Volvo to push FL12 harder
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by Brian Weatherley • Volvo looks set to quietly drop the long-serving 9.6-litre engine in its FL tractor range in favour of the 12-litre D12 engine. Speaking to CM last week, Volvo Truck and Bus's new boss, Tommy Svensson, confirmed that the UK importer will start to push the FL12 harder in a bid to keep up with market trends.
Volvo currently offers its FL (forward/low) cab with the 9.6litre as the FL10 and with the 12-litre engine as the FL] 2. But as more UK tractor operators move to larger, more powerful engines (not least to ensure better residual values) the FL12 is likely to become Volvo's volume top-weight 38-tanner with a medium cab.
The most powerful FL10 is only available at 360hp while the FL12, which has the same engine as the FH tractor, is offered at 380 and 420hp.
Volvo will push the FL12 harder while it waits for the F110/12 replacement, called the FM. However, the FM is unlikely to appear in the UK for some time so Volvo needs a competitive product in the medium-cab artic market alongside its FH premium tractor.
Volvo is not saying if the FM will share engines with the FH but it is likely to Follow the pattern that was set with the previous FL/FH ranges.