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* [[Brisbane, Australia]]
* [[Brisbane, Australia]]


===North America===
=== North America ===
[[File:1992 Volvo FE6 13 in black.jpg|left|thumb|1992 Volvo FE6 medium-duty COE]]
[[File:1995 WhiteGMC WG flatbed.jpg|thumb|left|1995 Volvo WG, the first year that this old White GMC truck was marketed as a Volvo]]
[[File:1995 WhiteGMC WG flatbed.jpg|thumb|left|1995 Volvo WG, the first year that this old White GMC truck was marketed as a Volvo]]
[[File:2016 Volvo VNL 670.jpg|thumb|left|2016 Volvo VNL 670]]
[[File:2016 Volvo VNL 670.jpg|thumb|left|2016 Volvo VNL 670]]
[[File:Covert road-rail ballast truck NHP jeh.JPG|left|thumb|Volvo VHD [[dual-mode vehicle]]]]
In 1981, AB Volvo acquired the assets of [[White Motor Company|White Trucks]], forming Volvo White Truck Corporation in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Our History {{!}} Volvo Trucks USA |url=https://www.volvotrucks.us/about-volvo/history/ |access-date=8 April 2019 |website=www.volvotrucks.us |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408103531/https://www.volvotrucks.us/about-volvo/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of the acquisition, Volvo acquired the White, [[Autocar Company|Autocar]], and the dormant [[Sterling Trucks|Sterling]] brands; the Canadian [[Western Star Trucks|Western Star]] truck brand was spun off into an independent company. Alongside the truck assets of White, Volvo acquired a nationwide distribution network (as White had served as the distributor of Freightliner until 1977). Prior to the acquisition, White's products included the White Road Boss conventional, the [[White Road Commander|White Road Commander 2]] (COE), the Road Xpeditor 2 (low-COE), the Autocar A-series (tractors with extensive use of aluminium), Autocar DC-series (heavy-duty/severe service), the Autocar Construcktor 2 (heavy-duty/severe-service with a White cab), and Western Star conventional/COE trucks. White also operated plants in Utah, Ohio, and Virginia.
Volvo entered the North American market for the first time in 1958, but left at the beginning of the 1960s as its initial models proved ill-suited for the market. In 1974, the company returned in the eastern US with the [[Volvo F85|Volvo F86]], adding the [[Volvo F10, F12, and F16|F6 and F7]] COEs and the heavy-duty N10 conventional. at the end of the decade.<ref name="white2">[http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/aboutus/history/1980s/Pages/White.aspx . – Volvo Trucks History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522023942/http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/aboutus/history/1980s/Pages/White.aspx|date=22 May 2012}}, White. – Retrieved: 9 January 2012</ref> During its return, Volvo established a marketing agreement with Freightliner, a truck manufacturer that distributed a large portion of its vehicle production through the sales network of [[White Motor Company|White Trucks]].<ref name="white2" />


Following the 1981 purchase of [[Freightliner Trucks|Freightliner]] by Daimler AG, AB Volvo acquired White Trucks to form Volvo White Truck Corporation in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]].<ref name=":02">{{cite web |title=Our History {{!}} Volvo Trucks USA |url=https://www.volvotrucks.us/about-volvo/history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408103531/https://www.volvotrucks.us/about-volvo/history/ |archive-date=8 April 2019 |access-date=8 April 2019 |website=www.volvotrucks.us |language=en}}</ref> Though White owned a nationwide distribution and service network (serving as the distributor of Freightliner until 1977), the company was financially insolvent, having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1980. Volvo White Trucks consisted of Volvo, White Trucks, and the heavy-truck manufacturer [[Autocar Company|Autocar]]; the dormant [[Sterling Trucks#History|Sterling]] brand was also included. At the same time, White spun off its Canadian White [[Western Star Trucks|Western Star]] division (including its British Columbia assembly facility) as an independent company.
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Following the 1981 acquisition, Volvo upgraded the designs of White and Autocar product lines. In 1982, the White Integral Sleeper was introduced, joining the sleeper and passenger cab seamlessly. In 1983, the Road Boss was replaced by the White Conventional; while retaining the same cab, the hoodline was lowered with a redesigned grille. In 1985, the Integral Tall Sleeper was developed (the [[Volvo F10, F12, and F16|"Globetrotter" sleeper]] of America) as a raised-roof variant of the Integral Sleeper. In 1987, the White 'Aero' truck was introduced, adopting a lowered hoodline, composite headlamps (shared with the [[Volvo 200 Series|Volvo 240]]), and a flush-mounted grille. In 1988, the WG was introduced, marking the return of a short-hood conventional. The Autocar DK severe-duty line was launched in 1983 and supplemented by the widely admired Autocar AT64F long-haul tractor. In 1988, the DK was replaced by the Autocar ACL and ACM models. While the AC-series trucks were tough and reliable, they incorporated a number of Volvo components and, for some Autocar loyalists, marked a dilution of the Autocar brand.


