American Truck Simulator update 1.62 will extend SCS Software’s Improved Material System to the All-New Volvo VNL. The change is focused on the truck’s cabin, where lighting and material rendering are being refined so individual surfaces are easier to distinguish and the interior reads more clearly in different lighting conditions.
The update is part of a gradual rollout rather than a one-off visual change. SCS has been bringing the Improved Material System to more trucks over time, and the Volvo VNL is the next American Truck Simulator model confirmed to receive it. Players who enjoy improving the look and feel of driving games through community content such as MudRunner Mods may recognize the same appeal here, although this particular upgrade comes directly from SCS and focuses on the way the original cabin materials are rendered.
How the cabin materials are changing
The main difference comes from how interior materials react to light. Leather, fabric, plastic, and metal should no longer blend together as easily when lighting is weak or uneven. Each surface responds differently, which gives the cabin more depth and makes the materials easier to recognize at a glance.
This is especially relevant in a truck interior because the player spends so much time looking at the same dashboard, seats, trim, controls, and surrounding panels. The system is not adding a new cabin layout or changing the truck itself. Instead, it is improving how the existing interior is rendered.
Better readability in low light
SCS specifically points to low-light conditions as one area where the system makes a visible difference. Materials remain more distinct when the cabin is darker, rather than losing definition and appearing too similar.
That should make the Volvo VNL interior easier to read visually during darker scenes. Metal surfaces, softer fabrics, plastic trim, and leather elements can retain their own appearance instead of being flattened by the lighting.
A wider rollout across the truck lineup
The Volvo VNL is part of a broader plan to bring the Improved Material System to more vehicles. SCS has said the feature is being introduced gradually, so update 1.62 continues an existing visual upgrade rather than starting a separate graphics overhaul.
For American Truck Simulator players, that means the benefit is specific and easy to understand. The truck does not gain new gameplay systems, but its cabin should look more detailed and consistent with the visual standard SCS is applying to newer and updated interiors.
The 1.62 update therefore gives the All-New Volvo VNL a focused visual refresh where players will notice it most: directly in front of the driver’s seat. For anyone who spends long sessions inside this truck, the improved lighting response and clearer material separation should be visible every time the cabin moves between bright and dark conditions.
