Core Points - Volvo Trucks North America has made integrated side curtain airbags standard on new truck models for the North American market, marking another industry first for the company [1][2] - The side curtain airbags are designed to deploy during rollovers, which account for approximately half of all truck occupant fatalities, thereby enhancing safety for both drivers and passengers [2][3] - This initiative aligns with Volvo's long-standing commitment to safety, building on its history of innovations such as the three-point safety belt and high-strength steel cabs [3] Company Overview - Volvo Trucks North America is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is recognized as a leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in the region [4] - The company operates a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and has a manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which adheres to international quality and environmental standards [4] - In 2024, approximately 134,000 Volvo trucks were delivered globally, showcasing the company's extensive reach and commitment to providing complete transport solutions [5]

Core Insights - Volvo Trucks North America has officially opened orders for the all-new Volvo VNR, a Class 8 truck designed for regional and urban haul, with production set to begin in February 2026 [1][3] - The new Volvo VNR features a 90 percent redesign from the previous generation and offers up to 7.5 percent improved fuel economy [2][11] - The truck incorporates industry-first safety innovations, including integrated side curtain airbags, making it the safest regional truck produced by Volvo Trucks North America [2][11] Product Features - The Volvo VNR is engineered for regional haul applications, featuring a tighter turning radius for navigating congested urban routes while maintaining versatility for longer hauls [3] - Connectivity is emphasized, with real-time insights available through the Volvo Connect portal and the My Truck app for drivers [5] - The truck is available in various configurations, including 4x2, 6x2, and 6x4 tractors, and can be customized through a new configurator [6][11] Market Trends - The regional haul segment is growing due to rising e-commerce demand, tight delivery windows, and increasing urban regulations, with nearly 45 percent of Class 8 tractors produced today being day cabs used in regional haul operations [4] - The all-new Volvo VNR aims to address the demanding nature of regional and urban delivery, where safety and fuel costs are critical [3] Manufacturing and Support - The Volvo VNR will be built at the New River Valley Assembly Operations in Virginia, the largest Volvo Trucks manufacturing facility in the U.S. [3] - Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions and has a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America [8][12]

Core Insights - Volvo Trucks emphasizes its commitment to safety, which has been a core value since the invention of the three-point seat belt in 1959 [1][10] - The company has introduced next-generation VNL and VNR models featuring advanced safety systems aimed at reducing accidents and protecting drivers and passengers [2][3] Safety Innovations - Volvo Trucks is the first in North America to offer integrated side curtain airbags, designed to deploy during rollovers, which account for approximately half of truck occupant fatalities [3] - The new cabs are constructed entirely from high-strength steel, utilizing 33% more ultra-high strength hot stamped steel than previous models to enhance rollover protection [4] - The E-Call emergency response system automatically contacts 911 in serious accidents, sharing the truck's GPS location to facilitate quicker emergency response [5] - An electronic parking brake engages automatically when the truck is in neutral and the driver door is opened, preventing rollaways and stabilizing the truck in case of an accident [6] Advanced Safety Systems - New collision avoidance technologies in the VNL and VNR models can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, helping to prevent crashes by alerting drivers to potential hazards [7][18] - These advanced systems act as an additional layer of safety, enhancing the overall protection for drivers and road users [18]