Volvo Construction Equipment President Pat Olney began the company's 2012 Intermat press conference by highlighting the generally improving – albeit uncertain – trading conditions in Europe and globally. Volvo CE's 2011 sales increased by 21%, to a record 84,000 machines sold. The company, together with its joint venture partner SDLG, claimed wheel loader and excavator market leadership in China.
Olney pointed out that Volvo CE planned to introduce more than 60 new products in 2012. Added to the 55 new products launched in 2011, he said the two years' efforts represent the most fundamental overhaul ever of the company’s product portfolio.
Olney outlined Volvo CE’s investments in European factories and expanding European distribution. The Russian market features prominently in both projects, with excavator production set to begin in 2013 from a new factory in Kaluga, while the dealer network in Russia is set to double by 2015, to 90 locations. He noted that capacity and product expansion programs in India, Brazil and China are strengthening Volvo’s ability to serve those growing markets.
