FAMCO delivers first Safety Edition Volvo FH truck to Yas Mart Trading in Abu Dhabi

Recently, Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO), the exclusive distributor of Volvo Trucks in the UAE, delivered the first Safety Edition Volvo FH truck to Yas Mart Trading based in Abu Dhabi. The Euro 5 truck has a 4×2 tractor head configuration with a 13-litre, 460HP engine and air suspension. 

As a rental operator, Yas Mart has been using Volvo Trucks for more than five years. The primary factor that influenced the company to upgrade to the Safety Edition model compared to several other truck brands was the combination of its driver support systems such as adaptive cruise control, collision warning with emergency brake, lane keeping support, and electronic stability programme.

Yas Mart also saw value in the comfort, storage and climate system of the Globetrotter cab for the Volvo FH. The cooling system of the cab enables the driver to turn off the engine and sleep inside without affecting the interior temperature conditions and comfort of the driver. Furthermore, switching off the engine reduces fuel consumption.

The special edition Volvo FH trucks comes with following eight safety features.

Airbag: Mounted in the steering wheel’s centre module, the airbag is released in case of a head-on collision with a heavy or solid object. In case of a collision with a soft object, a collision in low speed, a side collision or a smash-up from behind the airbag does not release.

Headway Support System: The system alerts the driver about the risk of collisions with the vehicle ahead. The warning consists of red LED lights reflected on the windscreen and an acoustic signal from the speakers. If risk of collision is imminent, the vehicle brakes will be applied automatically.

Lane Change Support: Blind spots, particularly on a truck’s passenger side, can make lane changing difficult and dangerous. Volvo Trucks’ Lane Change Support is a radar system designed to aid drivers and prevent accidents. It is activated whenever the driver uses turn signals, and a warning alerts the driver, if an obstruction is detected on the truck’s side.

Electronic Stability Program: The program reduces the risk of skidding and rolling over. The control unit continuously receives information from a variety of sensors on the trucks and makes a new evaluation of the driving situation several times per second. If the system detects that the truck is starting to lurch or behave abnormally, the ESP reduces engine torque or activates the brakes individually in order to reduce speed and straighten the vehicle.

Lane Keeping Support: Staying focussed and within lane can be difficult during long-haul transportation. Operational at speeds over 60 km/h, the Lane Keeping Support system monitors the truck’s position on the road. When it detects the truck drifting or swaying outside of its lane, a warning alerts the driver so that they can resume control.

Driver Alert Support: An extension of Volvo’s Lane Keeping Support, the Volvo Trucks’ Driver Alert Support monitors driver behaviour and steering wheel movements. If the truck begins to sway or drift, a warning system alerts the driver and suggests taking a break if the behaviour continues.

Tyre pressure monitoring: The system makes it possible for the driver to supervise the tyre pressure through the driver information display. A correct tyre pressure gives an optimal use of the tyre and leads to increased lifetime and decreased fuel consumption. From a safety point of view, a controlled tyre pressure results in detection of leakage and preventing blowouts.

Dynamic Steering: The active steering system reduces steering force up to 85%. It obtains a predetermined steering feel, independent of load and tires, and contributes to a more relaxed driving through improved directional stability.