As haulage firms compete for the best drivers, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to attract them with a good working environment. As part of this move, Volvo Trucks is now launching a new audio system with comfort-enhancing and practical features normally only found in exclusive cars.

“Our aim is to offer the industry’s best driver environment,” says Christer Pehrsson, business area manager for long-haul operations at Volvo Trucks. “This naturally includes a high-class audio system. However, our new audio system offers much more than that. Volvo is the first truck maker to develop a complete system that also makes it possible to integrate Bluetooth, MP3, USB and iPod.”

Wireless via Bluetooth

Adaptation to Bluetooth means among other things that the driver’s own mobile phone can be integrated into the system, permitting wireless operation. “You can handle your phone’s functions using the steering wheel controls and speak via the audio system’s microphone and loudspeakers,” explains Christer Pehrsson. “Incoming calls are shown in the radio display and in the display in the instrument panel.”

More possibilities with MP3, USB and iPod
The CD player accepts both regular CDs and discs with files saved in MP3 and WMA format. It is also possible to hook up a USB memory stick and an iPod. The menus appear in the radio’s display and operation is handled via the radio or steering wheel controls. Volume is automatically adjusted in response to the truck’s road speed and engine revs so that audio quality always remains the same irrespective of speed. And so that the driver can more easily maintain his concentration and attentiveness.

Superb sound quality

In addition to all the advanced features, the new audio system offers extremely high sound quality. In particular if the top model – Audio Power – is specified. This includes an 8-channel amplifier and 8 loudspeakers plus a subwoofer. “This package offers an audio experience fully on a par with what you can expect in truly exclusive cars,” says Christer Persson.

For all Volvo truck models

Volvo Audio System is available for all new vehicles in the Volvo Trucks range. The system is marketed in three different packages tailored for different truck models and customer requirements.

The contents of the packages may vary somewhat depending on the truck model.