It was developed alongside a new generation of European Volvo trucks (FH, FM, and NH), while also incorporating know-how from the previous White-GMC designs.

[1] The VN was also about 1,100 lb (500 kg) lighter than the previous Volvo conventional truck, the WI.

[2] The VN was renamed VNL in 2000, to distinguish it from the shorter VNM (intended for regional and work duty rather than long haul operations) which appeared concurrently.

About 400 lb (180 kg) lighter than the previous generation, it received a revised hood, trapezoidal headlamps, new fairings, and redesigned interior.

[4] On July 11, 2017, Volvo Trucks launched the redesigned 2018 VNL series at the event in Greensboro, North Carolina.

On September 25, 2017, the display of the new 2018 VNL series to a public audience occurred at the 1st annual North American Commercial Vehicle Show held in Atlanta, Georgia.

[9] After the D16 was discontinued in January 2017,[10] the VNX was relaunched in March 2018, which Volvo states is "much more purpose-built for [vocational use]".

[11] In December 2020, Volvo launched the VNR Electric, a battery-electric version of the VN regional truck.

The new VNL also features an updated I-Shift transmission, which Volvo Trucks states shifts 30% faster.