Volvo Trucks | The Technician

Volvo Trucks delivers a jaw-dropping live test in “The Technician.” A real technician is buried up to his neck in gravel as the new Volvo FMX drives over him—showcasing its precision, ground clearance, and safety features. The stunt highlights the FMX’s ability to handle rough terrain while keeping people safe.

The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)

Real Test + High Stakes = Maximum Impact

The ad uses an actual live demonstration with a human subject to prove the truck’s performance.
Lesson: Nothing builds trust like a real-world test with serious consequences.

Bold Visuals + Simple Messaging = Broad Appeal

The stunning visuals and straightforward narration make this ad clear and unforgettable.
Lesson: Pair strong visuals with clear language to capture both experts and casual viewers.

Product Feature + Emotional Hook = Strong Value

The ad blends technical proof (ground clearance) with emotional tension, keeping viewers on edge.
Lesson: Use emotion to make technical features feel relevant and memorable.

Humor Breakdown

While serious in tone, the ad adds subtle dark humor. The technician’s calm face under a passing truck creates a mix of tension and surprise. It’s a controlled absurdity that adds levity without undermining the message.
Lesson: Dry or dark humor can enhance technical content—when used sparingly and with care.

Final Verdict

Volvo’s “The Technician” is a bold, effective showcase of the FMX truck’s safety and precision. The live stunt draws you in, while the simple message sticks. It’s a masterclass in using high-risk visuals to prove product reliability—and drive emotional engagement.

BRAVE-o-meter Score:
B-9 | R-7 | A-9 | V-8 | E-9
BRAVE – 8.4/10

Learn more about Volvo Trucks:
Website: volvotrucks.com
YouTube: Volvo Trucks on YouTube

(See what BRAVE means in our collection)

Understanding the B.R.A.V.E. Scoring System

The B.R.A.V.E. scoring system uses AI to deliver an unbiased evaluation of top-of-the-funnel B2B brand ads. It measures potential impact, memorability, and effectiveness by assessing five key components of a video ad or commercial. This system gauges an ad's capacity to drive brand recall and enhance salience, ensuring that creative work not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

What B.R.A.V.E. Stands For:

Each letter represents a key factor in determining an ad’s success:

  • BBoldness: Is the ad original, creative, or daring? Does it break away from generic B2B marketing, or is it just another forgettable corporate video?
  • RRelevance: Does it connect with a real buyer pain point? Is it addressing a specific frustration or need, or just listing product features?
  • AAttention: Does it grab and hold attention in the first few seconds? Is it visually or tonally engaging, or easy to skip?
  • VVibe: Does it create an emotional response—laughter, recognition, or surprise? Or does it feel like just another corporate info dump?
  • EEffectiveness: Will buyers remember the brand when they need a solution? Does the ad make an impact that lasts beyond the moment?

How It’s Applied to B2B Video Rating

Each video is scored 1 to 10 in all five categories, based on how well it meets the criteria. The total score (out of 50) is then divided by 5 to give a final B.R.A.V.E. score out of 10.

For example:

  • An ad scoring B-8 | R-9 | A-7 | V-6 | E-8 has a total of 38/50.
  • The final B.R.A.V.E. score is 7.6/10.

Why It Matters

B2B ads often struggle with being bland, forgettable, or ineffective. The B.R.A.V.E. system ensures they are judged by their ability to break through, connect with buyers, and drive action.

Simply put: If your ad isn’t B.R.A.V.E., it’s invisible.

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