Volvo Truck has announced its latest play for the fire and rescue market with the arrival of its new FM Crew cab which it claims has the priority of ‘keeping our frontline emergency services personnel safe and operational’.
Volvo says that has collaborated with Rosenbauer Australia, to develop the new vehicle which it says is specially designed and equipped with the needs of firefighters in mind.
Volvo says that safer emergency vehicles mean a safer environment for all road users and it has collected feedback from the field to create what it claims is the ‘safest, most comfortable and effective vehicle for those tasked with protecting the community during times of crisis’.
Volvo says a key focus during the development of the Volvo FM Crew Cab was to ‘create a cab that made a firefighter’s job easier while also supporting the health and well-being of their teams in the challenging conditions they often face’.
The company says this has resulted in a more human centric approach to emergency vehicle design, which it claims has achieved new standards in performance, ergonomics and driver safety for the Crew Cab.
The new vehicle will be available with both 11 and 13 litre engine options with the option of Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions ratings.
Transmission options encompass the 6-speed Powertronic torque converter automatic through to the class leading 12-speed I-Shift AMT with the added option of crawler gears.
“I’m delighted to launch the new Volvo FM Crew Cab. A truck especially designed for firefighters based on real world feedback by firefighters,” said vice president of Volvo Trucks Australia, Gary Bone.
“We asked firefighting crew members for feedback and took on board their answers.”
“We focused on supporting the wellbeing of our firefighters, with better operational logic, keeping information easily accessible at their fingertips and providing better ergonomic features, he continues,” he added.
“We looked at improving the cabin with features like greater access with the egress-fold down step, wide door openings, and enhanced grab rails,” said Gary Bone.
“Firefighters were also front of mind when we designed the cabin interior, ensuring that the interior is safely lit whilst also preserving low light vision.”
“And we intend to build these vehicles right here in Australia.”
“I am proud that our products are able to play a role toward improving the safety and wellbeing of emergency services personnel now, and into the future.
With over 40 years in the Australian market, Volvo’s innovative trucks are a combination of global vision and local intelligence.
“This partnership between Volvo Trucks and Rosenbauer Australia brings together two organisations committed to keeping people safe both on and off the road, and it’s a relationship that I’m exceptionally proud of,” said Arthur Wiemer, managing director, Rosenbauer Australia.”
“Drawing on global expertise to provide an optimised local solution for Australian firefighters shows that we have both the agility and ability to target the specific requirements of emergency services personnel,” Wiemer added.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Trucks with the aim of building these appliances here in Brisbane,” he said.
The Rosenbauer equipped, Volvo FM Crew Cab, will have its first public showcase at the 2021 AFAC exhibition, 17th-20th August.
