Volvo Trucks North America invited us to its New River Valley plant to test the all-new Volvo VNR in the place where it is built. The drive included two courses: a highway loop and a mock city route designed to test how the truck handles on regional routes, tight turns, loading docks, and rough pavement. One of the clearest differences came from Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS). With the system off, bumps and uneven surfaces moved heavily through the steering wheel and cab. With VDS on, the wheel stayed more controlled, helping reduce steering kickback from road impacts, potholes, tire events, and crosswinds. Tight Spaces, Driver Feedback The urban course highlighted another focus area: maneuverability. Working through cones and container setups, the VNR’s short hood and visibility made tight turns more manageable. According to Magnus Koeck, VP of strategy, marketing, and brand management at VTNA—that capability reflects direct driver input. “When we develop trucks in general with this new platform, we always take lots of input from drivers,” Koeck said. “Probably 3,000 drivers have helped in one time or another.” Safety and Visibility in Real Conditions That same visibility plays into the truck’s broader safety systems. Volvo said the VNR integrates active safety features with improved driver awareness, including systems that monitor surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. Volvo said many safety features now come standard, including a side curtain airbag designed to better protect drivers in a crash. The VNR we drove also featured Volvo’s Camera Monitor System, which helped during a backing test into a tight dock setup. Efficiency Still Drives the Conversation Beyond handling and safety, Volvo framed the VNR around operating cost, connectivity, and uptime. “We’re continuing that segment, regional haul and urban distribution, with a truck that is significantly more fuel efficient, significantly better connected with connectivity and