Best-ever year from Volvo Trucks (GB)
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• Volvo Trucks recorded its best ever sales and production performance last year with just over 6,000 new registrations at 7,401kg and above, an increase of 33% (1,500 units).
This is against a background in which annual truck sales in this sector, at 52,832, were the highest for nine years — but were only 9.2% up on 1986.
The key to Volvo's success in the UK market in 1987 was a 27.5% improvement in sales at 15 tonnes and above, while in the 29 tonnes-plus tractive unit sector — which accounts for nearly 25% of all trucks sold over 7,401kg — Volvo boosted its sales by 25%, compared with a general industry increase of just 17.6%. This gives it a commanding 19.6% share, with Leyland Daf close behind on 18.3%.
Against the 21% overall im provement in the eight-wheeler market for 1987, Volvo sales were up by 94 units but showed a slight drop in market share, from 26.9% to 25.0%. Leyland Dal's share fell from 30.9 to 28.2%. Sales of 16tonners also increased last year, by 55% to 1,467 units. Most were day-cab bed, as factory-built sleeper versions were only introduced at last November's Scottish motor show and barely had time to make their mark on the 1987 figures.
Increased production at Irvine played a major part in achieving Volvo's record sales figures and follows a E750,000 investment at the plant. As a result production in 1987 grew by nearly 20% to almost 2,500 units — and in the second half of the year when the rate of production output topped 241 a month. Volvo also aims to improve its dealer support in this, its 60th year of truck production. Severalof the 23 distributors are making big investments, to increase the number of operator support points by some 20% this year.
This should help Volvo's penetration in areas previously not covered, but where sales at the end of last year of FL4 kand 12/14 tonne FL6 rigids (186 and 140 units) justify the investment.
Volvo forecasts a slight drop in sales of all trucks over 7,401kg to around 29,000 units this year, mainly because of the stock market slump and interest rates, but with an updated heavy truck range headed by its F16 flagship and orders for over 2,000 vehicles at the startof this year, Volvo is confident about its market position.