Total deliveries of trucks from the Volvo Group's three truck companies increased 23% from January through August 2004, compared with the year-earlier period. Deliveries from Mack rose 27%, while deliveries from Renault Trucks were up 15%. Deliveries from Volvo Trucks climbed 29% during the period.
During the past 12 months, order bookings for the group's truck operations were 45% higher versus the preceding year. Orders were up 26% in Europe, while the increase in North America was 88%.
Deliveries from Mack through August totaled 15,284 trucks, up 27% from the same period a year ago. The heavy-duty truck market in North America continues to extend its gains compared with a year ago. The market strength continues to be most evident in the long-haul truckload segment, which is not among Mack's core market segments. However, Mack's order intake continues to outpace 2003's performance, thanks in large part to renewed buying interest among its construction segment customers.
Renault truck deliveries through August totaled 42,733 trucks, a rise of 15% versus the corresponding period the preceding year. The increase was supported by rising sales in Europe. In total, sales in Europe advanced 9%, with Western Europe up 8% and Eastern Europe 24%. Overseas, the increase continued on a high level, up 69% compared with the same period in 2003.
Volvo Trucks' deliveries during the period January-August amounted to 57,420 trucks, a gain of 29% versus the year-earlier period. Compared with the corresponding period in 2003, deliveries rose 58% in North as well as South America, while the increase in Europe was 13%.
In Asia, including the Middle East, the increase in deliveries has also been steady and stable, with deliveries rising.