Massive Vijay Leasing order for Volvo trucks

Volvo Trucks in India has secured an order for 125 trucks from Vijay Leasing Company of Hyderabad, the largest-ever for the company since its inception. The trucks will be delivered in the summer of 2009 for use in coal and steel mines in southern India. Vijay Leasing already owns 108 Volvo trucks.

The massive Vijay order marks a milestone, according to Pär Östberg, member of Volvo’s Group Executive Management and President of Trucks Asia. There are a total of 5,500 Volvo trucks in India, which is the world’s fourth largest truck market.
“In India, Volvo Trucks belongs to the premium segment and has secured a place as the leading manufacturer in terms of safety and environmental responsibility”, says Pär Östberg. “We have a solid customer base, very strong customer relationships and the best aftermarket solutions”.

He is cautiously optimistic about the Indian truck market and views the Vijay order as a sign that the vehicle market in India may start picking up soon. “We are witnessing positive signs of recovery regarding light trucks and buses. In terms of heavy trucks, the market is still declining but at a slower rate.”

The sale is being conducted through VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo and Eicher Motors launched in 2008.