality to produce a market-leading truck,” UD Trucks Australia vice president Jon McLean says.

“The PW 24 280 is a unique solution for Australia and New Zealand that local transport operators have been looking for.

“Our customers asked for it, and here it is.”

Designed for low-tare weight needs, the PW 24 280 features an Allison 3500 HD transmission, which can be specifically programmed for the customer’s particular requirements; 6-rod leaf and Hendrickson Airbag suspension options; and an axle and rear drive-line combination, which UD says is “designed to maximise traction and increased gradeability.”

In features yet to be seen in Australia, McLean says “for the first time we’re fitting Meritor drive axles as standard, with a driver-switchable diff lock and cross-lock function.”

“When you combine this with the Wabco ABS system, you get significantly improved traction in difficult terrain making it perfectly suited for construction or quarry work,” he says.

The UD truck ships with FleetMax Plus telematics as standard and a 6.1-inch touch screen that includes DAB+, GPS and navigation  system  with high-output three-way speakers, Bluetooth, voice activation, and iPhone and smartphone compatibility.

“Another first with this model is the option of a front close-view spotter’s mirror fitted in the factory,” McLean says, “lots of customers have been asking for this feature, and we’ve heard them.”

 

Mack sleeper and safety pack

UD stablemate Mack Truck has also announced updates to its product offering, launching a bigger sleeper cab and a Mack safety pack.

The new sleeper cab has been stretched out to 60-inches, a move that Mack Trucks Australia vice president Dean Bestwick says is for long-haul drivers.

“We know that sleeper size is a big issue for long haul drivers,” Bestwick says, “and we’re responding to their requirement for a bigger sleeper.”

“This will provide higher levels of driver comfort.”

While the sleeper cab is available now, the second announcement, the Mack safety pack, is scheduled to arrive next year.

The pack includes lane departure warning technology; lane change assist, which highlights vehicles in any blind spots; stationary vehicle braking, which automatically detects and brakes for stationary objects; over-speed alert and action, which automatically recognises and adapts to speed limit signs; and adaptive cruise control with braking, which locks speed with the vehicle in front and ensures a safe distance.

“The safety of drivers and road users is a high priority for Mack customers,” Bestwick says, “and we’ve responded to their requests for more safety features with a new complete package that will be available in 2017.”

UD,-VGA,-ITTES,-Trade Trucks2

 

Volvo waste management

The third announcement from VGA is for the latest dual-control model of the Euro 6 FE range, a truck designed for waste management.

“We are very excited to be conducting a world-first reveal of the new Australian Euro 6 FE Dual Control truck at the Waste Management in Action Event,” Volvo Trucks Australia vice president Mitch Peden says.

“This truck has been designed and adapted locally and in consultation with leading Australian waste management companies to meet and exceed the tough requirements for this market.”

The FE Dual Control features a wider windscreen and extra side mirrors for increased visibility, Volvo says, plus the latest electronically-controlled rear air suspension system and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard.

“The new truck has un-paralleled driver visibility and improved driver ergonomics –and most importantly, the new truck features Volvo’s world-class safety and technological innovations, including forward collision warning and emergency braking as standard on the 6×4 model,” Peden says.

“We know that safety is paramount for councils and operators who provide waste management services in busy residential streets and high-traffic urban environments –so we are looking forward to introducing this new model to the market in Melbourne where its impressive capabilities will be on show on the test track.”

UD,-VGA,-ITTES,-Trade Trucks3

 

The FE Dual Control is on display at the 2016 International Truck, Trailer, & Equipment Show.

 

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend