The latest innovations include Volvo’s Active Side Collision Avoidance Support, an evolution of an existing safety solution combined with active brake functionality. Using radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists, the system can warn the driver and, if necessary, engage the brakes to avoid a collision when turning the truck towards the passenger side.
Anna Wrige Berling, traffic and product safety director at Volvo Trucks, said: “Trucks are involved in 15 per cent of fatal road accidents and city traffic can be challenging even for the most experienced truck driver. At Volvo Trucks, we are constantly working to improve our trucks’ safety performance to protect both the driver and other road users. This safety system, aimed at protecting cyclists in the city environment, represents one of our latest innovations which will take us one step closer to our long-term vision of zero accidents involving Volvo trucks.”
Volvo Trucks has also unveiled its next-generation Collision Warning with Emergency Brake system, first introduced in 2012 and continuously improved ever since. It uses both camera and radar sensors to monitor the traffic ahead of the truck – if a risk for a collision is detected, the system is designed to warn the driver and, if necessary, automatically brake to avoid or mitigate the collision.
With the latest improvements, this system can detect, warn and brake not only for other vehicles but also for pedestrians and cyclists. It has been certified to meet the new tougher European legislation for Advanced Emergency Brake Systems due to come into force in 2028. In addition, Volvo Trucks’ system even exceeds the incoming regulation in terms of the traffic situations it is designed to cover.
“We are happy to see that legal requirements are implemented in line with our own vision of zero accidents,” said Wrige Berling. “However, at Volvo we will not wait for legislation – we will continue to innovate and exceed legal requirements with new functions to support our own ambitious targets.”
The Active Side Collision Avoidance Support system will be available for customers to order from November 2024 in the Volvo FH range, FM and FMX models in all markets globally.
The next-generation Collision Warning with Emergency Brake system will come as standard in Europe on all FH series, FM and FMX trucks from 2025 and available as an option globally.