Volvo makes on-the-road systems standard
LOUISVILLE, KY. Volvo Trucks North America announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show here today that its Volvo Link Sentry and Volvo Action Service (VAS) programs will be standard on all trucks ordered after October 31, 2006. A vehicle monitoring and communications system, Link Sentry works in conjunction with the VAS roadside assistance program.
Volvo Link Sentry tracks and communicates key productivity and performance information each week for individual trucks, including:
- Fuel used, distance traveled and fuel economy based on a combination of rpm “sweet spot,” pre-set road speeds, and cruise control
- Idle time and fuel consumed
- Total fuel used
- Low battery voltage
- Diesel particulate filter status
- Diagnostic code summary
Volvo said that Sentry now offers a new feature that can help fleets monitor “driving behavior and performance that affects safety.” The system tracks the number of interventions by Enhanced Stability Technology, antilock brake activations, traction control assistance events and wheel spinouts.
Sentry tracks diagnostic codes and automatically sends data via satellite to technical experts at VAS, who can analyze the codes. When and if the driver asks for help, VAS will have the information it needs to contact a dealer and schedule service.
“The security and support offered to drivers and fleets from Volvo Link Sentry and Volvo Action Service are so great that we made both services standard for Volvo trucks,” said Scott Kress, senior vp of sales & marketing.
In other news from Volvo, the OEM announced that Volvo Enhanced Stability Control Technology (VEST) is now standard on all VHD concrete mixers. VEST is a full electronic stability program that helps prevent rollovers and jackknifes using a standard pneumatic foundation brake system.
Volvo said that VEST will become standard on the rest of the VHD vocational models as each configuration and application gets approval from the engineering department.