At the time Volvo White was formed, the White Trucks product line included the White Road Boss (conventional), the [[White Road Commander|White Road Commander 2]] (COE), and the White Road Xpeditor 2 (low-cab COE). Autocar marketed the A-series (conventionals with aluminum-intensive construction), Autocar DC-series (heavy-duty/severe-service), Autocar Construcktor 2 (heavy-duty/severe-service, with White cab) and Western Star conventional/COE trucks. White operated facilities in Utah, Ohio, and Virginia.
In 1986, Volvo commenced sales of trucks under its own brand in North America, introducing the [[Volvo FL#FE6/7 (North America)|FE-series]] low-cab COEs. While Western Star was spun off in 1981, its cabover model line continued to be produced by White and rebadged as a Western Star.<ref name="white">[http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/aboutus/history/1980s/Pages/White.aspx . – Volvo Trucks History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522023942/http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/aboutus/history/1980s/Pages/White.aspx |date=22 May 2012 }}, White. – Retrieved: 9 January 2012</ref>


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As the 1980s progressed, Volvo began a modernization of the White and Autocar truck lines. In 1982, the White Integral Sleeper was introduced; a forerunner of designs used today, the driver compartment and sleeper cab were joined seamlessly. For 1983, the Road Boss became the White Conventional; though the cab was retained, a lower hoodline was used with a redesigned (full-width) grille. In 1985, the Integral Tall Sleeper was released; in place of the [[Volvo F10, F12, and F16|Volvo "Globetrotter" sleeper]], the design was a raised-roof variant of the Integral Sleeper. For 1987, White released its first aerodynamically-enhanced conventional, adding a lower hoodline, flush-mounted grille, and composite headlamps (sourced from the [[Volvo 200 Series|Volvo 240]]). Autocar released the DK severe-duty line in 1983 and was supplemented by the Autocar AT64F long-haul semitractor. In 1988, the DK was replaced by the Autocar ACL and ACM models; as with White Trucks, the AC-series began to phase in Volvo components.
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On 16 August 1986, General Motors announced the formation of a joint venture with AB Volvo, with the latter holding an 85% stake.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Meyer |first=Donald E. |title=The First Century of GMC Truck History |url=https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/historical-brochures/GMC/100_YR_GMC_HISTORY_MAR09.pdf |website=GM Heritage Center |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109015322/http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/historical-brochures/GMC/100_YR_GMC_HISTORY_MAR09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Named Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation, Volvo would take responsibility for development, design, and production of heavy trucks of the joint venture, named WhiteGMC.<ref name=":1" /> All General Motors heavy product lines were discontinued (with the exception of the GMC Brigadier, ending production as a WhiteGMC in 1988); the joint venture rebadged the White product line as WhiteGMCs while Autocars remained in production. In 1995, Volvo GM ended the use of the WhiteGMC name, with all non-Autocar models adopting the Volvo name. In 1997, Volvo AB purchased the rest of its stake in Volvo GM, renaming it Volvo Trucks North America.<ref name=":0" />


In 1986, Volvo commenced sales of trucks under its own brand in North America; for medium-duty applications, the company introduced the [[Volvo FL#FE6/7 (North America)|FE-series]] low-cab COEs. Though Western Star was spun off in 1981, it continued to market White-produced COEs; after White ended sales of the Road Commander 2 in 1983, the company continued limited production of the vehicle, rebranded as the Western Star Cabover.<ref name="white2" />
In 1996, Volvo released the [[Volvo VN|Volvo VN-series]], the first Volvo truck developed outside of White or General Motors. Designed specifically for North America, the VN was more aerodynamic than its WIA predecessor. The previous-generation WG remained in production, with Autocar dropped as a separate brand name, becoming a sub-model of Volvo severe-service trucks.


