Volvo fits Cats in US
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• Volvo has broken its inhouse engine policy for the first time by offering a Caterpillar diesel in one of its models sold in the US. But it insists it has no plans to sell trucks with non-Volvo engines in Europe.
The engine, a Caterpillar 3116 6.6-litre, will be installed in Volvo's FL middleweight rigids, known as the FE Series in the States. Using a US engine is undoubtedly aimed at boosting the model's popularity with local hauliers by giving them the option of using the vast Caterpillar service network, rather than the more limited Volvo facilities. It will also save the Swedish manufacturer the expense of certifying its own 6-litre engine for the strict US emissions legislation.
The move coincides with the decision to begin producing the FE range in the US, instead of importing the vehicles from Belgium and Sweden: production will begin in 1991 at OrrviIle, Ohio, though the cabs will still be sourced in Sweden. The Caterpillar 3116 has been adopted by General Motors in the States, among others, and will be offered in the Volvo in 138kW (185bhp) and 160kW (215hp) ratings with a choice of three synchromesh transmissions, either the Spicer 5-speed, the Eaton 7-speed, or Volvo's own 9speed. The use of the Cat engine does not mean the end of Volvo's own 9-speed, all Volvo-powered versions; the company's 7-litre engine will still be available.