Truck drivers know better than anyone that most people have no idea what goes into moving freight. A new project in Greensboro, North Carolina, is helping change that. Volvo Group North America donated an all-new Volvo VNL 840 to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum, where kids can climb inside a full-sized truck and get a real look at the work drivers do every day.
During the unveiling event, Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, shared why this kind of outreach matters. “Engaging with children and the greater community through this interactive display allows for a better understanding of trucking’s vital role in the economy,” he said. He also added, “Volvo Trucks’ North American headquarters is based in Greensboro, and it is very important for us to invest in the communities in which we are located. We also hope this display will encourage some children to pursue the many different career opportunities available to them in the trucking industry.”
For drivers who have spent years behind the wheel, the idea of a full-sized VNL 840 inside a museum might sound surprising, but Volvo has supported the museum for more than a decade. The new truck replaces a VNL 670 that has been on display since 2012.
The exhibit lets kids walk through the cab and the sleeper, which gives them a clearer sense of what long-haul life looks like. Many visitors will be seeing the inside of a real truck for the first time. Volvo described the new VNL line as “a next-generation long-haul truck designed to set new industry standards in safety, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort. Featuring a completely reimagined cab, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge connectivity, the VNL delivers an optimized driving and resting experience tailored to the needs of professional drivers.” The VNL 840 includes a premium 74-inch sleeper, and the model brings up to ten percent better fuel efficiency compared with the previous version through aerodynamic changes and powertrain updates.
Joe Rieke, president and CEO of the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum, sees the truck as more than a display. “We know from experience that when kids have the chance to merge their imagination with real-world experiences, incredible things happen,” he said. “This partnership with Volvo Group North America allows us to do exactly that. We’re thrilled to give our community a chance to play and engage with technology that moves the world, designed right here in Greensboro.”
For professional drivers, the exhibit means the next generation will grow up with a better understanding of the work behind every shipment. It shows trucking as a high-skilled career and highlights the technology and comfort built into modern trucks. It also strengthens community recognition at a time when freight workers are often overlooked.
Source: The Trucker
