Volvo FMX turns 10!

Volvo FMX turns 10!

In 2010, Volvo Trucks introduced the Volvo FMX – a truck specifically developed for the demands of the construction industry. After a decade in the mud, it has a solid reputation as one of the toughest construction trucks on the market.

“The Volvo FMX was a game changer and it soon became very popular among both haulage operators and drivers,” says Eric Parry, product manager at Volvo Trucks Southern Africa.

The robust modern exterior of the first Volvo FMX, which clearly showed the truck’s relationship with Volvo Construction Equipment machines, was an attractive feature. The functionality of the Volvo FMX included a strong towing eye, headlamp protection, new anti-slip steps and a handy ladder.

Only three years after the introduction of the Volvo FMX, Volvo Trucks released a new version. The cab was modified and all the components in the front structure were redesigned. New air suspension gave an increased ground clearance of 300 mm. The towing eye could now tow up to 32 t.

That same year, Volvo Dynamic Steering was introduced in various markets around the world. Unfortunately, this has not yet been available in southern Africa. This feature (another patented technical innovation) made it possible to drive a truck with minimal effort.

The construction version of the leading Volvo I-Shift gearbox allows the Volvo FMX to handle tough and hilly terrain with high levels of productivity and driver comfort. In 2016, Volvo Trucks introduced I-Shift with crawler gears, which enables the truck to pull away from a standstill with loads of up to 325 t. It also allows truck operators to drive at speeds as low as 0.5 km per hour – a huge help during precision manoeuvring.

The innovative features of the Volvo FMX have been presented in many YouTube videos:

Look Who’s Driving

Four-year-old Sophie remotely controls the Volvo FMX, thanks to Volvo Dynamic Steering.

The Hook

Volvo Trucks’ former CEO Claes Nilsson illustrates the power of the towing eye of the Volvo FMX.

The Hamster

A hamster controls a Volvo FMX, thanks to Volvo Dynamic Steering.

The Epic Split

Volvo Dynamic Steering became well-known throughout the world following the stunt by Jean-Claude Van Damme.

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Focus on Transport

FOCUS on Transport and Logistics is the oldest and most respected transport and logistics publication in southern Africa.
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