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On 16 August 1986, General Motors announced the formation of a joint venture with AB Volvo, with the latter holding an 85% stake.<ref name=":12">{{cite web |last=Meyer |first=Donald E. |title=The First Century of GMC Truck History |url=https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/historical-brochures/GMC/100_YR_GMC_HISTORY_MAR09.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109015322/http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/historical-brochures/GMC/100_YR_GMC_HISTORY_MAR09.pdf |archive-date=9 January 2014 |access-date=8 April 2019 |website=GM Heritage Center}}</ref> Named Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation, Volvo would take responsibility for development, design, and production of heavy trucks of the joint venture, named WhiteGMC.<ref name=":12" /> The GMC Astro COE and GMC General conventional trucks were retired after 1987, with the GMC Brigadier ending production as a WhiteGMC for 1988. White Trucks adopted the WhiteGMC branding, while Autocars remained in production.
On 25 April 2000, AB Volvo acquired [[Renault Véhicules Industriels]] through a merger, making it the owner of [[Mack Trucks]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 April 2000 |title=Volvo, Renault link trucks |work=CNNMoney |url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/04/25/europe/volvo_renault/ |access-date=15 October 2009 |archive-date=7 February 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020207104428/https://money.cnn.com/2000/04/25/europe/volvo_renault/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the merger, Volvo became the largest European truck manufacturer and the second-largest truck manufacturer in the world. To secure approval of the merger (by avoiding potential antitrust issues), Volvo agreed to divest its low-cabover range (known as the Xpeditor<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 December 2000 |title=U.S. Competition Authority Gives Clearance To AB VOLVO'S Acquisition Of Renault V.I./MACK |work=Automotive Intelligence News |url=http://www.autointell.com/news-2000/December-2000/December-19-00-p6.htm |access-date=15 October 2009 |archive-date=12 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212010538/http://autointell.com/news-2000/December-2000/December-19-00-p6.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>); alongside the Mack MR/LE, the two vehicles held a predominant share of the refuse market. In 2007, Volvo re-entered the segment through its purchase of [[UD Nissan Diesel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo – press release |url=http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-becomes-major-shareholder-in-nissan-diesel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708103600/http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-becomes-major-shareholder-in-nissan-diesel |archive-date=8 July 2009 |access-date=21 March 2006 |publisher=Cision Wire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo – press release |url=http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-to-complete-purchase-of-nissan-diesel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722002128/http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-to-complete-purchase-of-nissan-diesel |archive-date=22 July 2012 |access-date=24 March 2007 |publisher=Cision Wire}}</ref> Alongside the Xpeditor product range, the Autocar trademark was sold in 2001 to Grand Vehicle Works LLC,<ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo – press release |url=http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-sells-its-lcoe-operations |access-date=26 July 2001 |publisher=Cision Wire |archive-date=9 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809072115/https://news.cision.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a Chicago-based private holding company that owned body manufacturer Union City Body Company (founded in 1898) and [[Workhorse Custom Chassis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gvwgroup.com/ |title=Home |website=gvwgroup.com |access-date=7 August 2022 |archive-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812204711/https://www.gvwgroup.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly before Autocar was acquired by GVW Group, Autocar conventionals were retired.


In 1995, Volvo began a company transition. The WhiteGMC brand name was dropped in favor of Volvo (no changes to Autocar); visibly, the change was denoted by the addition of the Volvo trademark diagonal grille trim. In 1997, Volvo AB bought out the General Motors share of the joint venture, renaming the company Volvo Trucks North America.<ref name=":02" /> For 1998, Volvo ended sales of the FE-series COEs in North America.
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In 2000, Volvo introduced the VHD severe-service conventional, largely as a replacement for Autocar conventional vehicles. While using the cab of the VN, the VHD used a heavier-duty chassis and suspension, along with sealed-beam headlamps. In 2002, the second-generation VN, the VNL, was introduced.


In 1996, Volvo released the [[Volvo VN|Volvo VN-series]] conventional, replacing the Volvo/WhiteGMC WIA. The first Volvo truck developed outside the influence of White and General Motors, the VN was developed specifically for North America (in contrast to the 1970s N10). The short-hood Volvo WG conventional (introduced in 1988 as a WhiteGMC<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Repair |first=Diesel |date=2022-07-19 |title=Volvo Truck Models Explained |url=https://repair.diesellaptops.com/volvo-truck-models-explained/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Diesel Repair |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=The History of Volvo Semi Trucks |url=https://shorelinetruckparts.com/the-history-of-volvo-semi-trucks/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>) remained in production. Autocar continued production, but was now reclassified as the Volvo severe-service truck family.<ref name=":2" />
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In 2009, Volvo began to relocate the operations of its [[Mack Trucks]] subsidiary to [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], where the North American operations of Volvo Trucks have been headquartered.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barron |first=Richard M. |date=4 September 2009 |title=Mack Moves South: Bulldog in Tow |work=[[News & Record]] |url=http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/09/03/article/mack_moves_south_bulldog_in_tow |url-status=dead |access-date=4 September 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905190422/http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/09/03/article/mack_moves_south_bulldog_in_tow |archive-date=5 September 2012}}</ref> Today, Volvo produces Class 8 Volvo trucks at its [[Dublin, Virginia]] plant and Class 8 Mack truck models in [[Macungie, Pennsylvania]]. Affiliate [[Volvo Powertrain#Volvo Powertrain|Volvo Powertrain]] produces engines and transmissions at its [[Hagerstown, Maryland]], facility, for use exclusively in the North American market.


