Volvo Truck Models
A complete reference guide to every Volvo truck model sold in North America — from the current VNL, VNR, VHD, and VNX through the White-Volvo era WIA and WCA. Production dates, specifications, and history for every Volvo truck we buy.
Volvo Trucks has been selling Class 8 trucks in North America since 1981 when it acquired White Motor Company. The modern Volvo truck lineup began with the VN Series in 1996 — the first Volvo designed and assembled in the United States. Since then the VNL has grown into one of the top-selling Class 8 highway tractors in North America, consistently recognized for fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and safety innovation. All Volvo trucks for North America are manufactured at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia.
We buy every Volvo truck — VNL, VNR, VHD, VNX, VAH, and all White-Volvo era models. Any year, any condition, running or not.
Volvo VNL — Long-Haul Highway
In ProductionVolvo’s flagship long-haul highway tractor. In continuous production since 1996 across five generations. The “L” stands for long hood. All VNL generations purchased.
VNL Gen 5 (5th Generation)
The 5th generation VNL launched for the 2024 model year with a completely redesigned exterior, new interior, improved aerodynamics, and updated safety systems. Features a new panoramic windshield on the 860, redesigned cab with improved driver ergonomics, and the latest Volvo safety technology including radar-based active safety systems. Continues with the Volvo D13 Turbo Compound engine as the fuel efficiency flagship. Available in VNL 300 (day cab), VNL 400 (flat-roof sleeper), VNL 740, VNL 760, and VNL 860 configurations.
VNL Gen 4 (4th Generation)
The 4th generation VNL launched for the 2018 model year — the most significant redesign in VNL history at the time. Introduced the Globetrotter high-rise cab designation for the 860 model, the D13 Turbo Compound engine for best-in-class fuel economy, V-shaped dual LED headlamps, and a completely new interior. The VNL 740, 760, and 860 featured a 70-inch sleeper — the widest in the segment at 96 inches. Set a Guinness World Record in 2017 as the longest unboxed object when unveiled. Very common in the used highway market with strong resale values.
VNL Gen 2 & 3 (2nd & 3rd Gen)
The 2nd generation VNL ran from 2004 through 2017 with styling updates along the way. The 3rd generation update arrived for the 2015 model year with revised hood styling, LED daytime running lights, and improved interior. Powered by Volvo D12, D13, and D16 diesel engines — the D16 produced up to 600 HP and 2,050 lb-ft of torque, the most powerful engine Volvo ever offered in the North American VNL. Earlier examples in this generation also allowed Caterpillar and Cummins engines before Volvo moved to Volvo-only powertrains. Very common in the used market with good parts availability.
VN / VNL Gen 1 (1st Generation)
The original VN Series launched in 1996 as the first Volvo commercial vehicle designed and assembled in the United States — at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia. Also the first truck in North America to offer a standard driver front airbag when it launched. Sold as the VN Series through the 1999 model year, officially renamed VNL for the 2000 model year when a revised hood, headlamps, and interior were introduced. Powered by the most popular Class 8 engines of the era: Caterpillar 3406E, Cummins N14, Detroit Diesel Series 60, and Volvo D12. A significant used market truck with strong durability reputation.
Volvo VNR — Regional Haul
In ProductionVolvo’s regional and urban haul truck, replacing the VNM for the 2018 model year. All VNR configurations purchased.
Volvo VNR
The VNR replaced the VNM starting with the 2018 model year, designed specifically for regional and urban haul applications. Features a shorter hood than the VNL with a sharper wheel cut for improved maneuverability in tight urban environments. Available in day cab, 42-inch flat-roof sleeper, and 61-inch mid-roof sleeper configurations. Powered by Volvo D11 (355–405 HP) and D13 (375–500 HP) engines. The redesigned grille improves airflow and aerodynamics over the VNM. Interior updated with 2 additional inches of space, lowered hip point, and three trim levels (Fleet, Express, Platinum).
