Austin, TX -- Volvo Trucks announced its new Xceed fuel efficiency package for Volvo VNL 760 and VNL 860 models operating in dry van and refrigerated trailer operations at the ATA's 2018 Annual Meeting on Oct. 29. The new fuel efficiency package will be available for order beginning in January of 2019 for 2020 models.

“The new Xceed fuel efficiency package is the most efficient package Volvo has ever offered for the VNL series, and it’s tailored for our large sleeper models operating with dry van and refrigerated trailers, which make up more than three-quarters of the trailers used in on-highway operations,” said Johan Agebrand, Volvo Trucks North America director of product marketing.

Agebrand says the Xceed fuel efficiency package improves fuel efficiency by up to 11 percent when compared with Volvo’s Fuel Efficiency Plus specification. Xceed is 3.5 percent more efficient than the Fuel Efficiency Advanced specification, which was Volvo’s most efficient offering prior to the new Xceed fuel efficiency package.

“The Xceed package bundles our most efficient features to help simplify the truck spec’ing process and ensure critical components of the fuel efficiency equation aren’t overlooked,” said Allison Athey, Volvo Trucks North America product marketing manager. “The Xceed packages for our VNL 760 and VNL 860 represent a systems approach, building on our learnings from the SuperTruck projects and engineering expertise, to ensure we’re including important components that work together to help maximize efficiency.”

The naming structure of the Xceed fuel efficiency package reflects several key components contributing to its unprecedented efficiency.

X – XE powertrain packages, including Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmissions

C – turbo Compounding

E – Extended fairings

E – ground Effects

D – Volvo D13 engine

“Our Xceed package combines key lightweight options with our most efficient drivetrain and aerodynamic setups for the intended applications,” said Athey. “The Xceed package is all about freight efficiency, so we’ve included lightweight components to help maximize payload capacity while reducing fuel consumption.”

The Xceed package provides dedicated wheelbase options to ensure the optimal trailer gap of around 44 inches for dry van or refrigerated trailer applications. Lightweight components like a horizontal exhaust system, a dedicated rear axle, limited fuel tank configurations, lightweight fifth wheels, aluminum chassis components, and more help reduce the weight of the VNL models by up to 950 pounds.

“Spec’ing correctly for an application is a vital first step toward maximizing fuel efficiency,” said Agebrand. “With the Xceed fuel efficiency package we’re providing that starting point, but it’s equally important that those maintaining and driving the trucks follow best practices to help ensure their equipment is operating at peak fuel efficiency throughout its life. We can’t overlook the importance of preventative maintenance, updating software, monitoring alignment and tire pressure and driving for maximum efficiency.”