Volvo 2001 Annual Report Download - page 29

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25
Volvo Penta increased its sales and cap-
tured new market shares in marine leisure
with the new 3-liter KAD300 diesel engine.
During the year Volvo Penta also launched
the new D2-55 diesel engine for sailboats.
Efforts to strengthen Volvo Penta’s industri-
al product range included the introduction
of a new 12-liter diesel engine and 5- to 7-
liter engines for mobile applications. In the
marine commercial segment, Volvo Penta
launched a further developed version of the
16-liter diesel engine.
Buses launched its new product based on
the TX platform, including complete tourist
coaches and intercity buses and a rear-engine
chassie.
In December, Volvo CE announced the
development of its own and completely new
range of backhoe loaders, as well as the
acquisitions of the telehandler business and
the skidsteer loader business.
In May, Volvo Aero entered the two Rolls-
Royce engine programs Trent 500 and Trent
900.
Driver productivity
Our products are operated by drivers. This
makes drivers an important customer group
for us, and much of our research is devoted
to improving the cab environment. This is
important for our customers since this
enables them to attract new drivers by offer-
ing an ergonomic and safe workplace.
Development of the driver’s environment
also makes our customers’ operations more
efficient. If drivers can do more of their work
from the cab, thus reducing the number of
occasions when they have to climb in and
out of their vehicles, this saves time that can,
instead, be used to transport more goods.
Driver training – maintenance can be
reduced if the vehicle is driven in the proper
manner.The driver’s workplace also has a sig-
nificant environmental impact. Vehicles that
are driven efficiently create less pollution.
Skilled employees
Customers receive assistance in selecting the
optimal vehicles for their operations. Our
investment in skills training benefits our cus-
tomers.
In addition to the high quality of its prod-
ucts and services, Volvo’s strengths include
expert service facilities and skilled service
personnel. We have a worldwide customer
support organization that enables us to take
care of our customers and assist them in
their operations. We also have an extensive
network of workshops offering expert ser-
vice, spare parts and 24-hour assistance.
In the case of customers in the sectors,
where a standstill can have very serious
financial consequences, we can go directly to
the site to service the vehicle.