In 2000, AB Volvo acquired [[Renault Véhicules Industriels]] (Renault Trucks) through a merger, following a failed 1993 attempt and several failures to acquire Scania.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=25 April 2000 |title=Volvo, Renault link trucks |url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/04/25/europe/volvo_renault/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020207104428/https://money.cnn.com/2000/04/25/europe/volvo_renault/ |archive-date=7 February 2002 |access-date=15 October 2009 |work=CNNMoney}}</ref> Following the creation of the largest truck manufacturer in Europe (and the second-largest in the world), Volvo also became the parent company of American competitor [[Mack Trucks]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=19 December 2000 |title=U.S. Competition Authority Gives Clearance To AB VOLVO'S Acquisition Of Renault V.I./MACK |url=http://www.autointell.com/news-2000/December-2000/December-19-00-p6.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212010538/http://autointell.com/news-2000/December-2000/December-19-00-p6.htm |archive-date=12 February 2010 |access-date=15 October 2009 |work=Automotive Intelligence News}}</ref> To secure approval of the merger (by eliminating potential antitrust issues), Volvo agreed to divest the rights to its Xpeditor low-COE product range; though only a small portion of company production, the model line held a predominant share of the refuse market alongside the similar Mack MR/LE.<ref name=":4" /> As part of the divestment of the Xpeditor, in 2001, Volvo sold off the product range and its rights to Autocar to Grand Vehicle Works LLC<ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo – press release |url=http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-sells-its-lcoe-operations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809072115/https://news.cision.com/ |archive-date=9 August 2023 |access-date=26 July 2001 |publisher=Cision Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Purpose-built trucks engineered by the leading OEM dedicated to severe-duty trucks |url=https://www.autocartruck.com/history/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Autocar Truck |language=en}}</ref>, a Chicago-based private holding company that owned body manufacturer Union City Body Company (founded in 1898) and [[Workhorse Custom Chassis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.gvwgroup.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812204711/https://www.gvwgroup.com/ |archive-date=12 August 2022 |access-date=7 August 2022 |website=gvwgroup.com}}</ref> In 2007, Volvo re-entered the segment through its purchase of [[UD Nissan Diesel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo – press release |url=http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-becomes-major-shareholder-in-nissan-diesel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708103600/http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-becomes-major-shareholder-in-nissan-diesel |archive-date=8 July 2009 |access-date=21 March 2006 |publisher=Cision Wire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Volvo – press release |url=http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-to-complete-purchase-of-nissan-diesel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722002128/http://www.cisionwire.com/volvo/volvo-to-complete-purchase-of-nissan-diesel |archive-date=22 July 2012 |access-date=24 March 2007 |publisher=Cision Wire}}</ref>
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The Volvo Trucks North America Dublin plant began manufacturing a battery-powered VNR Electric truck model starting in early 2021. It was the largest Volvo truck plant in the world, employing close to 3,000 people building multiple models of heavy-duty trucks.<ref>Andrews, Kate. [https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/volvo-electric-trucks-to-be-produced-at-nrv-plant-in-early-2021/?oly_enc_id=8808I1438578F1S&fbclid=IwAR1e8CvDUkBaCSp2IR2Rlh2CztLuLpF2zOOV1DfUGxtORbtHE_iRJ4RSwN4 Volvo electric trucks to be produced at NRV plant in early 2021.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602070643/https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/volvo-electric-trucks-to-be-produced-at-nrv-plant-in-early-2021/?oly_enc_id=8808I1438578F1S&fbclid=IwAR1e8CvDUkBaCSp2IR2Rlh2CztLuLpF2zOOV1DfUGxtORbtHE_iRJ4RSwN4 |date=2 June 2022 }} Virginia Business, 3 December 2020.</ref> On 20 June 2022, Volvo announced that "in the second part of this decade" it would begin making trucks using [[hydrogen fuel cell]]s with a range of 600 miles, compared to 275 miles for the existing VNR trucks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://greensboro.com/business/local/volvo-to-unplug-with-self-charging-electric-big-rigs/article_a1d7b43a-6d03-58ff-b1db-f0d2c71cd27c.html|title=Volvo to unplug with self-charging electric big rigs|last=Deem|first=John|work=[[News & Record]]|date=21 June 2022|access-date=22 June 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714002550/https://greensboro.com/business/local/volvo-to-unplug-with-self-charging-electric-big-rigs/article_a1d7b43a-6d03-58ff-b1db-f0d2c71cd27c.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


At the end of 2000, Volvo ended production of the Volvo Autocar ACL, replacing it with the Volvo VHD severe-service conventional in 2002. Sharing the cab of VN, the VHD adopted a heavier-duty chassis and suspension and was distinguished by a squared-off hood (distinguished by four sealed-beam headlamps and a black grille).<ref name=":2" />
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In September 2024, Volvo Trucks announced a long-range variant of its FH Electric truck, capable of covering up to 600 km on a single charge. It is expected to arrive on the market in the second half of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2024 |title=Volvo Trucks to launch electric truck with 600 km range |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volvo-trucks-launch-electric-truck-with-600-km-range-2024-09-03/}}</ref>

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In 2000, Volvo introduced the VHD severe-service conventional, largely as a replacement for Autocar conventional vehicles. While using the cab of the VN, the VHD used a heavier-duty chassis and suspension, along with sealed-beam headlamps. In 2002, the second-generation VN-series, the VNL, was introduced. Distinguished by much larger headlamp clusters and full-length body skirting, the VNL was further aerodynamically enhanced in 2018.<ref name=":2" />

