Volvo · 1996–present

Volvo VN

The Volvo VN (also known as the Volvo VNL) is a heavy-duty truck produced by the Swedish vehicle manufacturer Volvo Trucks. Initially developed in North America, it was introduced in 1996 as the second generation Volvo Class 8 tractor. For the 2000 model year, the VN was officially renamed VNL. Other models included the VNM (until 2017) and the VNR (from 2017). The "L" in VNL signifies a long bonnet, compared to the medium-bonneted VNM and the regional VNR. Other parts of the model name (for example, VNL64T760) include the number of wheels and wheels driven ("64"), followed by a "T" for tractor, followed by a three-digit code for the cab style. The 300 cab is a day cab and the 400 is a short sleeper, with 640/660/740/760/780 representing various full sleeper cabs with flat or high roofs. It was the first Volvo commercial vehicle to be assembled in the United States after the discontinuation of the WhiteGMC brand (although Volvo did not purchase the remainder of General Motors' interests in truck tractors until 1997, rechristening its U.S. truck division from Volvo GM to Volvo Trucks North America). It is currently available exclusively for the North American market. In 2013 Volvo Trucks added the VNX, the highest model in the VN series.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Volvo Trucks

All Volvo VN data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

First generation (1996–2024)

The first generation Volvo VN series was produced from 1996 to 2024, and manufactured exclusively in the United States at Volvo Trucks' New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia. It was developed alongside a new generation of European Volvo trucks (FH, FM, and NH), while also incorporating know-how from the previous White-GMC designs. Having been developed in tandem with the European truck family, the VN cab was also designed to meet the Swedish Cab Safety test procedure, a stricter standard than that required for North American-market trucks. The VN was also about 1,100 lb (500 kg) lighter than the previous Volvo conventional truck, the WI. The VN was renamed VNL in 2000, to distinguish it from the shorter VNM (intended for regional and work duty rather than long haul operations) which appeared concurrently. The first generation of the VN family received two major facelifts. 2003 update. In August 2002, for the 2003 model year, the first facelift of the first generation model was introduced. About 400 lb (180 kg) lighter than the previous generation, it received a revised hood, trapezoidal headlamps, new fairings, and redesigned interior. The new design paid close attention to aerodynamics; aside from the smoother overall design, the cab was relocated to shrink the gap between the cab and the trailer to further decrease drag. Series production and deliveries to customers began in November of the same year. The entire engine lineup was now compliant with EPA's 2002 requirements: Aside from Volvo's own 12-liter engine, related to the ones used in the European line, the VN-series was also available with the 15-liter Cummins ISX diesel. Power outputs ranged from 365 to 465 hp (272 to 347 kW) for the in-house option and from 400 to 565 hp (298 to 421 kW) for the Cummins un

Second generation (2024–present)

On January 23, 2024, Volvo Trucks unveiled the second-generation VNL. The redesigned model features upgrades such as digital mirrors and a full digital dash display, alongside numerous safety and aerodynamic enhancements. The truck is offered with the D13 engine with four power options between 405 and 500 horsepower (302 and 373 kW), and three torque options between 1,750 and 1,950 pound-feet (2,370 and 2,640 N⋅m). The new VNL also features an updated I-Shift transmission, which Volvo Trucks states shifts 30% faster. The second-generation VNL features four trim options: Core, Edge, Edge Black, and Ultimate. Six cab configurations are offered, including a day cab, 42-, 64- and 74-inch sleeper lengths, and two sleeper heights: Mid-Roof for all lengths and Full-Height for the 64- and 74-inch lengths only. Production commenced at New River Valley plant on October 3, 2024. VNL Electric. On June 20, 2024, Volvo Trucks teased a prototype of a battery-electric version of the VNL.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Volvo VN
Manufacturer: Volvo Trucks North America
aka: VN Series
Production: 1996–present
Assembly: United States: Dublin, Virginia (New River Valley Plant)
Predecessor: Volvo WIA
Class: Class 8 heavy-duty tractor
Body style: Conventional daycab, sleeper
Layout: RWD single or tandem axle
Engine: Caterpillar Inc. 3406E, Cummins ISX15, N-14, Signature 600, Detroit Diesel Series 60, Volvo D11, 12, 13 and 16
Transmission: Eaton Corporation Fuller Manual 9, 10, Super 10, 13, 18-speed, 10-speed AutoShift, Ultrashift PLUS, Advantage Automated Volvo I-Shift 12-speed
Wheelbase: 186"–243"
Length: 18'–25'
Width: 96"–100"
Height: 10'–12'
Kerb weight: 13,000–18,000 lbs.
Related: Volvo FH/FM