The Volvo FM was tested as a partner to the FH Aero and offers a lower cab to improve vision, driving progress in safety. It was not retested as a rigid because the manufacturer verified very similar performance to its tractor counterpart. The Volvo FM in rigid and tractor form are an excellent safe choice for a vehicle in the fleet long haul sector. The direct vision is very good due to its lower cab design, further helped by the availability of a camera monitor system to partially replace conventional mirrors. Very good driver assistance systems deliver a high Safe Driving score, however the vehicle must be specified with optional equipment. The FM achieves a very good score in Collision Avoidance, with every system that Euro NCAP assess being available including automated braking to protect a cyclist where the truck turns across their path. As an all rounder its very good direct vision combined with very good AEB for vulnerable road users earns the Volvo FM our CitySafe award, alongside its 5 stars. It is an excellent choice for combined City and Highway operations, provided all of the options are selected at purchase.

The Volvo FM offers a very good Safe Driving performance. It benefits from all of the same driver assistance technology of its taller FH Aero sibling but the cab is mounted lower, improving direct vision. An optional camera monitor system is available, replacing conventional class II/IV mirrors. A class V CMS is also available, which brings up a view of the nearside blind spot on a secondary monitor, whenever the direction indicators are activated. This improves the vision at the front corner but duplicating the conventional mirror risks increasing driver workload. Seat belt reminders are fitted to all seats, encouraging belt use. The attention assist system exceeds minimum legal requirements without excessive false alerts. A close following distance warning is available and the use of the ACC reduces the risk of front to rear collisions.

The Volvo FM in both rigid and tractor form can be equipped with class leading collision avoidance technology. It is fitted with an AEB system that avoids front to rear collisions with vehicles ahead in nearly every test situation that Euro NCAP assess. It is also very good at avoiding frontal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Volvo also offers a system that automatically brakes to protect cyclists if the truck turns to the nearside across their path, making it a good choice in city environments. An optional lane support system is also available, which performs exceptionally well, fulfilling nearly all of Euro NCAP’s requirements.