Volvo Trucks Middle East delivered 24% more trucks in 2014 than in 2013, with the brand receiving a big boost from the launch of its new FH, FM and FMX models.
The models were launched at a January event in Abu Dhabi. The biggest growth was in the UAE and Iraq, where sales grew 49% and 67% respectively. The FH distribution model accounted for more than 70% of overall regional sales.
Major individual sales included 250 FH 4×2 tractor heads, all equipped with I-Shift gearboxes, to a major construction firm in Dammam, KSA, and a delivery of 100 FH 6×4 tractor heads, all equipped with I-Shift, to a construction company in Dubai, UAE. In Muscat, Oman, an order of 80 trucks was delivered to a construction company, including a mix of FH 6×4 tractors, 50% of which were equipped with I-Shift, and 8×4 concrete mixers.
In Iraq, 282 FMX trucks were delivered to the Baghdad Municipality, including a mix of FMX 6×4 and 4×2 rigid trucks equipped with different types of superstructure, including vacuum tankers, garbage compactors and Tipper bodies. A further 100 FH 6×4 tractor heads, with flatbed general cargo semitrailers, were delivered to the Ministry of Transport in Baghdad.
Lars-Erik Forsbergh, president of Volvo Trucks for the Middle East, said that the brand was also targeting double-digit growth in 2015.
“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.”
The regional offering was bolstered by the introduction of new flexible financing options, and VT also reported growth of 27% for the sales of spare parts.