Cabs

What appeared to be scaled down FH cabs were initially available in three basic sizes, short day cab, sleeper cab, and globetrotter cab. Various trims and color option were available. Electric cab tilt was an option.

Electric and electronics

The electrical and electronic system shared with the FH series was based on electronic control units and data bus technology. The communication among the different control units run via two data links SAE J1939 and SAE J1708 allowed possibility of diagnostics, analysis and follow up of the vehicle's system via instrument cluster display.

Engines

Engines horsepower rating span from 250 hp (190 kW) to 420 hp (310 kW) in the initial release.

• D7A -> 203
• D7C -> 250-290 hp
• D10B -> 320-360 hp
• D12C -> 380-420 hp

D7C is a further development of D7 generation of engines however major difference between the latter is the increase of engine capacity from 6.7 litres to 7.3 litres thanks to increase in stroke and cylinder diameter. Engine management EDC also received the upgrade to bring it inline with the rest of the "family" and be TEA 98 compliant. Introduction of D12C engine had created all new beast in its class thanks to its extra power and powerful engine brake which were only available previously in the FH class saw operators with an option of smaller cab but still capable long haul unit particularly with globetrotter cab and indeed FM12 did steal some sales from its bigger brother the FH12.

Driveline

The FM7, FM10 and FM12 were available in variety of configurations with manual and automatic transmissions as 4x2 and 6x4 tractor and rigid, 8x2 and 8x4 rigid and 6x6 special construction models with hub reductions or single final drives.

Volvo FM with Globetrotter cab

Engine and transmission

The new D9A engine developed on the basis of D12 with single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder and electronic unit injectors followed with a new design feature for Volvo, timing gears at the flywheel side (rear) of the engine, design which will later become standard across entire Volvo truck engine range. D9A power output varies from 300 - 380 hp (280 kW) and torque 1400 - 1700 Nm respectively. Introduction of I-Shift also spelled end for Geartronic (AGS) and its shortcomings however the I-Shift was designed to be what it is from ground up where Geartronic was an add on modification to existing manual transmission. In 2003 FM12 with 460 hp (340 kW) D12D was launched as well as new version of Powertronic automatic transmission.^[8]

2005 upgrade

Volvo FM with 6X4

FM 8x4

D13A engine

D13B engine

The evolution of Volvo FM series continued in 2005 ^[9] with the release of a new generation of FM trucks powered by an all-new 13-litre D13A engine and improved 9-litre D9B unit and the second-generation I-Shift transmission.^[10] The naming of the series had also changed: engine size in litres is no longer used in the FM name. The new engines were available in Euro IV emissions standard in both Selective Catalytic Reduction. Volvo had also introduced on D13A engine with SCR an improved version of its engine compression brake the "VEB+" featuring additional helper rocker arm and fourth cam lobe per cylinder. Power outputs available from 360 hp (270 kW), 400 hp (300 kW), 440 hp (330 kW) and 480 hp (360 kW). In 2007 Volvo introduced D13B ^[11] with Exhaust Gas Recirculation configuration and VGT turbocharger but without exhaust particle filter and is the only manufacturer to offer this solution thus far. The engines are available in slightly reduced power output ranging from 360 hp (270 kW), 400 hp (300 kW), 440 hp (330 kW) and 500 hp (370 kW) however 500 hp (370 kW) option is only available for FH series.

Volvo Truck Corporation had announced^[12] a new version of an engine the D11B available in two power outputs 390 hp (290 kW) and 430 hp (320 kW) as well as new safety features such as Driver Alert Support monitor, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Lane Changing Support, Cornering lights and Rain detection windscreen wipers.

Facelifts

Volvo FM Petronas tanker truck at Sandakan port, Malaysia.

Volvo FM day cab on the A4 near Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

In 2010, Volvo released the completely facelifted FM. The facelift which adds the new styling and added engines. It was the first time fitted with LED daytime running lights. Also, Volvo launched its related to the FM, the FMX.

The facelift version based on the FM was unveiled on 19 March 2013, and made its first public appearance was in April at the 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK. It also comes standard with the Volvo Dynamic Steering System. It features a choice of two headlights (a halogen HID and a projector HID) both borrowed from the current generation FH. It also adopts a refreshed grille, and the redesigned dashboard with a choice of two digital dials and two analogue gauges, as well as a new steering wheel and an infotainment system. It is available with a choice of carry-over engines with Euro-VI. Sales began in September 2013. As of 2020, the previous facelift model continues to be offered in selected markets when the third generation FM unveiled, now marketed as Volvo FM Classic.

In 2017 Volvo introduced FM440 and FH520 ballast tractors with company fitted ballast box as per the new Automotive Research Association of India regulations to register N3 category vehicles with ballast weights to tow hydraulic modular trailers for oversize load transport only Volvo and Scania^[13] provided heavy-duty tractors with company fitted ballast box.^[14]