El ectronic control for F12 Volvo
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• Volvo could soon follow Scania's lead by offering Bosch's Electronic Diesel Control (EDC) microprocessorbased engine management system in its premium F12 heavy truck range before the end of next year.
According to Volvo's marketing and sales vice-president Ulf Selvin, 30 F12s are already operating in Sweden with EDC controlling their T0122 12-litre in-line six engines, and a further 100 F12s are expected to be fitted with the Bosch EDC system for further evaluation.
While declaring that it could introduce EDC as an option "at very short notice" on the F12, Selvin says that although the system presents no problems technically, more time is needed to develop sufficient service back-up for EDC among dealers and operators. For the moment FOC trials will be restricted to Scandinavia, but if the company is happy with the service aspect of EDC "it could be out in 1990". And Volvo Trucks (Great Britain) says it would certainly consider its use on right-hand-drive F12 versions.
The Bosch EDC system replaces a conventional link between the throttle pedal and the engine fuel pump with a "drive-by-wire" arrangement which incorporates a microprocessor control unit. This works via sensors to allow the optimum amount of fuel through to the injectors in relation to engine loads. It also replaces the conventional mechanical governor.
Selvin says the EDC will allow each Volvo engine to be programmed to suit its own individual operating conditions.
Fellow Swedish truck builder Scania uses EDC on its most
powerful 143M 470 tractor (CM 12 January) although it could be used on lowerpowered Scania models "provided there is a market for it". 0 Volvo Trucks (GB) is looking at the possibility of offering a low-power version of its popular FL10 tractive unit in Britain. It would be powered by a derated version of the TD102F 10-litre engine, designated the TD102FH, which has a maximum power of 209kW (284hp) at 1,900rpm and a peak torque of 1,230Nm compared with the standard FL10's 243kW (318hp).
An example of the downrated FL10, which has a dif ferent turbocharger and camshaft from the normal FL10320, was shown by Volvo at Brussels last week.
According to Volvo Trucks (GB) it is "tentively" looking at bringing it in. The company, however, reports that there is not an instantly visible market for it.
The most likely customers in the UK are those operators looking for more power at 32.5 tonnes, or alternatively hauliers running at 38 tonnes, which want a relatively low-powered fleet tractor in the same league as the Leyland Daf 17.29 Roadtrain, or the MercedesBenz 1729.