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In 2009, Volvo began to relocate the operations of its [[Mack Trucks]] subsidiary to [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], where the North American operations of Volvo Trucks have been headquartered.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barron |first=Richard M. |date=4 September 2009 |title=Mack Moves South: Bulldog in Tow |url=http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/09/03/article/mack_moves_south_bulldog_in_tow |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905190422/http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/09/03/article/mack_moves_south_bulldog_in_tow |archive-date=5 September 2012 |access-date=4 September 2009 |work=[[News & Record]]}}</ref> Today, Volvo produces Class 8 Volvo trucks at its [[Dublin, Virginia]] plant and Class 8 Mack truck models in [[Macungie, Pennsylvania]]. Affiliate [[Volvo Powertrain#Volvo Powertrain|Volvo Powertrain]] produces engines and transmissions at its [[Hagerstown, Maryland]], facility, for use exclusively in the North American market.

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The Volvo Trucks North America Dublin plant began manufacturing a battery-powered VNR Electric truck model starting in early 2021. It was the largest Volvo truck plant in the world, employing close to 3,000 people building multiple models of heavy-duty trucks.<ref>Andrews, Kate. [https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/volvo-electric-trucks-to-be-produced-at-nrv-plant-in-early-2021/?oly_enc_id=8808I1438578F1S&fbclid=IwAR1e8CvDUkBaCSp2IR2Rlh2CztLuLpF2zOOV1DfUGxtORbtHE_iRJ4RSwN4 Volvo electric trucks to be produced at NRV plant in early 2021.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602070643/https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/volvo-electric-trucks-to-be-produced-at-nrv-plant-in-early-2021/?oly_enc_id=8808I1438578F1S&fbclid=IwAR1e8CvDUkBaCSp2IR2Rlh2CztLuLpF2zOOV1DfUGxtORbtHE_iRJ4RSwN4|date=2 June 2022}} Virginia Business, 3 December 2020.</ref> On 20 June 2022, Volvo announced that "in the second part of this decade" it would begin making trucks using [[Hydrogen fuel cell|hydrogen fuel cells]] with a range of 600 miles, compared to 275 miles for the existing VNR trucks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deem |first=John |date=21 June 2022 |title=Volvo to unplug with self-charging electric big rigs |url=https://greensboro.com/business/local/volvo-to-unplug-with-self-charging-electric-big-rigs/article_a1d7b43a-6d03-58ff-b1db-f0d2c71cd27c.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714002550/https://greensboro.com/business/local/volvo-to-unplug-with-self-charging-electric-big-rigs/article_a1d7b43a-6d03-58ff-b1db-f0d2c71cd27c.html |archive-date=14 July 2022 |access-date=22 June 2022 |work=[[News & Record]]}}</ref>

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In September 2024, Volvo Trucks announced a long-range variant of its FH Electric truck, capable of covering up to 600 km on a single charge. It is expected to arrive on the market in the second half of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2024 |title=Volvo Trucks to launch electric truck with 600 km range |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volvo-trucks-launch-electric-truck-with-600-km-range-2024-09-03/}}</ref> For 2025 production, Volvo introduced the first complete redesign of the VN series since its introduction, introducing a completely new cab and substantial technology, propulsion, and safety updates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Volvo Trucks introduces new generation VNL |url=https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/volvo-introduces-new-generation-vnl/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Fleet Equipment Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>


===China===
===China===

Revision as of 11:41, 13 November 2024

Volvo Trucks
Company typeDivision
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1928
HeadquartersGothenburg, Sweden
Areas served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Roger Alm (President)
ParentVolvo
Websitevolvotrucks.com
A 2013 model Volvo FH16. The Volvo FH series was introduced in 1993 and is Volvo Trucks' most commercially successful truck.
Volvo FM500 in Taiwan

Volvo Trucks (Swedish: Volvo Lastvagnar) is a truck manufacturing division of Volvo based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Volvo Trucks was a separate company within Volvo. The Volvo Group was reorganised on 1 January 2012 and as a part of the process, Volvo Trucks ceased to be a separate company and was instead incorporated into Volvo Group Trucks along Volvo's other truck operations, as Renault Trucks and Mack Trucks.[1]

The first Volvo truck rolled off the production lines in 1928, and in 2016 Volvo Trucks employed more than 52,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo manufactures and assembles its trucks in eight wholly owned assembly plants and nine factories owned by local interests.[2] Volvo Trucks produces and sells over 190,000 units annually.[3]

History

Volvo LV63 Truck 1929
Volvo L495 Titan Truck 1965
Volvo F88-49T Truck 1970

When Volvo manufactured its first automobiles in 1927, the first truck was already on the drawing table. In early 1928, the LV series 1 was presented to the public. Though by modern standards it was merely a truck, it was an immediate success and 500 units were sold before the summer. It had a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine rated at 28 hp (21 kW).[4]

