Volvo Trucks North America’s VNL Wins Silver Global Design Award

The new VNL from Volvo Trucks North America has won the Silver Award in the Automotive & Transportation category of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). The award, organised by the Industrial Designers Society of America, aims to honour design excellence across different disciplines, ranging from design strategy and branding to digital interaction and industrial products.

This year’s jury of more than 40 international design experts evaluated entries based on design and assigned Volvo VNL a Silver Award.

“This recognition from IDEA is a proud moment for our entire team. The new Volvo VNL is living proof that efficiency and beauty can coexist on the open road. It combines thoughtful design with meaningful innovation, creating a truck that is both striking to look at and designed around the driver experience. This truck is designed and built in the United States and once again raises the bar for what’s possible in modern commercial truck design.”

Said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.

The new Volvo VNL represents a 90% redesign from previous models; with aerodynamic lines, a curved windshield, and a wedge-shaped cab, it delivers up to 10% improved fuel efficiency compared to legacy models. Beyond aerodynamics, the VNL transforms the driver’s environment: ergonomic seating, optimised pedal positions and intuitive controls. The airline-inspired lighting, overlapping blackout curtains with magnetic seals, optional thermal barriers, and folding bunks improve life on the road, creating a more comfortable driving experience. 

“We began the all-new Volvo VNL project with a blank sheet of paper and a bold ambition to define the future of trucking. Every design choice from aerodynamics to driver ergonomics was made to improve how our customers work and live on the road. Earning this award reinforces that great design can have a real, human impact.”

Said Brian Balicki, head of design of Volvo Trucks North America. 

The all-new Volvo VNL’s win at IDEA follows its earlier 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design, further solidifying Volvo Trucks’ reputation for design leadership and innovation.

Volvo Trucks North America’s VNL Wins Silver Global Design Award published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.