Three Volvo Trucks systems were in the spotlight during a special customer event held at the Waterloo Regional Emergency Services Training & Research Complex in Waterloo, Ontario, last fall. The Volvo Trucks Enhanced Technology Event demonstrated Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology, Volvo Enhanced Cruise and I-Shift – technologies that have been shown to improve efficiency and safety. There was also a roll-over simulation experience, as well as a Ride-and-Drive opportunity.
Enhanced stability
Volvo Enhanced Stability Techology (VEST) is one of the most important advancements in truck safety. As a standard feature on all Volvo trucks since 2005, VEST assists the driver in maintaining control during emergency maneuvers and braking events, dramatically reducing the likelihood of a rollover, jackknife or loss of control. VEST sensors quickly and accurately detect a dangerous driving situation and respond by automatically reducing engine torque, applying the engine brake and activating the necessary wheel-end brakes more rapidly than a driver can respond.
“By automatically compensating for miscalculations or changing road conditions, VEST helps keep the vehicle under control even on wet or snowy roads, black ice and exit ramps,” said Carol Girard, marketing manager for Volvo Trucks in Canada. “We believe it’s the kind of safety feature that no driver should be without.”
Enhanced cruise control
With VEC, cruise control becomes a powerful safety feature. Implementing the latest in advanced collision avoidance technology, the system works with a truck’s cruise control to maintain a safe following distance between vehicles, even in adverse weather and visibility conditions. Using radar sensors, VEC monitors vehicles moving in front of and to the side of the Volvo truck. With the ability to detect up to 32 objects within 500 feet in front of the truck, VEC alerts the driver to potential danger and even automatically slows the truck to avoid a collision.
I-Shift
In simple terms, the Volvo I-Shift is 12-speed, two-pedal automated transmission that integrates seamlessly with all Volvo engines. But, with the deployment of intelligent electronics, I-Shift is actually a fuel-saving, productivity boosting, driver satisfaction and safety-enhancing technology. Using microprocessors, Volvo I-Shift continuously monitors changes in grade, vehicle speed, acceleration, torque demand, weight and air resistance. With the engine and transmission in constant communication, I-Shift automatically selects the best gear for the engine.
“Volvo I-Shift is far superior to any other automated manual transmission on the market,” Girard said. “With the advantage of an intelligent transmission, drivers can shift like a fuel-efficiency expert, reducing costs and putting less stress on the driveline.”
I-Shift improves safety by reducing driver fatigue. The driver can focus on the road, making turns, avoiding other traffic, and the like without worrying about being in the right gear on the right grade at the right time.
