Volvo Trucks has experienced increased sales figures for the first eight months of 2010. During this period, vehicle deliveries increased by 47 percent globally in comparison to the same period in 2009. In Europe, there was an increase of 23 percent which has been largely driven by strong sales in Germany, the Nordic countries and central Europe.
Over the past year, Volvo Trucks has increased its production capacity and improved its productivity. The manufacturer has also been developing new products including the FMX construction model that was introduced into the European market earlier this year. Already, there have been 1000 orders for this new vehicle in Europe alone.
In his speech at the Hanover IAA truck show, Volvo Trucks President and CEO, Staffan Jufors said that growing demand, considerably increased deliveries and strong interest in transportation that is sustainable in the longer term mean that Volvo Trucks has a positive outlook for the future. “Demand is back, as are production volumes and earnings,” he said.
At the stand at the IAA, Volvo Trucks displayed a Volvo FM with an engine that runs on methane gas and diesel, providing up to 40 percent better fuel efficiency than the gas powered trucks currently on the market.
President, Volvo Trucks Europe Division, Claes Nilsson said, “If methane gas from renewable sources is used instead of diesel oil, emissions of carbon dioxide are reduced by 80 percent.”
Methane gas not only offers lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact, but is also generally cheaper than diesel. As Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is used, the vehicle’s fuel tank is large enough to cater to long haul operations. However, limited distribution of liquefied methane pose an obstacle for its widespread use.
In 2011, Volvo Trucks will begin limited production of trucks featuring this technology, as well as small scale production of heavy-duty hybrid trucks. The company is also undertaking field tests on DME powered trucks.
Claes commented, “These are important steps in our drive to offer transport solutions that are sustainable in the long term and also offer good transport economy.”