A New VNX Is Coming

Volvo confirmed that a next-generation VNX is expected to debut later this year. While details are still limited, the move points to a bigger plan already underway across the company’s lineup.

The current VNX is built for heavy-haul and severe-duty work. It has not yet been updated with Volvo’s latest platform, which has already been rolled out in the newer VNL and VNR models. Bringing the VNX into that same system would give heavy-haul operators access to the same fuel savings, safety upgrades, and connected tech.

“We’re in the midst of more than $2 billion in product investments,” said Magnus Koeck, vice president of strategy, marketing, and brand management. “And we’re not done.”

For fleets running specialized freight, this signals that Volvo is getting more serious about competing in heavy-haul and vocational segments.

What the New Platform Is Delivering So Far

Volvo’s latest truck platform first showed up in the redesigned VNL, followed by the VNR for regional operations. Early numbers are already getting attention across the industry.

The VNL is delivering fuel economy gains of 10 percent or more in real-world use. The VNR is targeting up to 7.5 percent fuel savings. For carriers watching every cost, those numbers matter.

“In today’s environment, that can mean a 3% improvement in operating margin,” Koeck said. “That’s the difference between profit and loss for many fleets.”

For owner-operators and fleet managers alike, that kind of margin shift can decide whether a truck stays profitable over time.

Expanding Production to Keep Up

To support these new trucks, Volvo is putting serious money into production. The company has invested more than $400 million into its New River Valley plant in Virginia and is building a new $700 million facility in Monterrey, Mexico.

The Mexico plant is expected to begin low-volume production later this year. Volvo has made it clear this is about adding capacity, not replacing U.S. manufacturing, as it looks to grow its footprint in North America.

Trucks Are Getting More Connected

Volvo is also pushing further into connected truck technology. More than 220,000 Volvo trucks across North America are now connected, allowing over-the-air updates that can be installed without taking trucks off the road.

Adoption has picked up quickly. In about six months, the number of trucks running the latest software jumped from roughly 25 percent to more than 80 percent. According to Volvo, trucks with updated software are seeing 24 percent fewer unplanned stops.

“Trucks today are essentially smartphones on wheels,” said product expert Maddie Sullivan. “They’re constantly improving.”

For drivers, that means fewer shop visits tied to software issues and more updates happening without downtime.

New Hardware to Support More Data

Volvo is also working on a new tractor-trailer connector designed to handle more data than current systems. Today’s connectors mainly support lights and braking, but newer trucks rely on cameras, sensors, and telematics that need more bandwidth.

The company says it is working with partners to turn this into a new standard across North America. If adopted widely, it could improve how tractors and trailers share information in real time.

Safety Features Continue to Expand

Safety remains a major focus across Volvo’s lineup. New platform trucks now include features like a side-curtain airbag for heavy-duty applications and an automatic emergency call system that alerts first responders after a crash.

Additional options include blind-spot detection along the full length of a 53-foot trailer, adaptive lighting, and Volvo Dynamic Steering.

Beyond safety itself, there is also a financial side. Volvo noted that even non-injury crashes can average close to $50,000 in damage, making prevention a priority for fleets trying to control costs.

What This Means for Drivers and Fleets

Between a new VNX on the horizon, ongoing platform upgrades, and continued investment in both hardware and software, Volvo is clearly building toward a more unified lineup.

For drivers, that likely means more consistency from truck to truck. For fleets, it points to better efficiency, fewer unexpected repairs, and more control over operating costs.

With the heavy-haul segment next in line, the upcoming VNX will be one to watch as more details come out later this year.

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At a recent launch event, Fernando Couceiro, Vice President of Highway Trucks at Mack Trucks, emphasized, “This is not a facelift or a refresh. This is a brand-new truck from the ground up.” While the Anthem and Pioneer share similar styling elements and 90% parts commonality, the updates and focus for the Anthem cater specifically to regional haul requirements.

Key Features and Highlights of the New Anthem

1. Enhanced Maneuverability

The new Anthem boasts six different wheelbase options, ranging from 16 to 19 feet. A shorter 113.5-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length sets it apart, making it 12 inches shorter than the Pioneer and 4 inches shorter than the previous Anthem model. With an impressive 45-degree wheel cut, the truck’s turning radius improves by about 12% over prior versions.

A redesigned three-piece hood further enhances functionality, improving forward visibility by 12 feet, making urban navigation simpler and safer.

2. Fuel Efficiency Upgrades

Compared to its predecessor, the updated Anthem sees up to a 10% gain in fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamics. Key design changes include:

• A revamped roof and side skirts that optimize airflow.
• A deeper hood slope directing air above the one-piece windshield and roof fairing.

Additionally, the new MP13 13-liter diesel engine delivers 3% better efficiency than the outgoing MP8 model. While most aerodynamic enhancements, such as ground skirts and roof fairings, come as optional specs, they allow flexibility to suit different operational needs.

3. Comfortable Interior with Safety Enhancements

The Anthem’s cab interior sees significant upgrades:

• A wider cabin space, now 9 inches broader than the previous model.
• Available configurations include a day cab, 44-inch sleeper, and 64-inch sleeper.

Drivers can enjoy premium wide-base seats with optional ventilation, heating, and even massage features, while stand-up sleeper configurations provide ample headroom. On the safety side, the Anthem incorporates cutting-edge features:

• A standard front airbag and Integrated Curtain Airbag (ICA) system designed to protect the driver during rollover incidents.
• Advanced driver assistance systems have demonstrated a 43% reduction in near-miss incidents during controlled testing.

