Volkswagen Truck & Bus celebrates another important milestone in its trajectory. After recently celebrating 20 years of the Delivery model, it is now time to highlight five years of success for the extra-heavy Meteor. Launched in 2020, the line was the brand's first to be presented virtually to journalists and customers.
With more than 16,000 units registered in Brazil, the Meteor family is also present in international markets such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay, reinforcing its relevance in Latin America.
Comprising the 28.480 6x2 and 29.530 6x4 models, the Meteor family was developed to meet the demands of long-distance cargo transport, offering tailor-made solutions that combine safety, comfort, strength, and cutting-edge technology.
“Meteor trucks are the largest vehicles ever developed by Volkswagen Truck & Bus. In total, we have invested more than R$ 1 billion in the project by the time of its launch to ensure the product meets market demands,” says Roberto Cortes, president and CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus.
The investment in the new family included not only research and development, but also the construction of a new assembly line for heavy-duty cabs, from the frame to the finish, with modern Industry 4.0 manufacturing in terms of automation and data connectivity.
On board a first-class truck
The Meteor family incorporates one of the world's most advanced engines, equipped with a robust combination of the D26 13L engine and a state-of-the-art 12-speed automated transmission.
Designed to provide drivers with a truly first-class experience, the VW Meteor line of heavy-duty trucks offers excellent operational solutions, combined with a cab that stands out as one of the most spacious and comfortable in the segment.
The 28.480 and 29.530 models feature premium seats with integrated seat belts, cab suspension with four air pockets, and a 100% digital multifunctional panel, which puts the main functions at your fingertips with complete safety and convenience. Combining technology, power, and reliability, they accurately meet customer requirements.
Equipped with the RIO system, the digital service solution has been impressing customers with reports and solutions tailored to each type of operation, reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) by more than 5%.
In addition, they can be purchased with eight air pockets in both models, either 6x2 or 6x4. At the same time, the customer can also choose the distance between the axles from the following options: 3,200, 3,400, or 3,600 mm, depending on the implement best suited for optimal load distribution in your application, which also applies to the metal suspension version. This allows them to more efficiently meet the demands of most of the niches in which they operate.
Most powerful retarder brake on the market
Since last year, the Meteor family has been equipped with a retarder brake, an intelligent system that ensures even greater safety, control, and efficiency in operations.
The component is available as an option, enabling optimization of total operating costs and a significant increase in component service life.
The retarder brake is an auxiliary braking system that operates independently, significantly reducing the use and wear of the service brakes. When activated, it creates hydraulic resistance in the transmission output shaft, significantly increasing braking power and reducing vehicle speed in a smooth and controlled manner.
With six drive stages, the system operates automatically, but can also be managed manually using the lever on the steering column. These features make it especially useful on long descents, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and safety with a combined power output of up to 1,225 hp.