Volvo 2006 Annual Report Download - page 64

Mack Trucks
– building America
While contributing to the creation of some noted US icons such
as the Hoover Dam, the Empire State Building and the US high-
way system, Mack Trucks simultaneously built its reputation as a
leading construction vehicle. The Mack Granite truck continues to
bolster this reputation on a daily basis.
During 2006, nearly one in every three heavy-duty
construction trucks sold in the US carried the Mack
Granite name, and more than 55,000 Granite trucks
have been put to work in North America since its
introduction in 2001.
trucks have been put to work in North America
since its introduction in 2001.
The new Granite MP series, which meets the
stringent exhaust-emission requirements
scheduled to come into effect in 2007 is hall-
marked by the same customer satisfaction. The
initial customer response to the new truck and
its new Mack MP7 engine was highly positive.
As one customer noted:
“We immediately put the new truck to work in
transporting sand some 400 miles each day on
highways and small roads. There were no prob-
lems whatsoever. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy sev-
eral more trucks like this.”
Whether it involves the transport of sand,
snow, cement or entire houses, the Granite
continues to build Mack’s legendary reputation
in terms of toughness, reliability and high value.
Production
Manufacturing operations at the Macungie
plant reached record levels in summer 2006,
with output reaching 107 construction vehicles
daily. Higher demand was partly due to pur-
chases ahead of the introduction of emission
regulations in January 2007. The production of
Mack’s long-distance trucks also increased
at New River Valley, but manufacturing was
negatively impacted by the capacity limits of
suppliers in delivering key components.
Plans were announced in the fourth quarter
to downsize the workforce in the North
American production facilities. This move was
part of preparations ahead of an anticipated
>>> During 2006, citizens in Clarksville,
Maryland wanted to rescue a 130-year-old
building from demolition by moving it to a new
site. The relocation company commenced
operations with the nighttime relocation of the
150-ton load through hilly terrain; however,
during the move, the transport vehicle broke an
axle while driving over the soft surface. Luckily,
the company was able to deploy a newly
acquired Mack Granite to complete the move
without any problems.
This is a striking example of the Granite’s
capacity to exceed the high-quality perform-
ance set by its famous predecessors – and
meet the ambitious expectations imposed by
current Mack customers.
During the past five years since its introduc-
tion, the Mack Granite has become the most
sold construction vehicle in the US. The Granite
combines Mack’s renowned strength and
stamina with new features such as an operator-
friendly cab, top-class maneuverability and
cabin visibility as well as industry-leading elec-
tronics that can be readily tailored to suit cus-
tomer requirements.
The Granite is now the primary choice for
application areas ranging from snow plowing in
British Columbia to the transport of cement for
the rebuilding program along the US Gulf Coast
following Hurricane Katrina, as well as thou-
sands of other assignments. During 2006,
nearly one in every three heavy-duty construc-
tion trucks sold in the US carried the Mack
Granite name, and more than 55,000 Granite
decline in demand in conjunction with new
emission regulations. The reduction of the
workforce by 450 employees at the Macungie
plant takes place during the fourth quarter of
2006 and first quarter of 2007.
Product introductions
In 2006, the most rapid and comprehensive
product renewal in Mack’s 106-year history
continued, as the company brought to market
its new highway application tractor, redesigned
construction application offering, and new
engine technology designed to meet the strin-
gent US’07 emissions regulations.
The Pinnacle model highway tractor and the
Granite model straight truck each feature
entirely new driver environments based on
extensive research of customer preferences
and ergonomics – with more belly and leg room,
easier-to-read instrument displays, and more
storage among the improvements.
The new models are designed around the
new MackPower (MP) engine technology, intro-
duced in response to US’07 and featuring mul-
tiple displacements to match the varying de -
mands of the Mack customer base. The MP 7
engine is an 11-liter offering with horsepower
ranging from 325 to 405, which was introduced
during 2006 and which met the emission regu-
lations then in force. The 13-liter, 415–485 hp
MP 8 engine – available only in a US’07 compli-
ant version – was re l eased to customers follow-
ing the January 2007 implementation of the
new emissions regulations.
60Business areas 2006