VEST is a full electronic stability program that assists the driver in maintaining control during emergency maneuvers and braking events, dramatically 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.”
“In just five years, VEST has become the dominant system of its type in the market,” Huibers said. “Volvo is proud to have played a leadership role in spreading the use of this technology out on the road.”
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) and Albuquerque, N.M.
“VEST is something no driver should be without,” said Miller. “It provides improved safety and peace of mind. Volvo’s commitment to safety is one of the reasons we ordered 105 Volvo trucks this year. It means a lot to us that we are putting our drivers in trucks that are designed for safety as well as comfort and drivability.”
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 significantly 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, dramatically reducing rollover potential – even on wet or snowy roads, black ice and exit ramps.
During a recent event in Phoenix, Volvo Trucks presented Shamrock Foods with a plaque commemorating the 50,000th Volvo truck made with Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology. Pictured from left to right are: Richard Bell, Volvo Trucks regional vice president; Greg Smith, a salesperson with local Volvo dealer Vanguard Truck Centers; Mark Engdahl, enterprise director for Shamrock Foods; Matt Miller, Shamrock’s enterprise operations manager; and Kurt Hollinger, Volvo Trucks district manager.
Volvo Trucks North America’s operations and products are guided by the company’s three core values: Safety, Quality and Environmental Care. The Volvo VN and VHD trucks are assembled in the United States at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, while Volvo engines for North America are assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. Both plants are certified to ISO14001 environmental and ISO9001 quality standards.
Volvo Trucks North America is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and one of the world's leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (9-16 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 96,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2009 amounted to approximately $29 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange and are traded OTC in the U.S.
January 26, 2011
For further information, please contact Brandon Borgna, Volvo Trucks North America, phone 336-393-2143, email brandon.borgna@volvo.com
www.volvotrucks.us.com