Volvo’s New River Valley (NRV) assembly plant in Dublin, VA, has begun construction of a Customer Experience Track, set to open during the third quarter of 2014. The track will feature a 1.1-mile paved road course and an off-highway area, allowing the company to showcase its entire Class 8 lineup during customer tours and other events.
“Customers visit our plant nearly every day to see their trucks being built and experience the passion and care that goes into the vehicles we manufacture,” said G?ran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “Providing a hands-on opportunity is an important extension of that experience, and we believe it will foster an even deeper appreciation of the design, manufacturing and performance of Volvo products.”
The paved road course is designed with banked corners, making highway speeds achievable. Inside the road course will be an off-highway area with a variety of surfaces and grades to simulate the most demanding of work environments.
Rather than relying on outside resources for track design and construction, Volvo turned to a team of experienced employees skilled in design, excavation and the operation of heavy machinery. With the help of rented Volvo construction equipment, the team is tackling all aspects of the project, from blueprints to bulldozing.
“Employee engagement and project ownership is very important to us, and I commend our team for the excellent work they’re doing,” said Lars Blomberg, vice president and NRV general manager. “The new track is an investment in our future, and we look forward to delivering an even greater experience for all who visit the plant and have an opportunity to get in the driver’s seat.”
