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A
n unpredictable child and a radio-con-
trolled 18-ton truck. In Volvo Trucks’
latest film, ”Look Who’s Driving”, four-
year-old Sophie exposes the Volvo FMX to the
toughest challenge yet in the Live Test series.
Volvo Trucks’ newest test sees Sophie drive
an 18-ton Volvo FMX through a construction
area using a remote control. The truck has
been given several new functions over the
year, and the objective of the test is to show
how much it can tolerate and how easily it
copes in the most demanding environments.
“To show what the truck can do, we want
to give it a real challenge. What test driver
is more reckless than an unpredictable four-
year-old?” asked Richard Fritz, Vice President
of Volvo Trucks.
360-degree roll
Sophie steers the truck on the construction
area in the film, and the truck takes
unpredicted ways: Among others, the
truck ends up climbing a steep, soft slope,
before continuing all the way down in a full
360-degree roll.
“The test demonstrates beyond question the
ability of the truck to cope with the most ex-
treme environments. To help it do so, it has
functions such as the new, Automatic Trac-
tion Control, keeping it going even on severely
sloping and soft surfaces. They also demon-
strate its total strength with an unbeatable
cabin design with sturdy front corners and a
reinforced sub-frame,” said Gunnar Eliasson,
Launch Manager at Volvo Trucks.
The film is the latest in the Volvo Trucks Live
Test series, with previous global successes
including The Epic Split and The Hamster
Stunt.
The following functions were tested in
the film:
Automatic Traction Control – automatic all-
wheel drive, activated when needed. The
result is better traction, less wear and tear, as
well as lower fuel consumption;
Sturdy Front Corner – bumpers made of 3mm
thick high grade steel as an extension of the
chassis;
Skid Plate – protects the truck from loose
objects, e.g. when driving on gravel or stony
areas. The 3mm thick steel Skid Plate is built
to withstand at least 5 tonnes of pressure;
Volvo FMX has a ground clearance of 30 cm,
meaning that vital parts such as the suspen-
sion and brake discs aren’t at risk of damage
when running on rough ground;
Body in white – the unique “body in white”
cabin design helps protect the driver from
injury, including if the truck turns on its side;
Waterproof – Volvo FMX is built to work in the
toughest conditions, including water. All sen-
sitive parts are sealed and placed to keep dirt
and water out.
Truck: Volvo FMX 8x6 All Wheel Drive
Horsepower: 540
Specification: Day Cab, Dumper Body,
I-Shift, Chassis Extra High
eves they are able to meet customers’ unique
requirements and offer them the professional
support they require and deserve. The
company, now with 18 dealers in South Africa,
is broadening their reach systematically and
with a focused strategy of bringing valuable
support right to their customers’ doorsteps.
With the most modern and innovative product
line-up ever in the FH16, FH, FM and FMX
model ranges, Volvo Trucks has an outstand-
ing ability to help customers to improve pro-
ductivity and profitability.
VOLVO TRUCK
tested by a four-year old