4. Advanced Technology for Regional Operations

Specifically geared toward urban and regional operations, the Anthem includes innovative technological upgrades:

• Enhanced Safety Systems: Radar technologies detect objects, vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians in blind spots and within the truck’s path. An optional digital mirror system further enhances driver visibility.
• Driver Convenience:
• • Through the MyMack driver app, users can pre-condition the cab, monitor tire pressures, and check fluid levels remotely.
  • Over-the-air software updates facilitate maintenance without disrupting operations.
  • Predictive maintenance reduces unplanned stops by 20%.

Integration with Mack’s GuardDog Connect offers diagnostics and automatic service alerts, reducing downtime by 37%, according to Todd Shakespeare, Mack Trucks’ Head of Leasing and Service Solution Sales.

Customization Without the Sleeper Compromise

While the Anthem won’t feature the Pioneer’s larger sleeper configurations, it shares the same interior features, finishes, and dimensions. This shared space ensures that regional haul drivers enjoy premium comfort without sacrificing practicality.

Looking Ahead

Starting this August, businesses can place orders for the new Anthem, with production slated to begin in January. With its redefined focus and region-specific enhancements, the Anthem represents a groundbreaking truck designed to balance efficiency, safety, and driver comfort for regional operations.

For operators seeking maneuverability, state-of-the-art technology, and cost savings, the Anthem is set to redefine expectations in the trucking industry.

Image Source: Mack Trucks
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Revamped Anthem Truck Sets New Benchmark in Regional Haul appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Built to work with the all-new Mack Pioneer—first revealed in April—this new app is all about making life on the road more efficient, comfortable, and connected.

“The Pioneer was designed with the driver experience as a top priority, offering features like our exclusive premium seating system with armrests on both sides, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a customizable switch layout,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “The MyMack app extends this driver-centric philosophy beyond the cab, giving drivers unprecedented control and information access even when they’re away from their truck.”

Here’s what drivers can do with the MyMack app:

• Check fuel, DEF, and oil levels remotely
• Monitor vehicle lights status
• Turn on the Mack Integrated Parking Cooler to pre-set cab temperature before your shift starts

“The MyMack app represents a significant advancement in how drivers interact with their vehicles,” said Patrick Brown, director of strategy, Mack Trucks. “By putting vital truck information and controls literally in the palm of their hands, we’re helping drivers get the job done more efficiently and safely, while improving their overall experience.”

Part of Mack’s Bigger Connected Platform

The MyMack app is part of Mack’s larger Integrated Uptime bundle, which includes Mack Connect—an all-in-one fleet management portal now standard on the Pioneer. With Mack Connect, drivers and fleet managers can track truck location, review fuel efficiency and idle time, and even see which drivers are coasting too much or braking too hard.

“Mack Connect is built for Mack customers to provide them with more detailed information than they can get elsewhere,” Brown said. “We’re enabling fleet managers to make data-driven decisions that streamline their operations, while maintaining our commitment to maximizing uptime.”

Mack Connect also helps with safety and diagnostics. It monitors seatbelt usage, roll stability events, and braking habits—giving fleets better data for coaching and compliance. Plus, it includes GuardDog Connect, Mack’s diagnostic system that tracks issues, recommends repairs, and even handles over-the-air updates to reduce downtime.

With a five-year intro bundle available and apps ready to download in the Apple Store and Google Play, the MyMack app could be a real game-changer for anyone driving a Pioneer.

For more info, check out Mack’s official news release or head to their site.

Source: Work Truck Online
Image Source: Mack Trucks

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The latest updates include automatic software updates through its over-the-air (OTA) update platform and a self-service feature allowing fleets to modify truck parameters directly through Mack Connect.

Simplifying Updates with AutoSend

Nicole Portello, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer for Mack Trucks, likened the new AutoSend update feature to how smartphones handle system updates. AutoSend notifies fleets and drivers via the in-cab Driver-Display Activation when an OTA update becomes available. From there, fleets have up to 28 days to decide when to install the update.

Best of all, AutoSend ensures updates can be performed whenever the truck is parked, without requiring any intervention from drivers, fleet managers, or Mack’s customer care team. “It gives a lot of control and a lot of power back to the fleets,” said Portello, noting that trucks running the latest software experience 22% less unplanned downtime.

Since its launch, Mack’s telematics gateway—standard on all Mack trucks with Mack engines over the past 10 years—has been installed in 200,000 of its Class 8 trucks. Of those, 73,000 trucks are currently subscribed to Mack’s Integrated Uptime bundle, and over 24,000 remote updates have been completed.

Starting in the coming weeks, AutoSend will be a standard feature for customers with trucks equipped with Driver-Display Activation, a digital dashboard interface allowing drivers to review and install updates directly. This feature is available on most Mack-powered trucks built after November 30, 2020, and customers can choose to opt out if desired. According to Portello, fewer than 100 current subscribers have elected to opt out of the program so far.

Self-Serve Vehicle Parameters by Mid-Year

By mid-year, Mack will further streamline operations for its customers with the introduction of self-serve parameter changes through Mack Connect. This new capability will enable motor carriers to independently adjust settings like road speed limits and idle shutdown parameters, as well as create profiles specific to each truck.

Previously, making these types of adjustments required help from Mack’s Uptime Center or a trip to a dealership. Now, fleets can manage these changes themselves, directly within the Mack Connect portal.

As Mack Trucks celebrates 125 years of innovation and leadership, it continues to push boundaries in connectivity and fleet efficiency—proving that it’s not just a giant in history, but also in the future of trucking.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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