Volvo Trucks in North America introduces a new truck exclusively for the automobile transport business, the Volvo Autohauler (VAH). The VAH was developed to maximize freight capacity while bringing efficiency, safety and comfort.

The VAH is a day cab with a lower chassis than standard models, a short bumper-to-back-of-cab dimension and an EPA 2010 engine.

"The new Volvo Autohauler is designed to maximize loading space for our customers while incorporating the latest in engine technology," said Ron Huibers, Volvo Trucks North America senior vice president, sales and marketing. "The lower chassis reduces the overall height of the truck, allowing a car, pick-up or minivan to be positioned over the cab to maximize the efficiency of every delivery."

The design also features an axle-forward configuration providing the weight distribution needed for excellent maneuverability. With a clean top-of-frame behind the cab, the VAH is built for quick body mounting and easy trailer hook up.

"In our business, the truck cab needs to be as small as possible to maximize loading space," said Steve Hansen, executive vice president, Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport. "The cab height, frame height and BBC dimensions are very important. With the new Volvo Autohauler, we're getting a truck that gives us the capacity we need. The inside of the cab is comfortable, too, and has more room than you might expect."

Hansen, whose company operates 325 trucks, ordered one of the first prototypes and worked closely with Volvo Trucks as it refined the design and prepared for production. He recently placed an order for 40 new Volvo Autohaulers.

Cassens Transport Company, which operates a fleet of 1,200 trucks, also ordered a VAH prototype, selecting it primarily because of its cab dimensions. Minimizing cab height is particularly important for Cassens, which delivers to many older cities along the East Coast, where low overpasses are often a concern.

With the introduction of the VAH, Volvo says, it is the first OEM to bring to market an auto transporter with an EPA 2010 engine.

The VAH is available with a Volvo I-Shift transmission. The intelligent transmission system continuously monitors changes in grade, vehicle speed, acceleration, torque demand, weight and air resistance. With the engine and transmission in constant communication, I-Shift automatically selects the best gear for the engine.

The VAH is being assembled in the U.S. at the company's New River Valley plant in Dublin, Va.