Launch of the new Volvo FM and FMX with crew cab for fire service vehicles

26/01/2021

The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX trucks are now available for use as Fire Service vehicles with a crew cab for up to nine people. The new variants of the two models, developed in close cooperation with bodybuilders and the emergency services, have a number of improvements specifically designed for fire and rescue service vehicles.

The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX are now available for use as Fire Service vehicles with a crew cab for up to nine people.

“We can now offer a very modern and comprehensive range of heavy-duty trucks on the market for fire services. The new variants of the Volvo FM and Volvo FMX are designed to provide members of the emergency services with a crew cab environment of world-class standard,” says Lars Franck, Product Manager Special Vehicle Offering at Volvo Trucks.

The European market is more than 3,000 fire and support vehicles per year. In addition to complying with national and international regulations, the vehicles have to be adapted to meet the specific requirements of each fire authority. This includes high standards of safety, reliability and flexibility.

The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX with crew cab are designed for operation in tough environments, offering the same high standards of safety, ergonomics and comfort as other variants within the two ranges, which launched in 2020.

The cab has been thoroughly safety tested and comes with large windows, a low door line, large rear-view mirrors and the option of up to eight cameras, providing good all-round visibility. In addition, the Volvo Dynamic Steering system, available as an option, makes manoeuvring easier and improves both ergonomics and driving safety.

The driver’s workplace is equipped with Volvo Trucks’ new driver interface which includes digital instruments and a steering wheel with control buttons that is also adjustable with a neck-tilt function.

The high internal roof creates an airy, spacious interior with plenty of room to move around. The doors have a large opening angle that makes it easier to get in and out of the cab.

This is supported by the newly developed anti-slip illuminated step and the clearly marked orange grab handle, ergonomically designed and easy to spot in a variety of conditions. The cab interior offers plenty of storage compartments for helmets, gloves and other necessary equipment.

An important objective for the developers of the new vehicles was to achieve short lead times for bodybuilders. In consultation with leading experts from companies specialising in building fire trucks, Volvo’s special vehicles team introduced improvements to both cab and chassis.

Components are placed in locations to facilitate the bodybuilding process and everything has been prepared for connecting the electrical and pneumatic systems.

“We see ourselves as the bodybuilders’ best friend. Our new crew cabs allow them a faster delivery of vehicles to their customers,” says Franck.

Behind the cab, the chassis is clear. There is nothing to be disassembled or moved. The fuel tanks, the silencer and other large components are located under the cab. Inside the cab, the electrical cables and pneumatic hoses have been fitted with easily accessible connection points. The installation of the seats, benches and seat belts is certified from the factory.