World’s strongest in construction - Volvo Trucks at Intermat 2009

From the world’s most powerful series-production truck to its new, fuel-efficient engines and a new generation of the Volvo I-Shift automated gear-changing system, Volvo Trucks is further strengthening its position in the construction market by exhibiting at the Intermat 2009 Show in Paris (20-25 April).

The main centre of attraction on the Volvo stand will be the newly-launched Volvo FH16-700 flagship, but the complete product range from the 12-tonne Volvo FL to its best-selling Volvo FM 8x4 Tipper, will also be on display.

“Over the past few years we have worked with a firm focus on strengthening our position in the construction segment and today we have a very strong total offer here,” says Volvo Trucks President and CEO Staffan Jufors. “With new products and comprehensive training of our dealers, we are in an excellent position to meet customers’ demands when the economy picks up.”

Powerful and easy to drive
The new Volvo FH16-700 has already aroused considerable interest among many customers in the construction industry. With an engine producing 700hp and 3150Nm of torque, it has all the power needed for the efficient transport of construction equipment and materials up to 100 tonnes GCW. The Volvo FH16-700 is equipped as standard with I-Shift, Volvo’s celebrated automated gear-changing system which helps make the truck both easy to drive and fuel-efficient. The latest generation of I-Shift now has a number of new features designed specifically for construction operations, such as fuel-saving gear-changing for heavy haulage applications.

Due to start-ability requirements at up to 150 tonnes GCW the optimum specifications for UK applications is the FH16-600 with manual transmission.

More and more customers are choosing I-Shift
“Today more than 30 per cent of all the vehicles we deliver in the construction segment are equipped with I-Shift, and that proportion is increasing all the time,” says Gunnar Eliasson, business area manager for construction vehicles at Volvo Trucks. “Operators appreciate the driving comfort and with its new features, I-Shift will be an even stronger alternative for construction vehicles.”

Three percent lower fuel consumption
The new I-Shift is also one of the key components in Volvo’s best-selling Volvo FM 8x4 Tipper, which is on display at Intermat 2009. The gear-changing system is matched by a new, fuel-efficient 13-litre engine. Together they help cut the truck’s fuel consumption by up to three per cent compared with the latest driveline (Euro 5 Incentive). For lighter UK applications, such as tippers and mixers, the Volvo FM is available in a weight- and fuel-optimised version powered by the existing 13-litre engine as well as a new 11-litre engine. This model too is several per cent more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Both trucks and construction machines
At Intermat 2009, Volvo Trucks is sharing its stand with sister company, Volvo Construction Equipment. “Together we offer unbeatable in-depth expertise on the construction industry and a truly comprehensive product range. As a result, we can offer our customers individually tailored package solutions covering everything from excavators and trucks to financing and servicing,” says Gunnar Eliasson.