A panel of 50 experts has named Volvo Trucks’ new Volvo FM model winner of the 2021 product design category for commercial vehicles in the prestigious international Red Dot Design awards.
Commonly seen as the Oscars of the design world, the distinctive ‘Red Dot’ has categories for product design, brands and communication design, and design concept. Products from more than 60 countries took part in the 2021 competition.
Volvo Trucks user experience chief designer Carin Larsson says the award “is a great acknowledgement of the creative work of the Volvo Trucks’ design team”.
“The award highlights a well-balanced Volvo FM, creating business value with this desirable truck. By purposeful design of the exterior, interior and user experience, we are improving the daily lives of our drivers,” Larsson says.
The Volvo design team set out to create the best mobile office in the industry resulting in a versatile truck that is agile, spacious in addition to embodying the Volvo values of safety, comfort, and productivity.
Development of the design was informed by extensive surveys and customer interviews confirming the importance of the driver’s contribution to transport companies’ profitability and image.
Volvo Truck and Bus national sales manager Paul France says the new FM model “is a game changer”.
“Everything below the cab is the same, proven beyond doubt to be the work horse of the New Zealand transport market.
“The new cab delivers a smart office environment at the driver’s fingertips. The wrap around dash, primary and secondary displays provide real-time information across a wide range of adjustable parameters that allow the driver to continuously optimise productivity, profitability, and safety.
“The interactive software interface between the truck and driver enables better overall performance of the whole,” France says.
The new Volvo FM includes a spacious new cab and improved visibility by using a lowered door line, as well as new rear-view mirrors and an optional passenger corner camera that gives a complementary view of the side of the truck.
The model can also be tailored to enable significant fuel and CO2 savings.
*Go to volvotrucks.co.nz for more information.
