Volvo Trucks new model for the North American market – the Volvo VNL – has earned the 2025 Red Dot Award for “Product Design” in the commercial vehicles category.
Volvo VNL for long haul was introduced in January 2024 and represents a 90% redesign from previous models. It features new enhancements to drive productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability for trucking companies, while transforming the driver experience with design enhancements.
“The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,” says Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.”
“With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model,” says Brian Balicki, head of design, Volvo Trucks North America.
With optimized aerodynamics, curved windshield, and wedge-shaped profile, the exterior design signals an industry shift. The elevation pattern echoes throughout the product, starting with the angled front grille, headlights and intakes.
Inside the cabin, the driver-focused interior introduces a 24-volt electrical architecture that brings features like dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, task/ambient lighting, comfort and storage amenities. The customizable cab and sleeper configurations, along with the versatile bunk setup, provide flexibility for driving teams and customer needs.
Source: Volvo
About Volvo Trucks
Volvo Trucks, a division of Volvo Group, is a manufacturer of heavy-duty commercial vehicles headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Established in 1928, the company produces trucks for long-haul, regional, and construction applications, and supports them with services such as maintenance, fleet management, and financing. Its vehicles are used across industries including logistics, construction, mining, and municipal services. Volvo Trucks is expanding its portfolio to include electric and autonomous vehicle platforms, reflecting regulatory and operational shifts in global transport. The company has a global presence, with operations in more than 130 countries and production sites in key markets. The business emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and fuel efficiency in its product development strategy, while also investing in low-emission technologies to address long-term shifts in freight and infrastructure requirements.
About Red Dot Award
The Red Dot Award is an international design competition that recognizes excellence in product design, communication design, and design concepts. Founded in 1955, it has become one of the most established design awards globally. It serves industries including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, automotive, architecture, and branding. The award is organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen and is headquartered in Essen, Germany. Winning entries are selected by an independent jury of experts based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, formal quality, and ecological compatibility. The competition is divided into three main categories – Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept – each with its own submission and evaluation process. The award is regarded as a benchmark for high-quality design and is used by companies worldwide to highlight design achievements.