Volvo Trucks North America has started serial production of its all-new Volvo VNR, a next-generation regional-haul Class 8 truck, at the company’s New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia. The first units have now rolled off the assembly line and are headed to customers, marking a major milestone for U.S. truck manufacturing and regional transport solutions.
This next-generation VNR is engineered specifically for regional and urban delivery operations, where agility, visibility and safety are critical for fleets navigating distribution centers, busy city streets and tight-turn environments. Built on a completely new platform with approximately 90% new components, the truck reflects Volvo’s ongoing commitment to innovation and performance in heavy-duty trucking.
Manufacturing Investment and Workforce Impact
The VNR is assembled at Volvo’s New River Valley assembly facility, the company’s largest manufacturing site globally, where all Volvo Trucks for the North American market are built. The company has invested approximately $400 million in facility upgrades, including a new 350,000-square-foot cab welding facility and advanced production system improvements to support the latest vehicle platforms.
For more than 40 years, Volvo Trucks has built heavy-duty tractors in Virginia, supporting a skilled workforce and contributing to the regional advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The expanded production capability underscores U.S. manufacturing strength and the continued importance of Virginia as a hub for high-value industrial jobs.
Enhanced Performance, Efficiency and Safety
The all-new VNR delivers tangible improvements for fleets, including:
- Up to 7.5% improved fuel efficiency over the previous generation, driven by enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain features.
- Better forward visibility and a tighter turning radius, ideal for regional haul and urban environments.
- A comprehensive suite of safety technologies, such as the Volvo Active Safety Platform with advanced driver-assist systems and optional camera-based mirror replacements.
These enhancements support fleet productivity and safety goals while addressing operational challenges in increasingly congested markets.
Looking Ahead
The start of production of the all-new Volvo VNR follows the recent rollout of Volvo’s redesigned long-haul VNL tractor, part of a broader application-specific strategy to deliver optimized truck solutions across the transportation industry.
The new VNR series represents another step forward for advanced manufacturing in Virginia and the heavy-duty trucking sector, offering improved efficiency, safety and performance for regional haulers across North America.