Transportes Monroy Schiavon (TMS), one of Mexico's most progressive fleets, has ordered 100 new Volvos equpped with I-Shifts, marking the introduction of the transmission to the Mexican market.
The announcement was made during the Expo Transporte truck show held this week in Gualadaraja, Mexico. Volvo Trucks also announced that its award-winning remote diagnostic system will also be available in Mexico next year.
The company, which took delivery of 27 of the 100 this week, believes the I-Shift will improve the fuel economy and also help recruit and keep drivers.
“With this, TMS became one of the first fleets in Mexico to implement this Volvo powertrain solution, looking to increase fleet efficiency, safety in operations and reduce environmental impact,” says Volvo.
Mexico applies EPA-04 and Euro-4 regulations which means the new trucks delivered don’t have DPF or SCR systems. EPA-2010 emission standards will be applied in Mexico in 2018.
In terms of sales, the Mexican market is quite similar to the Canadian market. The loads hauled, and the vehicle specs resemble the Canadian industry.
Matt Walsh, Managing Director, Mexico area for Volvo Group Trucks, estimates an annual potential of 25,000 new class-8 trucks in Mexico. The country’s distribution segment is the fastest developing sector.
At the moment, Volvo has no plans for a manufacturing plant in Mexico.
Walsh said Volvo will supply the Mexican market with high-value and high-technology trucks as opposed to “decontented” product.
He also established an ambitious plan called 15-15 for market share in North America. Volvo aims to get 15-percent market share in Canada, the U.S.A. and Mexico by 2015. Today, Volvo has 9.7 percent in Mexico, 11 percent in the U.S. and 13 percent in Canada.
Next year, Mexican Volvo buyers trucks will see the arrival of the ASIST system offering remote diagnostics capacity. The system, offered in Canada and U.S., reduces downtime thanks to pre-active diagnostics based on telematics.
