I am grateful to BLB regular Russell Hurley for these two rather interesting images which he has sent me along with the message 'Check out these pictures scoured from a Chinese trading website. Clearly a "cloned" Volvo FM, albeit with a modified high-roof 'Superspace' form cab. Makes you wonder whether we are about to be embraced by a raft of mega-cheap truck clones from the Far East?'
However, Biglorryblog can ease everyone's fears for this "clone" is in fact the perfectly legitimate Howo Series 7 truck built by the China National Heavy Duty truck Group with whom Volvo has (or had as I'm not quite sure of the current situation) a joint venture going. The Howo 7 is based on Volvo's technology supplied by the Swedes and if you look closely and you can see what I reckon is the old FL10 cab, albeit highly modified with a high roof and 'FH' styled front end. But to me the cabin is still the old Wendy House!
Meanwhile, I'm sure someone will let me know what the current state of play is with Volvo and its various Chinese truck JVs..and here's another Chinese truck from Biglorryblog for you to enjoy....
Behold, the rather nice Foton Auman TK Chinese heavy tractor which I seem to recall was unveiled late last year amidst all sorts of promises. I also seem to recall it had a Cummims ISMe engine under the hood and had design input from a UK operator....BLB readers provide more details please!
Brian
I know you complained recently about memory lapses. I'm sure you meant clearly cloned from an FL, not an FM. The cab mouldings are a dead giveaway. The new FM has a slopping bottom to its driver and passenger doors, plus there’s no moulding beneath the rear sleeper section (at window level). The new FM is a tad more rounded too. Come on mate, get it together. “Taxi for Weatherley… ”
Yes alright Mr Pedantic! I clearly MEANT to say FL as I talked about the Wendy House. You try blogging in a hurry over a weekend whilst attempting to avoid the wrath of Mrs BLB! Blogged in haste, regretted at leisure....? Nurse?