Volvo says stronger relationships with its customers will help boost its market share to 20% for vehicles above 15 tonnes this year. The firm believes it is already someway to achieving high levels of customer service: figures for its 2008 customer satisfaction index show its highest ever tally of 82 points, beating both its projected total of 80 as well as 2007's figure of 78.
Sectors such as delivery, service
and parts all showed noteworthy improvement, but it was its sales index in particular, jumping five percentage points from 79 in 2007 to 84 in 2008, that displayed the greatest increase, says the firm.
Göran Nyberg, MD at Volvo Trucks, says: "2009 is a real opportunity for us to stand strong with our customers. We know we are number one when it comes to quality and fuel economy, and Volvo Trucks will continue to provide the best solutions and benefits to customers through our overall offering."
Meanwhile, Volvo has seen a steady increase in its dealer first-time MoT pass rate, and in 2008 it scored 87%, beating 2007's figure of 84% and 2006's figure of 82.4%. Despite the economic downturn, Volvo has invested £8m in new depots in Bardon, Leics, and another on Teesside, which can service up to eight and 10 vehicles respectively at any one time. Both depots will be operational by April.
Neil Grantham, commercial aftermarket director, says: "We've taken the opportunity
to move to these locations to be closer to our customers. They are also conveniently situated closer to the principal road links and vehicle populations."
At the same time, Volvo unveiled details of its Euro-5 D16G engine boasting more power and more torque. The three power ratings are: 540hp, 600hp and a whopping 700hp. In addition to the Euro-5 powerplant, Volvo is also rolling out its 11-litre engine across the entire FM range, previously only available on 4x2 and 6x2 tractors.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2009
