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Volvo Trucks ‘Towers’ above with quadruple new truck launch
C
oronavirus put paid to Volvo Trucks’ best laid plans to continue its launch programme for the four new heavy-duty truck ranges premiered just prior to the extended global lockdown period. However the five month delay allowed Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland to fully prepare the new FH16, FH, FM and FMX press fleet, and Fleet Transport got the privilege to fully appraise the new trucks before they go on sale at dealerships. During the ‘Stay Home – Stay Safe’ period the transport media were kept informed of industry developments through webinars, but while the virtual world remained active, meetings in the flesh ceased and were sadly missed. The same could be said for losing out on seeing the new generation Volvo Trucks for real. In fact, the Volvo Trucks introduction was one of the fi rst global events to be held on-line as COVID-19 began to spread across continents. Naturally, the powers that be at Volvo Trucks HQ in Gothenburg were disappointed that the next phase of
Volvo FH and FM FLEETTRANSPORT | JUL/AUG 20
their launch programme could not happen. Instead of the planned group test event for the trade press, a selection of brand new models were provided to markets across Europe initially, with Fleet Transport one of the fi rst publications to smell, feel, drive and appreciate the shinning new trucks that will carry Volvo into the next decade and beyond. In the lead up to the quadruple reveal, Volvo Trucks carried off another spectacular stunt to clearly demonstrate the power and strength of its four new vehicles. Not to be outdone by any of its previous memorable promotional efforts, the artistic directors scaled new heights, literally – constructing a massive 15 metre, 58 tonne truck tower, stacking the four new trucks on top of each other. To crown it all, Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm stood on top! Quite a feat and like previous editions, it took social media by storm. But it was all in a day’s work for Roger, whose feet are firmly on the ground. “Th is is our biggest launch ever at Volvo Trucks. They will have a
huge impact on our customers’ profitability and ability to compete both for business and the best drivers. I´m used to being on top of things, but for me, shooting the truck tower was defi nitely an unusual day at work. And let’s just say I have a certain respect for heights. I’m a down to earth guy,” said Roger. The fi lm, which was shot on a testing ground near Gothenburg took a month to design, build and ensure it was safe to drive. Essentially Volvo’s heavy duty range has been replaced and improved. The FH, FH16, FM and FMX Series represent about two-thirds of Volvo Trucks’ range and also account for around two-thirds of its sales worldwide. During the research and development process when creating the next generation of these Volvo Trucks, the company surveyed various issues relating to road transport and its future. The focus was primarily on drivers, profitability, running and operating costs as well as truck brand recognition. From these findings, the four new trucks design centred
