Volvo 2006 Annual Report Download - page 53

New products
Volvo Group premiered hybrid
technology for heavy vehicles
In the beginning of
March, Volvo Group
presented a new, effi-
cient hybrid solution
for heavy vehicles.
The Volvo Group’s
hybrid concept provides maximum fuel-saving
effects on routes with frequent braking and
accelerations, for example, city bus traffic, city
distribution, refuse collection and construction
work. Calculations indicate that fuel savings
can amount to 35% in these applications.
Volvo Trucks launched new models for
the North American market
In March, Volvo Trucks
announced a broad-
ening of its product
program on the North
American truck mar-
ket with the launch of
two models with new cab variants for the pres-
tige segment, the Volvo VT830 and Volvo
VN730. Both models are intended primarily for
owner operators. The newly launched cab mod-
els offer the same interior roominess, and the
lower roof provides better aerodynamics and
correspondingly improved fuel economy for
rigs with low trailers, such as tankers.
Volvo Trucks broadens its business with
new, cleaner trucks for distribution
Volvo Trucks is aiming to reach a broader clien-
tele outside of the heavy, long-haul segment. In
May, Volvo Trucks presented two completely
new distribution trucks – the Volvo FL and the
Volvo FE. At the same time, a new business
concept was introduced for distribution ser-
vices in urban environments.
The Volvo FL and Volvo FE are cleaner, quie-
ter and safer, which is important for distribution
customers who operate primarily in urban
areas. Both models meet the environmental
requirements according to Euro 4 and Euro 5.
The latter legal requirement does not take
effect until 2009.
The Volvo FL and Volvo FE are intended for a
wider category of customers who do not pri-
marily have transport as their main line of busi-
ness. For this reason, Volvo Trucks have devel-
oped an entirely new business concept that
enables the customer to quickly and easily pur-
chase a key-ready truck with a body, rear lift,
and a number of support services, such as a
service contract.
Launch of new versions of Renault
Midlum and Renault Premium
Distribution
Renault Trucks has
launched new ver-
sions of the Renault
Midlum and Renault
Premium Distribution
targeted for distribu-
tion applications. Among other features, the new
vehicles are equipped with completely new cabs,
chassis and drivelines.
Renault Trucks has placed heavy emphasis on
reducing fuel consumption, and the new trucks
are equipped with the new 5- and 7-liter (Renault
Midlum) and 7- and 11-liter (Renault Premium
Distribution) engines. The new generation of
engines meets the Euro 4 emission standard
that becomes effective October 1, 2006. Certain
models are also prepared for the Euro 5 stand-
ard, which becomes effective in 2009.
World premiere for new Volvo 7700
city bus
In June, Volvo Buses
premiered the new
version of the Volvo
7700 city bus. The
Volvo 7700 is avail-
able as a 12-meter
bus for up to 95 passengers and as an 18-
meter articulated bus with space for up to 150
passengers. An important feature is the shift
from a 7-liter engine to Volvo’s new 9-liter
engine, available in diesel and gas versions,
that meets the Euro 4 emission standard. Due
to Volvo choosing SCR (Selective Catalytic
Reduction) technology, the company can
already offer its customers an engine that also
meets the proposed Euro 5 emission standard
that does not become effective until 2009.
Renault Trucks launches new version
of lightweight truck
In January 2007, Renault Trucks announced
the launch of a new version of Renault Mascott.
The new Renault Mascott is equipped with a
new gearbox, new driveshaft and new engine.
Two engine alternatives are available, 130 hp or
150 hp, which meet the European Euro 4 emis-
sions standard. In addition, the Renault Mascott
features a new, effective brake system that pro-
vides the shortest braking distance in the light-
weight truck segment. The Renault Mascott is
one of Renault Trucks best sellers in its seg-
ment, with nearly 15,000 vehicles sold during
2006. Deliveries of the newest version are
expected to start at mid-year 2007.
Mack Trucks launches new truck in
construction segment
Mack Trucks, Inc. is launching a new truck
model in the construction segment, the
TerraPro Cabover. Mack holds a leading posi-
tion in the US as a supplier of trucks in this seg-
ment. The model is a further development of
Mack’s popular MR series and is adapted spe-
cially for handling concrete pumping. The new
model offers customers a new driver environ-
ment including an ergonomic seat, spacious
driver cab, effective climate-control system,
easily accessible instrument and control panel
and substantial storage space. Major emphasis
was placed on reducing noise levels and the
vibrations that arise during work operations.
TerraPro Cabover is equipped with an 11-liter
MP7, available in the 325 to 405 hp classes, or
the 13-liter MP8 engine, available in the 415 to
485 hp classes. Both engines are approved in
accordance with EPA 07.
New wheel loader launched
During the fourth quarter Volvo CE launched its
largest wheel loader ever, the new L350F
replacing the 330E model. The L350F is
equipped with Volvos 16 liter engine and with
its improved performance it is a very good bun-
dle with the biggest haulers A35 and A40.
Board of Directors’ Report 2006 49