Volvo 1997 Annual Report Download - page 4

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2
Cars
Trucks
Buses
Construction equipm ent
Marine and industrial engines
Aero
Volvo occupies a strong international position as a manufacturer
of large family cars and is among the leaders in the station wagon
field. Based on a limited number of models, Volvo develops a
large number of versions – including exclusive Volvo cabriolet and
Volvo coupé – for specific customer segments. Major production
facilities are located in Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Volvo is one of the world’s three largest manufacturers of heavy
trucks weighing more than 16 tons. The product program also
includes medium-heavy trucks. The main markets are in Europe,
North America and South America. Strategic investments are be-
ing made and new operations are being established in China,
India and Eastern Europe.
Volvo is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of buses and
bus chassis weighing more than 12 tons. Production is carried
out in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. The prod-
ucts comprise deliveries for urban, inter-city and tourist traffic,
as well as transport systems for metropolitan traffic with
demands for high capacity. Operations are expanding sharply.
Volvo is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construc-
tion equipment. It has strong market positions in Europe and
North America and it is now investing in markets in Eastern
Europe, East Asia and South America. The operations are
aggressive and a number of acquisitions have been made in
recent years. The product program comprises among others
wheel loaders, excavators, articulated haulers, rigid haulers and
road graders.
Volvo Penta is a world-leader in the market for complete drive
systems for marine and industrial use. Approximately 80% of the
sales take place in Europe and North America. Volvo Penta’s
industrial engines are marketed globally for both stationary and
mobile applications.
Volvo Aero develops, manufactures and maintains military and
commercial aircraft engines. Aero works with the world’s lead-
ing aircraft engine manufacturers through strict specialization on
key technologies and selected product areas. The company has
a growing role in the development and production of key com-
ponents for the European Ariane space program. Its operations
also include gas turbines for industrial and marine applications,
as well as automotive components.
Volvo is an international transport equipm ent group with a worldwide m arketing organization and
production in 30 countries. The Group, which was founded in 1927, today has 73,000 em ployees and
sales of slightly more than SEK 180 billion. The breadth of Volvo’s product program is unique in the
industry; it comprises passenger cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment and drive systems for
marine and industrial applications, as well as the developm ent, production and m aintenance of air-
craft engines.
Volvo is a well-known and respected brand name, strongly identified with quality, safety
and concern for the environment. The Group’s leading position in the fields of vehicle safety
and quality is consolidated through continuing im provem ents and technical innovations. In
the environm ental area Volvo is intensifying efforts to reduce a negative im pact on the
environment throughout the entire life cycle of its products.