STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 1, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Deliveries from Volvo's (Nasdaq:VOLVY) truck operations, which comprises Volvo Truck Corporation, Mack Trucks, Inc. and Renault Trucks, for the month of January 2002 amounted to 9,814 trucks compared to 12,435 trucks last year, a decrease by 21%. In Europe, deliveries decreased by 19% to 6,633 while 1,693 trucks were delivered in North America, a decrease of 45%.
Asia is showing good momentum with an increase of 81% compared to the same month last year. The total 12-month rolling order intake was 11% below the same period last year, whereof North America was -36% and Europe -3%.
"We are very satisfied with the way Volvo's new heavy truck range has been received in the market. A changeover is in progress during the first quarter in the European production system, which is the main reason for the lower deliveries in Europe. Renault's deliveries declined by 11%, following the general market trend in Europe. We had a weak month in North America, in particular within Mack, and today we do not see any indication of a recovery on the North American market." Said Leif Johansson, President and CEO of the Volvo Group.
Deliveries by market area:
Units Invoiced January Change
Volvo Group 2002 2001
Europe 6,633 8,189 -19%
Western Europe 6,276 7,725 -19%
Eastern Europe 357 464 -23%
North America 1,693 3,074 -45%
South America 227 337 -33%
Asia 597 330 81%
Other markets 664 505 31%
Total Volvo Group 9,814 12,435 -21%
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Deliveries from Mack Trucks, Inc. for January 2002 totaled 911 units compared to 1,915 in the same period last year, a decline of 52%. Heavy-duty trucks totaled 827 units, and medium-duty totaled 84 (down from 97 a year ago).
The January figures confirm the persistence of weak market conditions in North America.
Deliveries by market area:
January Change
Units Invoiced
Mack Trucks, Inc 2002 2001
North America 796 1,830 -57%
South America 54 37 46%
Asia 1 n.a.
Other markets 60 48 25%
Total Mack Trucks 911 1,915 -52%
Renault Trucks
During January, deliveries for Renault Trucks declined by 11 % compared with the same month last year, which reflects the general market trend in Europe. Renault's decline is mainly due to the light commercial segment, which shows a sales slowdown of 21%.
Deliveries by market area:
January Change
Units Invoiced
Renault Trucks 2002 2001
Europe 4,126 4,670 -12%
Western Europe 3,950 4,472 -12%
Eastern Europe 176 198 -11%
Asia 39 46 -15%
Other markets 346 334 4%
Total Renault Trucks 4,511 5,050 -11%
Volvo Truck Corporation
Volvo Trucks European production system is presently undergoing a total changeover for production of the new heavy truck program. It affects 90 percent of the volume and is done in the shortest time period ever. The changeover is expected to be implemented during the first quarter.
The new truck range has been very well received by customers and trade press and order levels are well above forecast.
Deliveries by market area:
January Change
Units Invoiced
Volvo Trucks 2002 2001
Europe 2,507 3,519 -29%
Western Europe 2,326 3,253 -28%
Eastern Europe 181 266 -32%
North America 897 1,244 -28%
South America 173 300 -42%
Asia 557 284 96%
Other markets 258 123 110%
Total Volvo Trucks 4,392 5,470 -20%
This information was brought to you by Waymakerhttp://www.waymaker.net