VOLVO Trucks Middle East has announced a 24% increase in deliveries and 27% increase in parts sales year on year for 2014 across its 13 active Middle East markets. The announcement comes almost twelve months after the Swedish premium truck manufacturer launched three new, top-of-the-range models in the biggest truck launch ever held in the region. It also comes at a time when the regional construction industry is set for rapid growth thanks to heavy government investments and diversified market drivers, including, a growing population, infrastructure development, an increase in tourism, and preparations for the upcoming Dubai World Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022. In January 2014, Volvo Trucks unveiled its new FH, FM and FMX models and the range has made a significant contribution to the company's overall performance in the Middle East this year. In particular, the brand's on-going best-seller, the FH, led sales in regional markets with significant fleet deliveries made to customers in the UAE, KSA, Oman and Iraq, accounting for more than 70% of overall regional sales. The most significant deals completed this year included a delivery of 250 FH 4x2 tractor heads all equipped with I-Shift gearboxes to a major construction firm in Dammam, KSA, and a delivery of 100 FH 6x4 tractor heads, all equipped with I-Shift, to a construction company in Dubai, UAE. In Muscat, Oman, an order of 80 trucks was delivered including a mix of FH 6x4 tractors, 50% of which were equipped with I-Shift, and 8x4 concrete mixers to a construction company. Iraq VT delivered 282 FMX units to Baghdad Municipality, which included a mix of FMX 6x4 and 4x2 rigid trucks equipped with different types of superstructure, including vacuum tankers, garbage compactors and Tipper bodies. A further 100 units of FH tractor heads 6x4, with flatbed general cargo semitrailers, were delivered to the Ministry Of Transport in Baghdad. The UAE and Iraq specifically, reported the highest percentage growth with increases of 49% and 67% respectively. The brand's dedicated construction model the FMX, also helped Volvo Trucks to increase its position in the construction and transport industry offering a robust exterior and revolutionary new design features built for operating in the toughest working conditions in the Middle East. Lars-Erik Forsbergh, President of Volvo Trucks for the Middle East, said: “2014 has been an extremely important year for Volvo Trucks Middle East. We began in January with the launch of our incredible new range. This was followed by the introduction of our flexible financing options in an effort to support the region's surging industry. We also optimised our transport solutions around the new models to provide our regional customers with the best the market has to offer in terms of care packages that help increase productivity and truck efficiency. “The ongoing development of the Middle East truck market makes it a key focus for Volvo Trucks, and we will be building on this year to reach our goals of double digit growth in 2015. The new FH, FM and FMX models and the solutions we offer our customers, will continue to help us to do that as they offer the highest possible standards of reliability, handling, robustness, fuel-efficiency, safety and driver comfort to our Middle East customers.” The new Volvo Trucks range features a totally redesigned cab, both inside and out, with improved seating position, increased usable window area and an innovative rear-view mirror design. Ground-breaking features include Volvo Dynamic Steering, which delivers exceptional handling – very similar to a car – in all operating conditions, as well as intelligent I-Shift gearbox technology and the option of having the air suspension in addition to the traditional mechanical one. The Volvo FH has been Volvo Trucks' flagship model for almost 20 years, accounting for more than 60% of total global sales, with the latest model already setting the world alight, having been named International Truck of the Year 2014. The new Volvo FM provides all-round capabilities and has been flagged the best truck in its class on the market. Taking reliability and productivity to the extreme, it is designed to provide the perfect platform for bodybuilders to customise it for any job. Rounding off the trio of newcomers, the even more robust Volvo FMX construction truck is loaded with new features that benefit haulers as well as drivers. — SG
