FH stands for Forward control High entry, where numbers denominate engine capacity in litres.

The cab produced at Umeå from hot-dip galvanized, high tensile steel allowed for greater strength at thinner panels and box sections while reducing overall weight.

[6] The cabin was extensively tested in a wind tunnel to confirm shape aerodynamics properties to reduce air-drag thus improving fuel efficiency.

The cab featured a more sharply raked windscreen while wedge-shaped sides rounded into the front panel at much wider radius corners and the rear vision mirrors were also streamlined.

[7] In 1995 Volvo FH series became first heavy-duty truck to be fitted with an SRS airbag to further improve passive safety.

The D12A was designed as a "world engine" to be able to meet the latest demands in high power output, low fuel consumption and lower emissions with its single OHC (overhead camshaft) design, four valves per cylinder, and one centrally located electronic unit injector, integrated engine compression brake and two-piece, steel and aluminium pistons.

The new instrument cluster included an LCD panel to show information or diagnostic messages from the systems broadcast via the J1708 data link.

The D12C differs from an earlier version substantially with a completely redesigned engine head, timing gears, and addition of bottom end of reinforcement with a stiffening subframe to cope with increased power output to 460 hp (340 kW).

[10] The control housing was also identical for left and right-hand drive versions reducing overall production cost and assembly.

Integrated telephone speaker and microphone with steering wheel controls for the radio and inbuilt GSM phones were an option.

The notable design changes included timing gears being on the flywheel side of the engine (rear-mounted), a design which allows for increased airflow around the engine, more precise injection and valve operation, noise reduction, and manufacturing cost due to flywheel casing being used to house timing gears as well.

In August 2008, Volvo launched an upgrade to the FH series[20] with the main emphasis on driver comfort and usability, among features listed are windscreen wipers controlled by a rain sensor, cornering lights for better visibility when turning, powerful audio system with USB aux and MP3 inputs as well as a swiveling passenger seat.

Completely redesigned grill, steps, sun visor, and headlamps combination were the most obvious visible changes over previous models.

Only 6 months later Volvo once again claimed a first with the FH16 and 700 hp (520 kW) on tap[21] introducing one of the world's most powerful production series truck.

[3] The company also introduced the first of its Euro VI engines, the D13K[24] which is available as an option on the new Volvo FH and compulsory for new trucks in Europe from January 2014.

[26] Volvo Trucks has demonstrated the new Autonomous Emergency Braking system that combines radar and a camera that works together to identify and monitor vehicles in front.

[27] The truck received a facelift in 2020, with most notably a new headlight design, an updated interior, new safety features, and efficiency improvements.