Truck Stop Unlimited - All About Trucks & Trailers

• Fuel used, distance traveled and miles-per-gallon based on the rpm “sweet spot,” pre-set road speeds, and/or cruise control use  

• Idle time and fuel consumed  

• Total fuel used for the week (which can help detect fuel theft)  

• Low battery voltage  

• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) status; and  

• Diagnostic code summary.  

A new feature of Sentry, according to Volvo, also provides an in-depth look at individual driving behavior and performance that affects safety. This allows fleets to identify situations where they can proactively improve driving habits. Sentry automatically sends weekly reports to fleet managers. These reports show actions with safety implications during the preceding week for individual trucks, which may indicate the need for additional individual safe driving coaching. Sentry tracks on a weekly basis the number of:  

• Interventions by Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST), the advanced vehicle stability system standard on all Volvo highway trucks  

• Antilock brake activations  

• Traction control assistance events, and  

• Wheel spinouts.  

This feature goes into production in June 2007; trucks built prior to June will receive this software update to their Sentry at no charge.  

Each fleet’s information is kept on a secure Web site. Easy-to-use reports allow the fleet manager to see trends at a glance; more detailed reports and comparisons also are available.  

Drivers will experience increased security and support while on the road through the combination of Sentry’s vigilance and the capabilities of Volvo Action Service (VAS), Volvo’s 24/7 roadside assistance program, the company said.  

Sentry monitors the truck’s systems and tracks any vehicle diagnostic codes. The data is automatically sent via satellite to technical experts at VAS. VAS, with the assistance of the Volvo Technical Support Group, analyzes the diagnostic codes and determines a course of action. The driver always remains in control of the vehicle and decides if or when assistance is needed. And, when the driver calls, VAS will already be prepared to help the driver, contact a dealership, schedule service, make sure the necessary parts are in stock, and stay on the case until the issue is resolved.

“The security and support offered to drivers and fleets from Volvo Link Sentry and Volvo Action Service are so great that we made both services standard for Volvo trucks,” said Scott Kress, senior vice president – sales and marketing. “This combination has proven itself to be an incredible benefit for customers since August 2005, when we first made it standard on our flagship Volvo VT 880.”