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Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

Oct 22, 2026 - 9 hours ago

At the end of September, a private event was held at the Volvo facility in Shippensburg, PA. It was open to select media members in support of their new VNX truck models, the VNX 300, VNX 440 and VNX 640. A vocational truck series for the North American market.

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

The event took place on a Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday lunch. Of course, coming from the West Coast of Canada made a Tuesday same-day flight and on-time arrival impossible, so a Monday flight was arranged. Given my desire to take advantage of short sight-seeing opportunities when I travel for work, I flew into Washington, DC on the Monday evening, about a 2h drive south of the Volvo facility. Tuesday morning I spent approximately 5 hours walking downtown DC. I had virtually the whole ‘Mall’ in downtown DC to myself. I walked towards the White House, down 17th St and through the park-like property past the Constitution Gardens, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Reflecting Ponds (unfortunately covered up still), the Lincoln Memorial (which is deceivingly massive), through the park into the Korean War Memorial, and then the beautiful Martin Luther King Jr Memorial complete with several of his quotes engraved into the stonework. Other than a few random joggers, here’s where I ran into my first set of other people in the area – a few busloads of veterans who were being shown around the property and tidal basin.

I ventured through the Women in War Memorial, then around to the Thomas Jefferson memorial. From there, up to the Washington monument, the Smithsonian, the National Air and Space museum and the US Capitol. After a walk around Capitol Hill, I was treated to a police mock drill where 30-40 police cars and motorcycles were running up and down Constitution Ave. Quite a sight! I walked back through the city to my hotel. DC is quite a mix of old and new architecture, with one building being modern and funky glass walled, and the next seemingly right out of the early 1800’s with roman numerals and pillars across the front. Current politics aside, I was impressed with the city and the way they have memorialized so many of their strongest and toughest heroes and leaders. Each monument space throughout the city is distinct and held to a high standard.

I caught my ride up to the Volvo facility and talked a LOT of hockey with the driver, which was a welcome discussion. He was a little older than me, and knew a ton about the old Broad Street Bullies of the old days. Great chat. Upon arrival, guests were greeted at the hotel by an energetic Volvo team. Right from the start, the Volvo team were first class. From flight and accommodation planning, on-site greeters, tour guides, luncheon and breakout speakers, everyone was very well prepared and able to answer all questions that the media team put out to them. It was an impressive program they put together.

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

The evening portion began with a lovely dinner set in the great room complete with its open concept, glass walls for a full view of the Volvo Construction property. Excellent conversation was had with media members and Volvo staff. After a copious number of chocolate chip cookies, we were ushered outside for the main event. The official launch of the Volvo VNX. Off in the distance, in the blackness of night with a tiny sprinkle of rain, some lights emerged into view. Audio from inside the truck offered a hint that a new player was in town.

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

The Volvo VNX gravel truck, cement mixer, log truck and the enormous heavy haul truck paraded in from all 4 corners of view. The line-up was flanked by Volvo construction equipment helping with the demo including an impressive Volvo loader log pick, right from the trailer, in record time. With the trucks coming past and showing off their features and the live commentary, it came across more like an airshow than a truck demo and was an impressive demonstration showing the trucks hauling and harsh terrain capabilities. At the conclusion of the moving demo, we were invited to see the trucks up close, speak with drivers and Volvo personnel.

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

Wednesday morning, after a set of breakout sessions on each model, it was the time for us media-types to shine. It was demo day!! Having been in this business almost 30 years, I’ve tried a few pieces of equipment here and there, but never a truck. I was excited for the chance to get behind the wheel. First up was the gravel truck. I had a Volvo chaperone riding shotgun who walked me through the whole thing. A quick explanation and we were off. Smoother and far less complicated than I thought it would be. We drove the 1-mile circuit, then over the hilly section back down the middle. Even through some big dips and potholes, the truck was strong and sturdy and easily maneuverable. The best was yet to come though, as I jumped into the massive VNX640 complete with a lowbed loaded with a Volvo wheel loader. Much to my surprise, the complete package was incredibly easy to drive. I drove the same track as I had just run in the gravel truck and I barely knew the trailer was back there. Strong, smooth and tough. I guess 540hp and 1950 lb-ft of torque will do that.

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

When the demo time was complete, I managed to jump into a quick factory tour of the Volvo construction equipment factory just up the road, which was a real treat.

Volvo VNX Launch: Report From The Field

For me, this was an incredible experience. A whirlwind trip, first class Volvo hospitality and a new found appreciation for the work our readers do every day. I do hope you’ll check out the new VNX models as they arrive at your local Volvo dealerships. I have no doubt you’ll see the same first class service along with the well-advertised strength and toughness that I did.

Click here to read the official Volvo press release, showing truck specs and official information on all the models.

By Jeff Watson, president, Supply Post Newspaper. [email protected]

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