Volvo VNR Electric
The VNR Electric is Volvo’s battery-electric Class 8 regional truck, introduced in 2020 for local and regional distribution applications. Built on the VNR platform with a battery-electric drivetrain in place of the diesel powertrain. Range varies by battery configuration and load. Primarily deployed in California port markets and regional distribution operations under CARB zero-emission incentive programs. One of the first battery-electric Class 8 trucks in production in North America. We purchase VNR Electric trucks in any condition.
Volvo VNM (Discontinued)
The VNM was the medium-hood regional variant of the VN family, produced from 2000 through 2017. The “M” stood for medium bonnet — the VNM’s BBC was 113 inches, 10 inches shorter than the VNL’s 123-inch BBC, providing better maneuverability in regional and distribution applications. Available in day cab, flat-roof sleeper, and mid-roof sleeper configurations. Powered by Volvo D11 and D13 engines. Nearly 20 years in production and still commonly found throughout the used truck market. Replaced by the VNR in 2018.
VHD, VNX & VAH — Vocational & Specialty
In ProductionVolvo’s vocational, heavy haul, and specialty truck lineup. All configurations purchased.
Volvo VHD
The VHD is Volvo’s vocational heavy duty truck, introduced in 2002 to serve dump truck, concrete mixer, flatbed, logging, and severe duty construction applications. Available in set-forward and set-back front axle configurations, with optional factory-installed pusher axles and a wide range of axle configurations for the most demanding vocational requirements. Powered by Volvo D11 and D13 diesel engines. The 2021 model year brought a major interior update with LED lighting, 7-inch touchscreen, and updated ergonomics. The VHD competes directly with the Kenworth T880, Peterbilt 567, and Freightliner 114SD in the severe duty vocational segment.
Volvo VNX
The VNX is Volvo’s heavy haul tractor, introduced in 2018 for applications requiring maximum power and pulling capability — logging, oversized loads, heavy construction, and severe duty highway hauling. Unlike the VHD which is built for mounted body applications, the VNX pulls trailers in extreme haul situations. Available in VNX 300 day cab, VNX 400 flat-roof sleeper, and VNX 740 sleeper with the highest torque powertrain. The VNX 740 with the Volvo D16 engine produces up to 600 HP and 2,050 lb-ft of torque — Volvo’s most powerful North American powertrain option.
Volvo VAH
The VAH (Volvo Auto Hauler) is purpose-built for car transporter operations, introduced in 2013 to meet EPA13 emissions standards with design features specific to car hauling. Features a reduced overall height for maximum loading flexibility — the lower cab profile allows more clearance for loading vehicles on upper decks. Available as day cab only. Powered by Volvo D11 and D13 engines. Also used in other specialty vocational applications requiring a low-profile tractor. Still in production today. We purchase all VAH configurations in any condition.
White-Volvo Era — WIA, WCA, WG
DiscontinuedVolvo trucks from the White Motor Company acquisition era — sold under the White-GMC and then Volvo brand before the modern VN lineup launched.
Volvo WIA
The Volvo WIA was produced from approximately 1988 through 1997 — the primary conventional cab truck sold under the Volvo name before the VN Series launched in 1996. A product of the White Motor Company acquisition, the WIA combined Autocar and White heritage with Volvo engineering input. Available with the major Class 8 diesel engines of the era: Caterpillar 3406, Cummins N14, and Detroit Diesel Series 60. The direct predecessor to the VN/VNL. These trucks are the “original Volvos” in the eyes of many older drivers and are still found in service. We purchase all WIA trucks in any condition.
Volvo WCA
The Volvo WCA was produced from approximately 1990 through 1998 — a day cab conventional configuration available in numerous vocational applications. The WCA could be configured for a wide variety of uses including dump, flatbed, and construction. Available with five engine options including the Volvo D12, Caterpillar 3406, Cummins N14, Cummins M11, and Detroit Diesel Series 60. Discontinued in 1998 as the VNL and VNM fully replaced the White-Volvo era lineup. Still found in light vocational and used commercial applications. We purchase all WCA trucks in any condition.
