Volvo to Develop Lightweight Sleepers

Volvo Trucks North America said it will develop lightweight prototype sleepers made with advanced composite material technology as part of a U.S. Army program to reduce the weight and improve fuel economy of trucks.

The project, part of the Army’s Military and Commercial Truck Weight Reduction Program, calls for Volvo and program partner TPI Composites, Scottsdale, Arizona, to design, build and test prototype truck sleepers, Volvo said.

Funding for the program was secured by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.). It was announced Tuesday at TPI’s Warren, R.I., facility.

Because of their generally lighter weight, the use of composite components can improve truck fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. TPI’s processes yield components that are lighter and stronger than composite components formed using traditional methods.

In addition, composite materials resist corrosion, insulate better and may provide a quieter sleeping environment for resting drivers. 

The project will allow the partners “to explore the benefits of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques for military vehicles and commercial freight operations,” said Scott Kress, VTNA’s senior vice president for sales and marketing.

Three sleeper cabs will be produced as part of the project, with the first to be delivered late next year. The project is slated to run for 21 months, with Volvo and TPI sharing the $2.5 million funding.

Volvo Technology Corp., an advanced research and development unit of the Volvo Group, will coordinate the research for Volvo.