Volvo Trucks worldwide

Volvo cabs are manufactured in the north of Sweden in Umeå and in Ghent, Belgium, while the engines are made in the central town of Skövde. Among some smaller facilities, Volvo has assembly plants in Sweden (Gothenburg – also the Head Office), Belgium, USA, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, China and India. Some of the smaller factories are jointly owned. Its main parts distribution centre is located in Ghent, Belgium. The sales side, with their corresponding offices and dealers, is split into seven sales areas – Latin America, North America, Europe North, Europe South, Africa/Middle East, and Asia/Oceania.[5]

Production facilities

Plants where Volvo trucks are manufactured:[6]

North America

1992 Volvo FE6 medium-duty COE
1995 Volvo WG, the first year that this old White GMC truck was marketed as a Volvo
2016 Volvo VNL 670
Volvo VHD dual-mode vehicle

Volvo entered the North American market for the first time in 1958, but left at the beginning of the 1960s as its initial models proved ill-suited for the market. In 1974, the company returned in the eastern US with the Volvo F86, adding the F6 and F7 COEs and the heavy-duty N10 conventional. at the end of the decade.[7] During its return, Volvo established a marketing agreement with Freightliner, a truck manufacturer that distributed a large portion of its vehicle production through the sales network of White Trucks.[7]

Following the 1981 purchase of Freightliner by Daimler AG, AB Volvo acquired White Trucks to form Volvo White Truck Corporation in Greensboro, North Carolina.[8] Though White owned a nationwide distribution and service network (serving as the distributor of Freightliner until 1977), the company was financially insolvent, having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1980. Volvo White Trucks consisted of Volvo, White Trucks, and the heavy-truck manufacturer Autocar; the dormant Sterling brand was also included. At the same time, White spun off its Canadian White Western Star division (including its British Columbia assembly facility) as an independent company.

At the time Volvo White was formed, the White Trucks product line included the White Road Boss (conventional), the White Road Commander 2 (COE), and the White Road Xpeditor 2 (low-cab COE). Autocar marketed the A-series (conventionals with aluminum-intensive construction), Autocar DC-series (heavy-duty/severe-service), Autocar Construcktor 2 (heavy-duty/severe-service, with White cab) and Western Star conventional/COE trucks. White operated facilities in Utah, Ohio, and Virginia.

As the 1980s progressed, Volvo began a modernization of the White and Autocar truck lines. In 1982, the White Integral Sleeper was introduced; a forerunner of designs used today, the driver compartment and sleeper cab were joined seamlessly. For 1983, the Road Boss became the White Conventional; though the cab was retained, a lower hoodline was used with a redesigned (full-width) grille. In 1985, the Integral Tall Sleeper was released; in place of the Volvo "Globetrotter" sleeper, the design was a raised-roof variant of the Integral Sleeper. For 1987, White released its first aerodynamically-enhanced conventional, adding a lower hoodline, flush-mounted grille, and composite headlamps (sourced from the Volvo 240). Autocar released the DK severe-duty line in 1983 and was supplemented by the Autocar AT64F long-haul semitractor. In 1988, the DK was replaced by the Autocar ACL and ACM models; as with White Trucks, the AC-series began to phase in Volvo components.

In 1986, Volvo commenced sales of trucks under its own brand in North America; for medium-duty applications, the company introduced the FE-series low-cab COEs. Though Western Star was spun off in 1981, it continued to market White-produced COEs; after White ended sales of the Road Commander 2 in 1983, the company continued limited production of the vehicle, rebranded as the Western Star Cabover.[7]

On 16 August 1986, General Motors announced the formation of a joint venture with AB Volvo, with the latter holding an 85% stake.[9] Named Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation, Volvo would take responsibility for development, design, and production of heavy trucks of the joint venture, named WhiteGMC.[9] The GMC Astro COE and GMC General conventional trucks were retired after 1987, with the GMC Brigadier ending production as a WhiteGMC for 1988. White Trucks adopted the WhiteGMC branding, while Autocars remained in production.

In 1995, Volvo began a company transition. The WhiteGMC brand name was dropped in favor of Volvo (no changes to Autocar); visibly, the change was denoted by the addition of the Volvo trademark diagonal grille trim. In 1997, Volvo AB bought out the General Motors share of the joint venture, renaming the company Volvo Trucks North America.[8] For 1998, Volvo ended sales of the FE-series COEs in North America.

