LOUISVILLE, KY. — Volvo took the opportunity at Mid-America today to announce the addition of a natural-gas powered Volvo VNL Daycab.

Volvo said the VNL daycab gives customers a larger 123-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) and is rated up to 80,000 GCWR, with more robust spec than the natural-gas powered Volvo VNM daycab.

Equipped with a 12-liter, 400 horsepower, 1,450 lb-ft. torque Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine that uses cost-effective, clean-burning compressed or liquefied natural gas, it requires only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 emissions standards, Volvo explained.

Production will begin in conjunction with commercial availability of the 12-litre gas engine.

“The addition of the Volvo natural gas-powered VNL daycab is just the most recent example of our longstanding commitment to offering products that positively impact the ROI of our customers,” said Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales and Marketing. “Developing fuel-efficient technology, whether through natural gas, diesel or hybrid, is a priority for Volvo Trucks.”

Mean Green super-speedy hybrid truck pops like a champagne cork, says owner.

Volvo also showed off their 'Mean Green' hybrid truck to demonstrate their commitment. The hybrid currently holds speed records in the standing 500 meter (one-third mile), standing kilometer (two-thirds mile) and flying kilometer – international speed standards. Mean Green will attempt to reach speeds in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph) April 27 at Wendover Airfield in Utah to best its own world speed records.

Volvo’s hybrid technology team adapted Volvo’s hybrid driveline to the chassis requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted Mean Green with a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.

“The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay,” said Boije Ovebrink, Mean Green’s owner and driver. “It's like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering.”

Mean Green will also be at Truck World, April 19 to 21, in Toronto.