Volvo Trucks' much-heralded new range has been launched in Asia today. The completely renewed product portfolio - which includes the flagship Volvo FH, voted 'International Truck of the Year 2014' in Europe - is pushing the limits on what premium trucks can offer, setting a new bar for transportation.
During the initial press event held at Walkerhill nearby Seoul, Korea, Mr Joachim Rosenberg, Executive Vice President of the Volvo Group said, “Volvo has invested more than US$3 billion and 14 million engineering hours in product development alone. And just to make perfectly sure of the outcome, we have tested the vehicles for 21 million kilometres. Together with comprehensive service offerings, the new Volvo truck range will deliver outstanding transport solutions to our customers.”
Over a two week period – following the press event - more than 1,500 VIP customers from all over Asia are invited to Korea to discover three new models that, combined, constitute a significant development in the transportation world.
Comprising the Volvo FH, the Volvo FM and the Volvo FMX, the range is the most modern and innovative Volvo line-up ever. The heavy-duty trucks include innovation and technology that makes the driver’s job easier and more efficient, with an outstanding ability to help customers in all segments to improve productivity and profitability. It boasts important innovations in all crucial areas: from fuel efficiency, safety to maximising uptime.
The range also introduces unique features such as the ground-breaking Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS), which delivers exceptional handling – pretty much like a car – in all operating conditions, as well as intelligent I-Shift gearbox technology.
Volvo’s unique Dynafleet system allows following up on fuel consumption over time, and – together with Volvo Trucks Driver Training – coach drivers into further improving their fuel saving skills.
Telematics also enable the workshop to monitor key components, such as fuel usage, wear and tear conditions, driver’s momentum, etc, thus making it possible to reduce maintenance needs and avoid unplanned stops, letting the customer fully focus on running their core business.
Designed for all industry segments
Mr Christophe Martin, President of Volvo Trucks in Asia, commented that, “with new hi-tech capabilities and a wide range of benefits, the trucks are equipped to serve Volvo customers in all segments in Asia, from construction and mining to logistics.”
In a 2012 report, the Asian Development Bank stated that the total infrastructure costs for South East Asia alone are estimated to exceed US$1 trillion from 2010 to 2020.
“There are countless infrastructure developments taking place [in Asia], providing significant opportunities. We at Volvo Trucks want to maximize our operations off the back of these major developments; we want to actively facilitate the growth.
With the introduction of the Volvo truck range, we’re confident of our ability to sustain this ambitious growth,” Mr Martin affirmed.
The Volvo FH for instance, features an all-new cab optimized for long haul challenges. An innovative truck built with the driver in focus, it is wired to make operations more efficient, more productive, safer and more comfortable for long distance transport.
The Volvo FMX is extremely robust and ideal for construction and mining. The new model is equipped with innovative solutions, such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering and an air suspension, optimized for construction use, which make it easier to drive, even under the toughest conditions.
Lastly, the flexible all-round player Volvo FM is specially designed for the urban environment and regional long-haul, and thereby meeting Asia’s fast-paced urbanization. It is an extremely versatile truck that can be tailored for each specific need of the customer’s business.
Driving progress through total offer
Though expectations for the new truck range are high, Volvo Trucks is stepping up the overall customer experience which comprises both premium product solutions and outstanding customer service.
Mr Martin explained, “We want to be the No.1 preferred truck brand in Asia. Our objective is to be No.1 in terms of brand image, and most importantly, in terms of customer satisfaction. With our comprehensive offerings meeting today’s business challenges in transportation, we can help our customers across Asia improve their productivity and profitability more effectively.
Volvo Trucks is currently present in over 20 markets in Asia with more than 200 dealerships and workshops.