In 1996, Volvo released the Volvo VN-series conventional, replacing the Volvo/WhiteGMC WIA. The first Volvo truck developed outside the influence of White and General Motors, the VN was developed specifically for North America (in contrast to the 1970s N10). The short-hood Volvo WG conventional (introduced in 1988 as a WhiteGMC[10][11]) remained in production. Autocar continued production, but was now reclassified as the Volvo severe-service truck family.[10]

In 2000, AB Volvo acquired Renault Véhicules Industriels (Renault Trucks) through a merger, following a failed 1993 attempt and several failures to acquire Scania.[12] Following the creation of the largest truck manufacturer in Europe (and the second-largest in the world), Volvo also became the parent company of American competitor Mack Trucks.[12][13] To secure approval of the merger (by eliminating potential antitrust issues), Volvo agreed to divest the rights to its Xpeditor low-COE product range; though only a small portion of company production, the model line held a predominant share of the refuse market alongside the similar Mack MR/LE.[13] As part of the divestment of the Xpeditor, in 2001, Volvo sold off the product range and its rights to Autocar to Grand Vehicle Works LLC[14][15], a Chicago-based private holding company that owned body manufacturer Union City Body Company (founded in 1898) and Workhorse Custom Chassis.[16] In 2007, Volvo re-entered the segment through its purchase of UD Nissan Diesel.[17][18]

At the end of 2000, Volvo ended production of the Volvo Autocar ACL, replacing it with the Volvo VHD severe-service conventional in 2002. Sharing the cab of VN, the VHD adopted a heavier-duty chassis and suspension and was distinguished by a squared-off hood (distinguished by four sealed-beam headlamps and a black grille).[10]

In 2000, Volvo introduced the VHD severe-service conventional, largely as a replacement for Autocar conventional vehicles. While using the cab of the VN, the VHD used a heavier-duty chassis and suspension, along with sealed-beam headlamps. In 2002, the second-generation VN-series, the VNL, was introduced. Distinguished by much larger headlamp clusters and full-length body skirting, the VNL was further aerodynamically enhanced in 2018.[10]

In 2009, Volvo began to relocate the operations of its Mack Trucks subsidiary to Greensboro, where the North American operations of Volvo Trucks have been headquartered.[19] Today, Volvo produces Class 8 Volvo trucks at its Dublin, Virginia plant and Class 8 Mack truck models in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Affiliate Volvo Powertrain produces engines and transmissions at its Hagerstown, Maryland, facility, for use exclusively in the North American market.

The Volvo Trucks North America Dublin plant began manufacturing a battery-powered VNR Electric truck model starting in early 2021. It was the largest Volvo truck plant in the world, employing close to 3,000 people building multiple models of heavy-duty trucks.[20] On 20 June 2022, Volvo announced that "in the second part of this decade" it would begin making trucks using hydrogen fuel cells with a range of 600 miles, compared to 275 miles for the existing VNR trucks.[21]

In September 2024, Volvo Trucks announced a long-range variant of its FH Electric truck, capable of covering up to 600 km on a single charge. It is expected to arrive on the market in the second half of 2025.[22] For 2025 production, Volvo introduced the first complete redesign of the VN series since its introduction, introducing a completely new cab and substantial technology, propulsion, and safety updates.[23]

China

AB Volvo struck a deal in August 2021 to buy a heavy duty truck subsidiary of Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC) for about $125.7 million to make trucks in the world's biggest vehicle market. The acquired business includes a manufacturing site in China's northern city of Taiyuan. Volvo aims to start production of its new heavy duty Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX trucks there at the end of 2022.[24]

India

Volvo trucks set foot in Indian HCV market as a wholly owned subsidiary of Volvo Group with its FH12 tractor truck also the first ever volvo truck produced in India at Hoskote plant in Karnataka state of India. Later on the company induced FM7 tippers for construction and mining segment which were well received. In 2002 company introduced FH and FM lineup for the region in various configurations and specifications. Later in 2008 Volvo Group and Eicher motors an Indian automotive group known for producing commercial vehicles and motorcycles came together to form a new company VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) with 50% share in the newly formed company. All future offering of volvo trucks came under the wing of VECV since then. Today's volvo trucks lineup consist of FM available in tipper, tractor truck, ballast tractor variants and FMX available in tipper variant only.[25]

Export markets

Volvo Trucks are exported to and sold by more than 1800 dealers in more than 75 countries.[3]

Failed entry to Argentine market

Volvo tried to settle in Argentina on two different occasions: the first, in 1959 [26] would be carried out in partnership with the local company Conarg. The truck production was a failure, but some models of motor graders with Volvo engine was made by Conarg (under licence of Bolinder Munktell).[27] The second, in 1972, Volvo Sudamericana SACI elevated to the consideration of the highest authority of the Ministry of Industry and Mining its project of installation of an industrial complex, consisting of an automotive terminal plant for chassis of heavy trucks with cab and chassis for long-distance buses; a plant for trailers and a third plant for coaches.[28] Eventually, Volvo lost the tender, which was in the hands of Scania.

Focus on alternative fuels

Volvo is currently focusing on such alternative fuels such as HVO, (Bio-)DME, LNG and methane.[29]

Volvo product range

As a part of adapting to the new European Union Euro 6 engine environment requirements, Volvo Trucks renewed their truck range in 2012 and 2013. The biggest launch was the new Volvo FH in September 2012[30] The rest of the range were renewed in the spring of 2013.

