The Volvo Group Annual Report 2010

EN A GLOBAL global GROUP koncern 2010 2010
Str ategY
Product Renewal
The development of new, innovative technology is key to the success of future product
generations and to maintaining market-leading positions.
Efforts are constantly under way within the Group
to refine and improve the performance of products
and with swiftness strengthen current competitiveness.
At the same time, research looking
further into the future is conducted to achieve
new technical breakthroughs that will contribute
to reduced environmental impact and meet future
requirements.
Cleaner engines
After implementing comprehensive product
renewal in recent years, the Volvo Group decided
to maintain relatively high investments in research
and development during 2009 and 2010. This was
done to secure a competitive range of products
and services in both the short and the long term.
The pace of product renewal has been high, for
example in conjunction with the implementation
of new emissions regulations in Europe, North
America and Japan. The Group also started serial
production of hybrid buses and launched a large
number of new construction machines, including
excavators under the brand name SDLG in China.
The Volvo Group has also developed its own
captive Group-wide engine platform for mediumduty
diesel engines. The first models of the new
medium-duty engines started to be launched in
2010.
The Group has its most competitive product
range ever, but the customer offering will be further
strengthened in the next few years by focusing
intensely on the development of future generations
of products and services that create
value for customers.
Focus on the driveline
The Volvo Group is one of the world’s largest
manufacturers of heavy diesel engines for commercial
use. The Group has production and
research and development facilities for drivelines
on three continents. The products are sold to
customers in some 180 markets worldwide.
A large number of product launches
Volvo Trucks
In April 2010, Volvo Trucks launched the
new Volvo FMX truck, specially designed
for heavy construction duties. With the
new Volvo FMX and a strong service
offering for the construction industry,
the company has strengthened its position
in this segment. During the year,
Volvo Trucks also focused on the development
of hybrid trucks and engines for
alternative fuels.
Renault Trucks
Renault Trucks launched the Optitrack
system on Renault Premium Lander. The
system is useful when driving on difficult
terrain in quarries or worksites. With the
aid of separate hydraulic motors integrated
in the wheel hubs, the truck can
automatically be driven in all-wheel
drive. In addition Renault Trucks started
delivery of an all-electric version of
Renault Maxity.
UD Trucks
In April, UD Trucks launched versions of
its Quon heavy-duty truck with engines
based on the Group’s common heavy
engine platform that comply with new
emission regulations introduced in
Japan. In addition to environmental
performance, the latest Quon lineup
has been developed to meet growing
demand for high levels of both fuel
economy and driving performance.
Mack Trucks
Mack introduced its new mDRIVE automated
manual transmission, based on
well-accepted Group architecture engineered
to work exclusively with MACK
MP series engines and delivering
improved fuel efficiency, driveability and
safety. A natural gas-powered version of
the versatile MACK TerraPro Cabover
model was brought to market for refuse
and construction customers.
14