Total deliveries of trucks from the Volvo Group’s four truck companies in February amounted to 22,100, which is an increase of 54%, compared with the year-earlier period.
Mack’s deliveries totaled 1,334 vehicles, down 12% compared with the year-earlier period, reflecting ongoing sluggishness in the U.S. economy and weakness in the U.S. housing construction in particular.
Renault Trucks’ deliveries totaled 7,696 trucks, up 38% compared with the year-earlier period. Deliveries of light commercial vehicles more than doubled primarily due to no deliveries of Renault Maxity and Renault Mascott in February 2007. The heavy-duty trucks increased 24% due to higher production rates.
Volvo Trucks’ deliveries during February amounted to 8,907 vehicles, up 23% compared with the year-earlier period. The overall volume growth is explained by increased production rates. In Europe 6,080 vehicles were delivered, which is an increase of 38%. The decreased deliveries in North America were a consequence of the strike that started February 1, 2008, in the New River Valley plant in Virginia. Ramp up of production is scheduled to begin on March 24. The deliveries in South America increased by 66%. Increased deliveries were especially noted in Brazil which was up 72%.
Nissan Diesel’s deliveries during February amounted to 4,163 vehicles, down 6% from the corresponding period a year ago. In Asia, the number of deliveries rose by 4%. The overall decrease in deliveries were largely due to lower deliveries of light- and medium duty trucks. Deliveries of heavy-duty trucks were up by 5%.