Volvos has delighted millions of truck fanatics and truck-dependent workers the world over by unveiling its latest range of vehicles at a pretty glitzy event in South Korea. With a number of performers on hand to compliment the booming music and light show, the new truck range rolled out for the first time in Seoul on Monday May 12.
Why Korea?
Well, Volvo used the event to mark its 80th anniversary of serving the Asian Pacific region with its iconic trucks, which have for decades formed the backbone of so many Asian industries. As such, there seemed few more appropriate times and locations to lift the lid on the new Volvo FMX, the Volvo FM and the Volvo FH – all of which are packed with new features and goodies.
“Korea is important for us,” beamed Volvo Group Trucks Asia Oceania Sales president Christophe Martin, following the event on Monday.
“We sold over 1,400 vehicles last year alone here in Korea, which is the highest among Asian countries.”
Speaking with the Korean media, he stated that ever since Volvo made its first move into Korea back in 1996, it has been a tale of non-stop growth and a loss has never been incurred. Even in the depths of global economic crises, Volvo’s performance in Korea has been largely infallible.
He added that since it started business in Korea in 1996, sales have expanded and the company has never experienced a loss, weathering the ups and downs of the local economy.
“Although people say competition is harsh in Korea, it is less or similar to that of, say, Australia. Plus Korean customers are highly knowledgeable, demanding and loyal,” said the Volvo executive when speaking of their firm’s decision to go into business in South Korea above and beyond other markets in the area.
“There is a healthy competition here, which moves us to innovate even more.”
Introducing the new trucks premiered by Volvo on the day, he spoke with extreme confidence about their quality and potential appeal with buyers.
Volvo’s investment in the latest round of trucks has been quite extraordinary. It has taken well over five years for the project to come to fruition and total costs have topped $2 billion. During this time, the new models were put through their paces to the tune of 21 million km of test drives – a distance that equates to driving around the world 525 times.
As for the results of such labours, the new Volvo FM is being marketed as a hugely versatile multi-purpose truck, the FH has been tailored around long-distance haulage and the FMX is the truck of choice for mining, excavation and construction jobs.
“One of the most critical innovations of the new line is dynamic steering, which makes handling so easy that even children or hamsters can drive our trucks,” added Volvo’s regional president.
“It makes drivers less tired and more focused, thereby improving safety.”
“We have great expectations for this new range. With this most innovative Volvo Trucks line-up ever, we can help our customers to meet their business needs, and improve their productivity and profitability. We want our customers to perceive Volvo Trucks as the No.1 truck brand to own.”
Emma Ward
Latest posts by Emma Ward (see all)
- A Guide to Alternative Car Fuels – [Infographic] - May 3, 2016
- The 3 Main Car Finance Options and How to Choose the Best One for You - April 5, 2016
- Behind the Wheel – How to Dress for an Easy Drive - March 3, 2016
