Strong signals from Volvo Trucks at IAA
Growing demand, considerably increased deliveries and strong interest in sustainable transportation in the longer term all mean that Volvo Trucks has a positive outlook for the future.
The company’s President and CEO, Staffan Jufors, announced this in his speech at the IAA Conference in Hannover this week, when he commented, "Demand is back, as are production volumes and earnings."
23 per cent increase in Europe
After a challenging 2009, the company's sales figures are pointing upwards. Globally, Volvo Trucks' vehicle deliveries increased during the first eight months of this year by a remarkable 47 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year. In Europe, the increase was 23 per cent, with Germany, the Nordic countries and Central Europe being the prime powerhouses in the sales increase.
Over the past year, Volvo Trucks has increased its production capacity and improved its productivity while developing new products. One example is the Volvo FMX construction model introduced in the spring, which was very well received by the company's customers with over 1,000 orders having already been signed in Europe alone. Volvo Trucks' organisation and its service and aftermarket offerings have also been developed further.
"All this is ultimately aimed towards boosting our customers' competitiveness," explains Staffan Jufors.
Steps towards transport that is sustainable in the long term
Volvo Trucks' long-term product development focuses strongly on sustainable transportation. At the IAA, the company's stand included a Volvo FM with an engine that runs on methane and diesel. This truck offers up to 40 per cent better fuel efficiency than the gas-powered trucks currently on the market.
"If methane gas from renewable sources is used instead of diesel oil, emissions of carbon dioxide are reduced by 80 per cent," says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks Europe Division.
Low fuel consumption and low climate impact are not the only advantages of the new technology. Methane gas is often considerably cheaper than diesel. In addition, since liquefied gas (LNG) is used, the vehicle's fuel tank is large enough for this solution to be perfectly viable even for long-haul operations. However, the current shortfalls in the distribution infrastructure for liquid methane pose something of an obstacle to widespread use.
During next year, Volvo Trucks will start limited production of trucks featuring this technology. This will be paralleled by small-scale series production of heavy hybrid trucks. Field tests are also under way with DME-powered trucks, which represent a promising alternative in the longer term.
"These are important steps in our drive to offer transport solutions that are sustainable in the long-term and also offer good transport economy," concluded Claes Nilsson.
