Volvo’s new regional hauler enters US production
Volvo Trucks North America recently began production of its new regional hauler, the all-new Volvo VNR, at the company’s plant in Dublin, Virginia. The new VNR is designed to meet the demands of urban and regional delivery operations.
The tractor was first unveiled in March 2025, with order books opening six months later. The first units rolled off the assembly line in February and will be delivered to Clayton, a national single-family homebuilder, the manufacturer reported. “Built on a completely new platform—90% new compared with the legacy model—the Volvo VNR is purpose-built for navigating congested city streets, distribution centers, and urban routes where visibility, precision, and agility are critical,” Peter Voorhoeve, VTNA president, stated in a news release.
“We are excited to begin production and get these trucks into the hands of our customers.”
The all-new VNR is assembled at Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley Plant, where all Volvo trucks for the North American market are built. The Virginia facility is the company’s largest manufacturing site globally and plays a central role in its U.S. operations. Volvo recently invested $400 million in major upgrades at the plant, including the addition of a new 350,000-sq.-ft. facility for cab welding, along with upgraded paint and material flow systems.
“Volvo has built trucks for the U.S. and Canadian markets in Virginia for more than 40 years,” Voorhoeve said. “The expansion supports the company’s growth plans in North America and its long-standing commitment to U.S. manufacturing and a skilled workforce.”
Safer and more fuel efficient
The truck incorporates a comprehensive Volvo safety package, with advanced onboard technologies designed to support operation in dense urban traffic and pedestrian-heavy environments, VTNA reported. It also offers better forward visibility than the previous model, enabled by a sloped hood design and larger panoramic windshield, and incorporates safety innovations like integrated side curtain airbags.
The new VNR delivers up to a 7.5% improvement in fuel economy compared with the legacy model, driven by enhanced aerodynamics, advanced powertrain features, and idle-shutdown systems.
Features of the all-new Volvo VNR include:
- Offers a tighter turning radius for improved maneuverability in regional and urban environments
- Available with the Volvo Active Safety Platform with Volvo Active Driver Assist Plus
- Available with a Camera Monitor System option that provides superior visibility compared to traditional mirrors
- Provides multiple axle options, including Adaptive Loading, Electronically Controlled Suspension, and Global Rear Air Suspension
- Available in a variety of Class 8 configurations, including 4x2, 6x2, and 6x4 tractors, as well as straight trucks with multiple body types
- Available in two trim levels: The Core trim delivers a practical and durable interior for regional haul applications, while the Edge trim offers additional driver comfort and premium features for fleets seeking an enhanced in-cab experience
- Built on a 24-volt electrical architecture to support advanced safety and connectivity features
- Engine ratings include the VGT engine, ranging from 405-455 hp and 1450-1850 lb.-ft. of torque and the D13 Turbo Compound engine, which harnesses a waste heat recovery system to capture lost energy in order to maximize engine efficiency. Two additional low-NOx engine ratings are available for the D13