Volvo VHD dump truck (US)
Volvo NL12 tractor truck in Porto Alegre, Brazil
Volvo FL 6 from the mid-1990s
Volvo FH16 700

Product line-up

As of 2013, Volvo Trucks products are:[31]

  • Volvo FL
    • markets – Europe, Middle East
  • Volvo FE
    • markets – Europe, Middle East, Australia
  • Volvo FM, classic and new (launched April 2013)
    • markets – Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania
  • Volvo FH, classic and new (launched September 2012)
    • markets – Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania
  • Volvo FH16, classic and new (launched September 2012)
    • markets – Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania
  • Volvo FMX, classic and new (launched April 2013)
    • markets – Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Oceania
  • Volvo VHD
    • markets – North America, Mexico
  • Volvo VNL
    • markets – North America, Mexico
  • Volvo VNM
    • markets – North America, Mexico
  • Volvo VNR
    • markets – North America, Mexico
  • Volvo VNX (announced March 2013)[32]
    • markets – North America
  • Volvo VM
    • markets – South America

Past products

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

Marketing

Sponsorships

In Formula One, Volvo Trucks sponsored the British team McLaren from the 2016 to the 2021 seasons. As part of their agreement, McLaren was supplied with Volvo FH trucks.[33][34]

Commercials

Volvo Trucks has released the Live Test series of commercials, which included The Epic Split.[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ Volvo Group reorganizes global truck business Archived 6 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine FleetOwner, 4 October 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  2. ^ "About us". Archived from the original on 15 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Annual and Sustainability Report 2016" (PDF). Volvo. pp. 8, 81, 88, 89. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  4. ^ – Volvo Trucks History Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 9 January 2012
  5. ^ . – Volvo Trucks Dealers Archived 17 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine – Retrieved 9 January 2012
  6. ^ . – Manufacturing worldwide Archived 25 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. – Retrieved: 9 January 2012
  7. ^ a b c . – Volvo Trucks History Archived 22 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine, White. – Retrieved: 9 January 2012
  8. ^ a b "Our History | Volvo Trucks USA". www.volvotrucks.us. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  9. ^ a b Meyer, Donald E. "The First Century of GMC Truck History" (PDF). GM Heritage Center. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  10. ^ a b c d Repair, Diesel (19 July 2022). "Volvo Truck Models Explained". Diesel Repair. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  11. ^ "The History of Volvo Semi Trucks". 21 June 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Volvo, Renault link trucks". CNNMoney. 25 April 2000. Archived from the original on 7 February 2002. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  13. ^ a b "U.S. Competition Authority Gives Clearance To AB VOLVO'S Acquisition Of Renault V.I./MACK". Automotive Intelligence News. 19 December 2000. Archived from the original on 12 February 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  14. ^ "Volvo – press release". Cision Wire. Archived from the original on 9 August 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2001.
  15. ^ "Purpose-built trucks engineered by the leading OEM dedicated to severe-duty trucks". Autocar Truck. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  16. ^ "Home". gvwgroup.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  17. ^ "Volvo – press release". Cision Wire. Archived from the original on 8 July 2009. Retrieved 21 March 2006.
  18. ^ "Volvo – press release". Cision Wire. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2007.
  19. ^ Barron, Richard M. (4 September 2009). "Mack Moves South: Bulldog in Tow". News & Record. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  20. ^ Andrews, Kate. Volvo electric trucks to be produced at NRV plant in early 2021. Archived 2 June 2022 at the Wayback Machine Virginia Business, 3 December 2020.
  21. ^ Deem, John (21 June 2022). "Volvo to unplug with self-charging electric big rigs". News & Record. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  22. ^ "Volvo Trucks to launch electric truck with 600 km range". 3 September 2024.
  23. ^ "Volvo Trucks introduces new generation VNL". Fleet Equipment Magazine. 23 January 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  24. ^ AB Volvo buys Chinese truck business for about $125.7 million Archived 24 August 2021 at the Wayback Machine, Reuters, 23 August 2021
  25. ^ "Volvo Trucks India success story continues – Motorindia". Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  26. ^ "Camión Argentino: No pudieron ser: Primera radicación fallida de Volvo: 1959". 3 January 2015. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  27. ^ "Pesados Argentinos: Bolinder-Conarg VHK 100". 11 April 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  28. ^ "Camión Argentino: No pudieron ser: Radicación de Volvo en 1972" (in Spanish). 13 December 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  29. ^ "Our trucks". Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  30. ^ . – News article Archived 7 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 May 2013
  31. ^ Volvo Trucks Global. "Volvo Trucks product line-up -Retrieved: 2012-01-09". Volvo.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2011. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  32. ^ . – Press release Archived 11 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 May 2013
  33. ^ "Volvo Trucks becomes official supplier to the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 Team". mclaren.com. 17 February 2016. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  34. ^ "McLaren Racing and Volvo Trucks announce two-year extension to Formula 1 partnership". mclaren.com. 10 July 2019. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  35. ^ Carter, Meg (18 June 2014). "How Volvo Trucks Pulled Off An Epic Split And A Game-Changing Campaign". Fast Company. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
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