“This recognition from IDEA is a proud moment for our entire team,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The new Volvo VNL is living proof that efficiency and beauty can coexist on the open road. It combines thoughtful design with meaningful innovation, creating a truck that is both striking to look at and designed around the driver experience. This truck is designed and built in the United States and once again raises the bar for what’s possible in modern commercial truck design.”
IDEA is organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America to honor design excellence across disciplines ranging from design strategy and branding to digital interaction and industrial products. This year’s jury of more than 40 international design experts evaluated entries based on design innovation, benefit to users and society, and overall aesthetics. Now in its 45th year, IDEA continues to spotlight the power of industrial design to improve everyday life. The program honors products across sectors from consumer technology to mobility.
The design team for the all-new Volvo VNL, pictured L-R: Raleigh Haire, Industrial Designer; Christian Christensen, Industrial Designer; Morris Jeffreys, User Experience Designer; Michael Lawrence, Chief User Experience Designer; Matt Kulczycki, Senior Visualization Designer; Alexandre Henriques, Chief Exterior Designer; Ian Anderson, Senior Industrial Designer; Brian Balicki, Head of Design; Oana Mihai, Graphic Designer; Ainsley Carter, User Experience Designer; Jason Dabel, Chief Interior Designer; Brooke Elliott, Senior Color Material & Finish Designer
Turning heads and shifting standards
The new Volvo VNL represents a 90% redesign from previous models, marking the next chapter in design and innovation. With Its aerodynamic lines, curved windshield, and wedge-shaped cab, the VNL turns heads and delivers up to 10% improved fuel efficiency compared to legacy models. Beyond aerodynamics, the VNL transforms the driver experience, creating an environment that feels more like a home away from home to make long hauls safer, smarter, and far more comfortable.
“We began the all-new Volvo VNL project with a blank sheet of paper and a bold ambition to define the future of trucking,” said Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America. “Every design choice from aerodynamics to driver ergonomics was made to improve how our customers work and live on the road. Earning this award reinforces that great design can have a real, human impact.”
Designing a home away from home
Inside, Volvo Trucks reimagined every detail of the driver’s environment. Ergonomic seating, optimized pedal positions, and intuitive controls create a driver-focused command center. The airline-inspired lighting, overlapping blackout curtains with magnetic seals, optional thermal barriers, and folding bunks make life on the road feel effortless. Meanwhile, upgraded insulation, enhanced storage, and premium materials make long hours on the road more comfortable, restful, and connected.
The all-new Volvo VNL’s win at IDEA follows its earlier 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design, further solidifying Volvo Trucks’ reputation for design leadership and innovation that extend beyond engineering and into the very experience of driving and living on the road.
Graphic rendering of the all-new Volvo VNL that was recently awarded the Silver Award in the Automotive & Transportation category of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).
November 6, 2025
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Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization.
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2024 approximately 134,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.
