After the somewhat crappy day (or afternoon to be precise) I've just had Bigloryblog has been delighted to receive an e-mail this evening from Torstein Magelssen, market communication manager for Volvo Trucks in Norway to say that he's sorted out a drive and sleep-over for me on Wednesday in the new Volvo FH16 with the extra long XXL cab (it's the same one used by the Aussies down-under...) Well hell someone has to do it and it might as well be me...! Anyroadup along with Torstein's help that Towering Titan of Truck Tittle-Tattle Nigel Hanwell (aka Volvo Trucks' UK lofty PR wallah) has also had a hand in it (though he's on holiday now... It's all about timing eh Nigel?) So I owe him a drink sometime... Or maybe even a pie. Meanwhile click through here for the XXL in all its glory.
Let's hope the weather stays nice... That Norwegian scenery looks stunning! And not a traffic jam in sight either!
I here Sweden are going to get 10 XXL's,and they can have the choice of the 13 litre 540 engine as well as the 16 litre. There would be even more room if Volvo got rid of that raked windscreen.
Brian
Go and enjoy your jolly but unless your willing to return and use your various magazines to campaign for a more realistic cab for todays drivers,don't get over excited and neither shall we.
The Boss
If you are going to adopt our Aussie Volvos, you might as well take a set of B Double trailers as well to give it a bit of work to do. I suppose Brian can campaign all he likes for better sleeper cabs but at the end of the day fleet buyers will always vote with the chequebook.
Brian
In response to what Pete say's,we don't require A,B or even C doubles or any other Mickey Mouse idea [LHV's] here in Europe.
But I do believe in the 21st Century drivers are entitled to a bit more comfort on the road.
As for fleet buyers,many don't require a sleeper cab but at the end of the day[or at least in the UK,about the same time as the unit is run in the muppets trade it in]that unit has to be sold on and if longer cabs sell...touche.
The Boss