Volvo 2008 Annual Report Download - page 59

accompanied by a boost in deliveries, which
raised expectations that the year would be
even better than the record year 2007.
But by late spring the fi rst signs of an upcom-
ing downturn began to be noticeable in the
slower pace of order bookings. Renault Trucks
had foreseen a possible decline in demand and
at mid-year decided to gradually cut production
rates and reduce the number of temporary
employees during the second half of the year.
During the third and fourth quarter, as the
economy was dramatically weakening due to
the impact of the global fi nancial crisis, the
order book began to decrease, due to low
order intake and an increase in cancellations
from cautious customers. As a consequence,
Renault Trucks started implementing a new
streamlined organization and continued work-
ing on measures aimed at cutting costs.
Towards the end of the year, additional
measures were announced to further adapt to
the business to the declining demand. The
measures included shutdown days in the pro-
duction during November and December and
the beginning of 2009.
New products
Renault Trucks continued its active work to fur-
ther strengthen the product portfolio and the
competitiveness. During the fi rst half of the year,
Renault Trucks launched a new version of its
long-haul truck Renault Magnum with a roomier
and higher cab, full of stowage volumes.
In the construction segment the product
offering was complemented by a new Renault
Kerax with a 500 hp 13-liter engine and a new
Renault Premium Lander 8x4.
Solutions for the future
In September, Renault Trucks took the oppor-
tunity to present a vision of sustainable urban
distribution at the European Transport Forum
in Brussels. The event also provided an oppor-
tunity to unveil the Optifuel Lab, an experimen-
tal tractor truck aimed at cutting fuel con-
sumption and CO2 emission by more than
10%, thanks to improved aerodynamics.
Also on display were:
• The Premium Distribution Hybrys-Tech, a
hybrid refuse truck geared at fuel savings of
up to 30%. The refuse truck is being fi eld-
tested in the Lyon area of France.
• The Maxity Electric Concept vehicle.
• The FIDEUS Demonstrator; a low-emission
and low-noise vehicle perfectly suited for
delivery in urban environments at night.
• The CVIS/SAFESPOT Demonstrator; an
intelligent vehicle communicating with other
vehicles and infrastructure.
Nissan Diesel
– develops together with
customers
Nissan Diesel develops and sells trucks and
services designed to support the customers’
operations. In sales as well as development, Nis-
san Diesel strives to improve the trucks perform-
ance and features to suit customer needs.
Nissan Diesel became a part of the Volvo
Group in 2007 and for more than 70 years, Nis-
san Diesel has developed and marketed a broad
NISSAN DIESEL
Nissan Diesel helped customers •
improve the effi ciency of their busi-
nesses through sales of the Quon
heavy-duty truck series, UD Telematics,
UD-TRUST and other products.
Eco-driving workshops were held to •
assist customers in reducing their truck
operating costs and CO2 emissions.
Truck sales were increased in the Asian •
region.
The Quon heavy-duty truck series was •
launched in South Africa, an important
export market.
Nissan Diesel completed the integra-•
tion into the Volvo Group.
Build an effi cient manufacturing system •
that can respond fl exibly to declining
truck demand.
Improve the company’s service organi-•
zation in Japan and focus efforts on
aftermarket sales.
Strengthen the company’s business in •
the Asian region.
Concentrate efforts on increasing sales •
in resource-rich countries.
Focused efforts on sales activities for •
the Quon in Japan and on activities for
assisting customers in improving their
effi ciency.
Conduct more eco-driving workshops •
so as to contribute to reducing fl eet
operating costs and to curbing CO2
emissions.
Expand sales in Asia as the core com-•
pany of the Group’s strategy in Asia.
Maintain strong exports to resource-•
rich countries such as South Africa.
Drive projects to create synergies with •
the rest of the Volvo Group.
Outcome 2008 Ambitions 2009Ambitions 2008
Deliveries by segment
Nissan Diesel12007 2008
Light trucks (under 7 tons) 12,338 18,661
Medium trucks (7-15.9
tons) 12,342 15,095
Heavy trucks (over 16 tons) 13,504 15,607
Total 38,184 49,363
1 Nissan Diesel was consolidated in the Volvo Group on
April 1, 2007.
Deliveries by market
Nissan Diesel12007 2008
Western Europe ––
Eastern Europe 20 9
North America 2,479 1,608
South America 808 933
Asia 26,455 39,089
Other markets 8,422 7,724
Total 38,184 49,363
1 Nissan Diesel was consolidated in the Volvo Group on
April 1, 2007.
Nissan Diesel’s heavy-duty truck Quon is at the
forefront with engines characterized by low fuel
consumption and low emission levels.
Business areas 2008
55