First sale of the Volkswagen autonomous truck is to Grupo Vamos

Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus has begun its journey into the era of autonomous driving vehicles and already has a large order for Vamos – a leader and pioneer in leasing and selling trucks, machinery and equipment and with a wide network of new and used. There are 20 units of the VW Constellation 31.280 8x4, which will be available for agribusiness rentals. The news was given today (7) by Roberto Cortes, president and CEO of Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, during the brand's press conference at the International Cargo Transport Show – Fenatran.

“We started off on the right foot again, celebrating the first sales of this model right after announcing its field tests. Grupo Vamos is the first to acquire autonomous units of Constellation trucks, and we are very happy with this partnership. We hope to begin deliveries of these vehicles in the first months of 2023”, says Cortes.

Entirely developed and tested in Brazil, the VW Constellation 31.280 8x4 has electrically assisted steering, which interfaces with all onboard technology. In addition to the electrically assisted steering gear, it is equipped with an advanced real-time geopositioning system (Real Time Kinematic or RTK), which identifies its position and follows the pre-programmed route, with an accuracy of 2,5 cm and with variations minimum, impossible to achieve in human driving.

The big difference of the vehicle under test is the exclusive VWCO camera system, which replaces traditional rear-view mirrors and offers a 360° view around the vehicle, as well as greater visibility during night-time operation.

“The Vamos Group leads the leasing of Volkswagen trucks and buses, in addition to being the largest in our network of authorized dealers. Your preference for our products is evidence to the market of our excellence and versatility in a demanding market like Brazil. We hope to once again meet the expectations and demands of a customer of this size”, explains Ricardo Alouche, vice-president of Sales, Marketing and Services at the automaker.

A pioneer in the heavy vehicle rental sector in Brazil, Vamos operates in a market with strong growth potential, as only 1% of the Brazilian fleet is rented. The Vamos Locação model enables savings of up to 30% in fleet costs, as it allows the customer to maintain focus on their main activity, without worrying about documentation and maintenance. In addition to savings, leasing contributes to the renewal and modernization of the fleet, reducing the carbon footprint.

“The purchase of Volkswagen's autonomous trucks will increase the fleet we have available for rental in agriculture, an expanding sector in which we have identified great business opportunities. We invest in technology to bring solutions to the customer and, therefore, we are honored to be the first buyers of this Volkswagen model in Brazil”, says Gustavo Couto, CEO of Vamos.

Robust product

Robustness is synonymous with the VW Constellation 31.280 8x4. The front axles have a technical capacity of 8 tons, combined with rear axles weighing 13 tons with hub reduction, and total a Gross Total Weight (PBT) of 42 tons, also featuring high flotation tires that reduce soil compaction and increase traction. 3 meter wide gauge axles, combined with reinforced suspension and adjusted for this type of operation, ensure greater lateral stability of the vehicle in all conditions.

The 8x4 traction system, added to the renowned 08 hp D280 engine with automated transmission, guarantees high performance on any terrain, in addition to providing greater comfort for the driver, availability and durability of the powertrain system components.

With the sugarcane kit, the model comes with several items that adapt the truck to operation in the sugar and alcohol segment, such as a “bush-breaker” front protection grille; vertical exhaust, agricultural pre-filter, “steel chest” lower radiator protection; alternator protector against straw; thermal protector for the pneumatic system pipes (brake), radiator protection screen, air points for cleaning the cabin and front grille and electrical harness with robust protection and power take-off, among others.