Volvo Trucks is now offering the premium efficiency of its new flagship FH Aero models, with order books open for the New Zealand market.

Since debuting in Europe in early 2024, the FH Aero range has been impressing media and customers alike with its on-road refinement and energy efficiency. European testing has shown efficiency improvements of up to 5%.

The specifics of the model range for New Zealand will see the FH Aero available with a choice of 13-litre and 17-litre Euro 6 powerplants as well as Volvo’s heavy duty electric driveline.

Operational results show that the ultimate fuel-saver will be the FH Aero with I-Save. This 13-litre turbo compound unit is rated at 500hp and punches out 2800Nm of torque.

The proven 13-litre 540hp also remains an option for Aero while the new 17-litre D17 powerplant is available in output ratings from 600hp and 3000Nm up to 780hp and 3800Nm. 

The aerodynamic improvements of the Aero range have been achieved by extending the front of the standard FH cab by 240mm, allowing for a smoother, more rounded cab front. This is shown to reduce drag and contribute to lower energy consumption.

Cab options for the FH Aero will include sleeper, Globetrotter XL and Globetrotter XXL with the standard cab available for customers to order.

In addition to its efficiency, the new FH Aero will also be a showcase for Volvo’s latest technologies, including the newly launched Camera Monitor System (CMS) which comes as standard on FH Aero.

CMS features a zoom out function, automatic panning that tracks the rear of the vehicle while negotiating intersections, fixed reverse panning, and an infra-red mode for low light conditions. Volvo says CMS drastically improves the driver’s field of view around the truck.

The system’s camera lenses are heated and will automatically activate depending on the outside temperature to ensure a clear view in all weather conditions.

“This truck represents another great improvement from Volvo to progress sustainable transport, with the added benefit of lowering running costs for operators,” says Scott Robinson, National Sales Manager, Volvo Trucks New Zealand.

“The drive experience of this vehicle is very impressive. The performance of our new generation I-Shift transmission, Euro 6 engine range and powerful electric drivetrain, and the range of powerplant, including the new D17, provides options that allow operators to tailor the Aero perfectly for their application.”

Robinson says the range of safety features will prove attractive to operators.

“Given that safety is a primary focus for Volvo, the Aero comes with the added driver support features like Pilot Assist and Front Short-Range Assist to detect vulnerable road users, available across the Volvo heavy-duty range.” 

The Pilot Assist system is available only on vehicles equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering.

The 13- and 17-litre FH Aero variants for the NZ market will be built at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol manufacturing facility in Queensland from mid-2025. The FH Aero Electric variants will be supplied out of Sweden.