Volvo FMX digs out surprise sales
It may have been launched less than a year ago but the Volvo FMX has made a huge impression on the construction truck market.
Shifting 5,000 units since April 2010, sales have more than exceeded expectations said Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks’ European division.
“After just two months, we had already sold half our total forecast for 2011,” he explained.
“This huge demand is confirmation that we have succeeded in meeting our customers’ needs and adapting to their often very tough and demanding working environments.”
The truck is currently being used in work to complete the world’s longest tunnel on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Dany Beffa has been using the Volvo FMX in its construction of the 57km tunnel, on roads with gradients of up to 22 per cent.
“I’m thrilled with my FMX,” said Dany. “It’s perfect for this type of tough construction operation. I appreciate the in-cab comfort and, in particular, the truck’s excellent visibility thanks to the new type of rear-view mirrors.”
Robust
“We had to decide ten years ago what trucks to use for this tough assignment. So, after careful consideration, we chose Volvo,” added Renato Beffa, owner of Beffa Trasporti which transports rubble for the project.
“Volvo’s construction trucks have a robust structure built around a strong frame. We’re particularly happy with the new FMX, which has an excellent cab. Its comfort is second-to-none and it’s easy to reach the new gear lever and all the other important controls.”
The truck operates in two shifts along a 40 kilometre route between the tunnel and the unloading site, encompassing public roads and tough construction sites. This means very demanding operating conditions where the truck’s capacity is exploited to the maximum for most of the day as up to 2,200 tonnes of crushed stone is transported per shift. With almost 40 tonnes on the load platform, it is vital to be able to handle steep gradients on muddy surfaces when rain and snow make transport operations even more difficult.
Renato Beffa has already ordered another Volvo FMX, and he is not the only haulage operator to do so in Switzerland.
The Volvo FMX already accounts for more than 15 per cent of total truck sales in the country.
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