Volvo FM
| Volvo FM series | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Trucks Corporation |
| Production | 1998–present |
| Assembly |
Gothenburg, Sweden Ghent, Belgium Brisbane, Australia Kaluga, Russia Durban, South Africa Bangalore, India Curitiba, Brazil Cairo, Egypt (Ghabbour Group) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Heavy truck |
| Body style |
|
| Related | FH |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Inline 6-cylinder turbo-charged & intercooled
|
| Transmission |
|
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | FL7,FL10 and FL12 series |
Inline 6-cylinder turbo-charged & intercooled
The Volvo FM is a heavy truck range produced by Swedish Volvo Truck Corporation. Introduced in 1998 as FM7, FM10 and FM12 production continues with the second generation of FM range. FM stands for Flat Medium height cab, where the numbers denominate an engine capacity in litres. As of 2005 the engine size is no longer added to the model denomination. The FM range is a multipurpose truck range for distribution, construction and on highway/off highway transport duties. In 2013, Volvo Trucks announced an updated, Euro VI version of the Volvo FM.
The FM introduction continued to build on successful line of F7, FL7 and FL10 trucks and it was also a part of Volvo Trucks Corporation planning strategy for "The Global Family Of Trucks" where FM would be complementing FH and NH/VN truck range. Released in conjunction with face-lifted FH range the FM7,10,12 included Volvo electronic architecture and upgraded D12 engine whilst carrying over the older D7 and D10 engines which traced their origins to the early push-rods TD70 and TD100 power plants but with modern electronic controls implants to increase power outputs and improve fuel efficiency and emissions.
The FM range is closely related to the FH range where models share the numbers of components further decreasing production and development costs while improving built efficiency and quality of the products. In principle the FM and the FH and to a degree the NH cabs have a same layout with driver and passenger area, dashboard and seats as the common feature. The lower position of FM cabs is the primary difference between the FM and FH ranges
What appeared to be scaled down FH cabs were initially available in three basic sizes, short day cab,sleeper cab, and globetrotter cab. Various trims and color option were available. Electric cab tilt was an option.
The electrical and electronic system shared with the FH series was based on electronic control units and data bus technology. The communication among the different control units run via two data links SAE J1939 and SAE J1708 allowed possibility of diagnostics, analysis and follow up of the vehicle's system via instrument cluster display.
Engines horsepower rating span from 250 hp (190 kW) to 420 hp (310 kW) in the initial release.
D7C is a further development of D7 generation of engines however major difference between the latter is the increase of engine capacity from 6.7 litres to 7.3 litres thanks to increase in stroke and cylinder diameter. Engine management EDC also received the upgrade to bring it inline with the rest of the "family" and be TEA 98 compliant. Introduction of D12C engine had created all new beast in its class thanks to its extra power and powerful engine brake which were only available previously in the FH class saw operators with an option of smaller cab but still capable long haul unit particularly with globetrotter cab and indeed FM12 did steal some sales from its bigger brother the FH12.
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Wikipedia