Volvo bridge that gap with F88
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VOLVO is launching a 250 bhp version of its F88 model, it was learnt this week.
The go-ahead for the new option was given after favourable customer reaction to the scheme at the Earls Court Show.
It is understood that Volvo want to plug a gap in its range between the 201 bhp F86 and the 290 bhp F88.
The 230 to 260 bhp sector is one of the biggest growth areas in the British truck sales market. DAF recently announced its 2300 32 tonner (230 bhp) in a bid to take sales from the 250 Cummins engined Seddon Atkinson and ERF's.
Behind the Volvo move is the belief that it will gain a larger slice of the market without affecting sales of the F86 and the more powerful version of the F88.
"Some operators need more power than the F86 can provide but don't like the idea of letting their drivers loose in a truck which has got nearly 300 bhp under its belt," said a Volvo spokesman.
"That is why we are bringing in this new version.
It is a scaled down F88 and should fit nicely into the range." No announcement was made during the Show — a traditional launch time for manufacturers — because Volvo wanted to try out the idea on customers and stand visitors.
"We waited for customer confirmation. We have been working on this truck for a year but it would not have been launched if we had not got a favourable reaction."
Volvo has not yet released details of the new, option, but it is understood that an official announcement will be made next week.