Volvo Trucks’ new FM model has won the Red Dot Award 2021 in the Product Design category for commercial vehicles. Volvo says its new FM has been designed to be the optimal work tool for a wide range of transport applications, with the driver always being the primary focus.

The Red Dot Award has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design. The competition started at Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany, back in 1955 and today its judging panel comprises some 50 international experts.

The development of the new Volvo FM followed extensive surveys and customer interviews, which confirmed the importance of the driver’s contribution to transport companies’ profitability and image. The design team therefore set out to design the best ‘mobile office’ in the industry, resulting in a versatile truck that is agile, spacious, and most importantly safe and comfortable for all drivers.

Chief Designer Carin Larsson said, “The Red Dot Award is a great acknowledgement of the creative work of the Volvo Trucks design team. The award highlights a well-balanced Volvo FM, creating business value with this desirable truck. By purposeful design of the exterior, interior and user experience, we are improving the daily lives of our drivers and keeping our society running.”

The new Volvo FM offers numerous innovations that combine to deliver a higher level of comfort, safety, and productivity. Examples include the spacious new cab and improved visibility by using a lowered door line, as well as new rear-view mirrors and an optional passenger corner camera that gives a complementary view of the side of the truck. The Volvo FM can also be tailored to enable significant fuel and CO₂ savings.

The interior is highlighted by a new dashboard and a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument display. The user-friendly interface is designed to simplify the driver’s interactions and minimise distractions when accessing critical information and is ready for future updates and connected services.

On the outside, the FM’s cab has a new aerodynamic shape with clean, distinctive lines. The V-shaped headlamps generate instant recognition and the design of the robust front grille gives the vehicle a bold, confident look.

Photos: Chief Designer Carin Larsson; Volvo FM’s distinctive exterior; the Volvo FM’s interior.