2004 was the best year yet in Volvo Trucks’ history. Deliveries increased by 29 percent to a record-beating 97,264 units (75,312 in 2003). There was considerable demand for heavy trucks on all the major markets in Europe, North and South America and Asia.
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“I am delighted with last year’s results, and we can see that the need for transport will continue to be strong in 2005. The forecasts for both Europe and North America indicate a positive trend over the coming year”, says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.
As in the previous two years, the demand for heavy trucks continued to increase in Europe last year. The total market expanded by 12 percent to 256,000 vehicles (228,000 in 2003). In Western Europe, the German, French and Spanish markets increased by 17%, 5% and 8% respectively. Sales in Eastern Europe expanded by a massive 29% and the need for transport is expected to carry on rising since trade between Eastern and Western Europe is continuing to grow apace, Volvo says.
The economies of the new EU member states in Eastern Europe continued to grow, promoting major increases in the Polish truck market, which expanded by 58%.
The demand for heavy trucks in North America is very strong indeed. The total market increased by 42% to 255,000 vehicles (179,000), primarily owing to increased transportation and the haulage companies’ need to renew their vehicle fleets. Sales of Volvo trucks (class 8) rose markedly during the year, totalling 26,035 (17,160) units, corresponding to a 52% increase.
The International Division recorded its best-ever year, characterised by strong expansion, with deliveries totalling 26,304 units (18,379), an increase of 43%. On the Iranian market, sales increased by no less than 83% to 9,979 vehicles (5,463). The Brazilian market for heavy trucks was strong and increased by 34% to 48,500 vehicles (36,100) in 2004.
Deliveries per region:
January – December +-%
2003 2004
Total Europe 38,121 43,210 +13%
Of which:
– Western Europe 33,037 36,647 +11%
– Eastern Europe 5,084 6,563 +29%
North America 17,160 26,035 +52%
South America 5,307 7,580 +43%
Asia 11,922 17,328 +45%
Other markets 2,802 3,111 +11%
Total 75,312 97,264 +29%
