Volvo Trucks North America celebrated the success of Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST) recently with the delivery of the 50,000th VEST-equipped truck to Shamrock Foods of Phoenix AZ.
VEST is a full electronic stability program that assists the driver in maintaining control during emergency maneuvers and braking events, reducing the likelihood of a rollover or jackknife. It was made standard on all Volvo highway tractors in 2005.
To commemorate the 50,000th VEST-equipped truck assembled at Volvo’s New River Valley plant, company officials recently presented a plaque to Mark Engdahl, enterprise director for Shamrock Foods; and Matt Miller, Shamrock’s enterprise operations manager, during a driver event in Phoenix.
“VEST represents an enormous advancement in truck safety,” said Ron Huibers, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. “We’re part of the first heavy-duty truck manufacturing group to make the technology standard in our products, and we did it because it’s so important for the safety of truck drivers and the motoring public.”
Like other customers, Shamrock Foods expects Volvo trucks to be built with safety as a top priority. A nationally ranked foodservice distributor, Shamrock sends refrigerated trucks to 10 states from distribution centers in Phoenix, Commerce City (Denver) CO, and Albuquerque NM.
The VEST system was developed by Volvo in partnership with Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
VEST uses a steering angle sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and algorithms to determine not only driver intent, but also vehicle response, in rapidly changing situations. It works by selectively applying the brakes on individual wheel ends if sensors detect a dangerous driving situation. This assists the driver in reducing speed, keeping the vehicle in proper alignment, and decreasing the possibility of the truck and trailer sliding or jackknifing. The system also automatically lowers engine torque and applies the engine brake more rapidly than a driver can do, reducing rollover potential—even on wet or snowy roads, black ice, and exit ramps.
