New automated transmission for the Volvo FL

Volvo Trucks is now introducing Volvo I-Sync – a new automated transmission for the Volvo FL distribution truck. For many customers, this is a longed-for new feature that will make driving safer, more comfortable and more efficient.

The fact that the name of the new transmission resembles Volvo’s best-selling Volvo I-Shift is no accident. I-Sync is basically a manual gearbox that has been supplemented with software for automatic handling of gearchanges. Just like I-Shift, I-Sync combines the manual gearbox’s operating reliability and low weight with the automatic transmission’s driving comfort. However, while I-Shift has been developed for heavy transport operations, I-Sync was tailored for local distribution applications.

“I-Sync is optimised to match our 7-litre engine and to give comfortable and smooth gearchanges in city traffic, where frequent ‘stop-start‘ driving is the norm,” explains Clara Werner Floberg, product manager for the Volvo FL at Volvo Trucks. “Apart from the fact that the actual gearchanging process is handled automatically, I-Sync is also easy to operate. In distribution applications it is common for drivers to drive different trucks from one day to the next. In such a situation, it is important that they can all quickly master the function so as to do their jobs in an efficient and safe way.”

The optimised gearchanging also means that fuel consumption is kept at a low level, as also are emissions of climate-impacting carbon dioxide and other substances. What is more, Volvo expects that customer costs for maintenance and repairs will be able to be reduced as a result of lower wear. “The best example is the clutch,” explains Clara Werner Floberg, “Where I-Sync contributes to significantly increased service life.”

The service intervals are the same as for the manual gearboxes and the gearbox oil only needs to be replaced every 300,000 kilometres.

“With I-Sync the Volvo FL becomes an even better alternative for customers working with distribution operations. In addition, by meeting a clearly expressed customer need, we are further reinforcing our position within this important segment,” concludes Clara Werner Floberg.