Volvo WG / WAH
The Volvo WG was a short-hood conventional produced from 1988 through 2001 — a combination of Autocar and Volvo engineering. The WG was marketed as a Volvo product starting in 1995 when White GMC trucks were officially rebranded. The WAH (White Auto Hauler) was a related model produced from approximately 1996 through 2002 for auto transport applications. Both the WG and WAH were products of the transitional era between White Motor Company’s acquisition by Volvo and the full launch of the modern VN lineup. Actively purchased in any condition.
About Volvo Trucks in North America
Volvo Trucks is a division of Volvo Group — the Swedish industrial company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo has been manufacturing trucks since 1928. Volvo entered the North American market in 1981 when it acquired White Motor Company, gaining manufacturing facilities and a dealer network in the United States. In 2000, Volvo Group also acquired Mack Trucks, making Volvo Group one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in the world with two major North American truck brands.
All Volvo trucks for the North American market are manufactured at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, Virginia — opened as a Volvo facility in 1996 when the VN Series launched. The plant assembles VNL, VNR, VHD, VNX, and VAH trucks and has been the backbone of Volvo’s North American production for nearly 30 years. Volvo Trucks North America is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Volvo Model Naming System
- VN prefix — All modern Volvo North American trucks use the VN prefix (Volvo North America).
- VNL — Long bonnet. Volvo’s flagship long-haul highway tractor. The “L” distinguishes it from the shorter VNM and VNR.
- VNM — Medium bonnet. Regional haul truck produced 2000–2017. Shorter BBC than VNL for better maneuverability. Replaced by VNR.
- VNR — Regional. Replaced the VNM in 2018. Purpose-built for regional and urban haul with improved aerodynamics and maneuverability.
- VNX — Extra heavy haul. Introduced 2018 for maximum power applications including logging and oversized loads.
- VHD — Vocational Heavy Duty. Introduced 2002 for dump, mixer, construction, and severe duty applications.
- VAH — Volvo Auto Hauler. Purpose-built for car transporter operations with a low-profile cab. Introduced 2013.
- W prefix (WIA, WCA, WG) — White-Volvo era trucks from the 1988–2001 period, products of the White Motor Company acquisition.
- Three-digit suffix on VNL — 300 = day cab, 400 = flat-roof sleeper, 740/760/780 = various sleeper heights and roof configurations, 860 = Globetrotter high-rise sleeper.
Volvo Engine History — North America
- 1988–late 1990s (WIA/WCA/WG era) — Caterpillar 3406, Cummins N14/M11, Detroit Diesel Series 60, Volvo D12
- 1996–2007 (VN/VNL Gen 1 & early Gen 2) — Cat 3406E, Cummins N14/ISX, Detroit Series 60, Volvo D12 (11.1L inline-six)
- 2007–present — Volvo D11 (10.8L), Volvo D13 (12.8L), Volvo D16 (16.1L). Caterpillar exited on-highway in 2010. Third-party engine options were phased out as Volvo moved to proprietary engines exclusively.
- 2019–present — D13 Turbo Compound (D13TC) introduced — uses exhaust energy to drive an additional turbine connected to the crankshaft for up to 7.5% fuel economy improvement. Made standard on VNL 740, 760, and 860 in 2021.
- 2020–present — VNR Electric battery-electric drivetrain for zero-emission regional operations.
- I-Shift AMT — Volvo’s proprietary automated manual transmission, introduced in North America and now standard on most VNL configurations. One of the most driver-friendly AMT systems in the Class 8 segment.
Volvo Safety Firsts in North America
Volvo has pioneered safety technology in the North American truck market across its 30-year history with the VN lineup. The original 1996 VN was the first commercial truck in North America to offer a standard driver front airbag. Volvo later introduced integrated side curtain airbags as standard equipment. The Volvo Dynamic Steering system — which provides active electronic steering assistance — was introduced to North America in the mid-2010s. Volvo’s collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, and driver alert systems have been available on North American trucks years ahead of regulatory requirements. This safety focus makes Volvo trucks among the most valued in fleet purchasing decisions.
Volvo North America Timeline
We Buy Volvo Trucks Nationwide
We purchase Volvo trucks in all 50 states. Click your state to learn more.
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