Volvo goes for global concept
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• Volvo Trucks' FH range will be at the heart of an, "aggressive plan for a global modular concept and product", according to VTC boss Karl-Erling Trogen. But he insists that the Swedish manufacturer "will not build a new 'World Truck'."
Speaking in London last week Trogen confirmed that technology from the FH truck, including its electronic DI2 engine, will be used throughout its global markets, particularly in North America, where Volvo builds US-style heavy trucks. Most of them are powered by proprietary drivetrain components but Volvo plans to increase the proportion of Swedishsourced components; in September it is expected to launch a new range of heavy vehicles in the US based on the FH cab structure.
Trogen also wants to increase the proportion of Volvo-sourced engines in its US truck range from the current 10% to nearer 25% "within a two to three-year period".
"We are investing in implementing the FH concept in the US," says Trogen, although the European-built FH will not be sold in America: "It's a truck designed for the European market—not North America."
In keeping with Volvo's desire to "achieve a higher degree of product commonality globally", Trogen says that by the year 2000 Volvo's 40,000-plus components will be cut to 25,000. "This will decrease complexity and cost for ourselves and increase flexibility and the value-added element to customers" says Trogen.
L Volvo's long-awaited "optimised" 7.5-tonner will appear this year. The company refuses to be drawn on rumours that it will have a Perkins engine.