In the Spotlight – Dinakar B, Executive Vice President; Jonas Nilsson, Vice President (India & Indonesia)
EXCON 2022 Special
Volvo Trucks unveiled new features in their Uptime Center, and had right at the center stage FMX 500 which is an off-road dumper truck and FM 420 – a construction tipper at EXCON 2022. Both the trucks were launched virtually in September 2021 but the visitors were, expectedly, enthralled to see the vehicles up close and personal.
Dinakar shares: “FMX 500 8×4 is the first off-road dump truck being displayed here. This again, like our other trucks, is CMVR variant but with different technical loads when it is operated in the off-road conditions. This vehicle is purely made for mining sector. Those customers who have long-duration mining contracts, where the truck does not need to come to the road at all, would prefer this truck. Another reason for their preference is because FMX 500 can carry heavier loads.”
Jonas pitches in: “At EXCON, like in previous shows, we are showcasing the latest technology, not just a product, but an entire transport solution, which includes multiple aspects.”
In the eight months since its launch last year, FMX 500 has already sold almost 600 units.
When it comes to FM 420, which is solely meant for road construction purposes, also makes an appearance in the market for the first time at EXCON 2022.
Dinakar shares details: “FM 420 is a 23-cubic meter box body construction tipper and is a BS VI model. It is perfect for the green field road construction projects where the productivity matters and expectation levels are high. This is also a perfect vehicle for projects which need to meet timely completion.”
There are many variants for more industrial segments that Volvo Trucks is showcasing at EXCON 2022 for the first time. Additionally, the Volvo Uptime Center has three new services to help customers, namely, fuel efficiency services, fleet optimization service, and driver coaching services.
Advantage Volvo Trucks
FMX 500 comes with dynamic steering that enables the driver to maneuver fast and place the truck in the desired way. Though carrying heavier loads means more fuel used, it is still efficient when fuel consumption is calculated per cubic meter.
Dinakar explains: “It comes with a 38-ton rear axle load. It is designed to increase the productivity and operational efficiency and to handle the traffic in off-road operations. The truck is designed to make drivers more comfortable, work stress-free, especially when carrying heavy loads. This translates into higher productivity and quicker turnaround time. We have received tremendous response from customers.”
The main point of distinction in FM 420 trucks is that these can work round 24×7 in close coordination with their Uptime Center.
Volvo Trucks is also showcasing three new features in their Uptime Center at EXCON 2022. Rolled out in India two years ago, there are 13 Uptime Centers across the country today and are all controlled by a command center in Bangalore.
Jonas talks about the Uptime Center: “What really distinguishes us here in India is the speed with which we are working on it. Its second to none in the world, and is highly customer-centric.”
He further adds: “We collect data from the trucks to transform it into services which our customers can use. They are able to bring changes to their operations, become more productive, conduct better site planning enabling optimal usage of the vehicle, reduce waiting time to ensure that the trucks are being serviced in time. We also have predictive maintenance on some of the components making the truck safer.”
In Focus
As mining segment in India embraces privatization rapidly, changes in the buying patterns and behaviors of the customers can also be witnessed. With duration of contracts extending up to 25 years in the road construction segment, the fleet owners are now more interested in planning their equipment for the entire life of the projects.
Dinakar shares: “In such a scenario, Volvo Trucks become the most preferred choice because we have the entire range of equipment that they will require. That is the reason we are now bringing heavier trucks we are seeing that when it comes to mining. Also, in the road construction, large contracting companies have an entire process to plan ahead.”
Plans Ahead
Volvo Trucks in India is expanding their servicing base from mining to road construction, long haul and also into cargo logistics like cement ferrying.
Dinakar gives insights: “We have quite a few cement companies showing interest because of the new truck which is displayed here. This is a heavy off-road dump truck which has generated much enthusiasm. Then, we also are moving into coal transport, both pit to surface and surface to surface coal transport.”
Volvo Trucks Philosophy
In Dinakar’s words, Volvo Trucks philosophy is – We want to be present where it is most suitable for Volvo Trucks to deliver the best.
Jonas feels: “We form our own value proposition that we offer to our customers giving them the best that we can in terms of lifetime profitability.”
EXCON Highlight
Both long-term and new potential customers have witnessed new features in Volvo Trucks at EXCON 2022.
And for sure, nothing can top the tangible experience that the customers received at the exhibition!