Volvo launch ‘Genuine Volvo Service’ and debut FH16-540 at CV Show

Volvo Truck and Bus will once again be exhibiting at the Commercial Vehicle Show to be held at the NEC, Birmingham from 24th to 26th April 2007.

In addition to a comprehensive display of new trucks and even a ‘green’ Volvo Hybrid diesel–electric D7 engine on its stand at the CV Show in 2007, Volvo Trucks is also placing a big emphasis on its aftermarket business which will benefit all customers using the company’s Dealer Network through a programme called ‘Genuine Volvo Service’.

This has been derived from the findings of Customer Satisfaction Surveys in all Volvo markets across Europe. In the UK and Ireland, Volvo has always had regular feedback from almost 3,000 customers and last year achieved its highest-ever score. The ambition is to build on that positive reputation by responding to the areas which concern both customers and dealers

These areas cover further improvements to the communication between dealer and customer, the ‘right first time’ ethos and the provision of a consistent level of experience across all Volvo Truck dealerships within Europe.

Volvo Trucks is launching Genuine Volvo Service (GVS) as a pan-European programme and some 17,000 Aftermarket staff have been preparing for it since 2006.

On the Volvo stand you will find Dealer Customer Service representatives, Dealer technicians and a fully-equipped Volvo Action Service van, representing Volvo’s 24-hour roadside assistance service - all essential elements of GVS.

The Volvo stand will also feature the UK of the recently-launched 540hp version of the FH16 as well as examples of the exciting new FL and FE ranges, making their first appearance at the CV Show. In addition there will be displays of ‘Dynafleet’, Volvo’s Transport Information System (TIS) and a recruitment drive for potential entrants to the nationally-acclaimed Volvo Apprentice Technican programme.

The FH16-540 on the stand is a Globetrotter XL-cabbed 4x2 tractor unit featuring ‘Prestige’ trim with full leather upholstery, heated and vented seats and climate control. Euro 4 compliance is achieved via Volvo’s SCR technology - a static display of which will also be on the Volvo stand.

The high 2600Nm torque output of the D16-540 engine in the FH16 ensures that road speed can be maintained with ease on uphill gradients, even at higher gross combination weights. The FH16-540’s uphill ‘over the road’ performance is matched by the massive 425Kw of engine retardation provided by the latest generation Volvo Engine Brake (VEB+). The 540 hp engine can be fitted with either the acclaimed automated I-Shift transmission or a manual 14-speed splitter and range-change gearbox.

A flagship FH16-660 is also on display and will greet visitors to the show on the roundabout outside the main entrance.

In their début appearance at the CV Show, both new FL and FE vehicles will be represented on the Volvo stand. While the FL, which is aimed at the medium duty segment with its 12-18 tonnes GVW weight class, will be appearing in Day-cab, 4x2 18 tonnes skiploader application form, the FE-320 on display will be a Day-cab, 6x2 chassis aimed at the medium segment for use in regional distribution and lighter construction duties.

“This year our presence at the CV Show will relect the depth and breadth of the Volvo brand,” said Volvo Trucks’ new Commercial Truck Director, Ian Mitchell. “With the newest fleet of any commercial vehicle manufacturer, we can truly gurantee something for everyone.”

An FH truck will also be on the stand to illustrate the successful Selected Used Trucks+ programme, which was launched at the CV Show last year. All trucks included in this programme are low-mileage and include 12 months Driveline Assurance and Preventative Maintenance as standard, demonstrating the long-term reliability and good resale values of Volvo Trucks.

An example of a Hybrid diesel–electric Volvo D7 engine and I-SAM is also on show on the stand. This Volvo developed technology is a parallel system where the electric and the diesel engine can work independently of each other. The system also harnesses braking energy and is of particular interest for urban operations which feature a high number of stop-starts. Tests have revealed that, not only are fuel savings of up to 35% possible with this system, but engine emissions and noise levels are also significantly reduced.

Roadcrew, who are Volvo’s One-Stop-Shop parts supplier, including trailer parts, workshop consumables and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) workwear, will also have a display on the Volvo stand and staff will also be on hand to answer questions.

Entertainment for visitors will be provided by a brand new truck-related DVD and - in a first for Volvo - a team of mountain bikers will be performing a stunning display of stunt riding on the chassis of the FE. Five performances each day are planned and visitors to the Volvo stand will be able to enter a prize draw for the chance to win one of the actual high-spec Volvo-Bianchi mountain bikes used by the stunt riders on the stand.