Volvo unveils two models of heavy duty trucks

New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) Encouraged by annual 30 per cent growth in the heavy vehicle segment, Volvo Truck Corporation today unveiled in India two new models of heavy duty trucks on which the Swedish major invested 300 million Euros.

Of the new models Volvo FH is focused on heavy and demanding haulage operations, Volvo FM is focused on and bulk haulage, express cargo, petroleum and chemicals, mining and construction.

''The new product range will help reinforce the company's presence in India in terms of high-performance trucking and fuel economy, safety and productivity,'' Volvo India Pvt Ltd Managing Director Eric Leblanc said while speaking to reporters here.

The fresh competition in this segment will usher in new opportunities for the players, he added.

Stressing on the Indian market where 3 million trucks are plying on the roads, Mr Leblanc said that Volvo has built a strong dominance here in sectors including mining, heavy goods transportation and applications demanding high safety and heavy haulage.

Out of 1.5 lakh vehicles sold in the last financial year, Volvo has sold 400 buses and 600 trucks.

''With Indian economy growing at a much higher rate and market size also expanding, there is a need in the industry for a modern, efficient and high performance trucks to ensure sustainable transport solutions,'' said Mr Leblanc.

Facing a stiff contest from Tata and Leyland which are also engaged in manufacturing medium-duty trucks, Volvo is trying to come up in the market, he added.

The trucks are manufactured at Bangalore from where it is exported all over. A growth of 40 per cent has been registered in these exports.

Priced at a range of Rs 14-17 lakhs, the new trucks includes a 13-litre engine to increase transport economy with better reliability, durability and fuel efficiency.

The engine is equipped with more power outputs up to 520 horse power as well as it meets Euro III norms.

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