Introducing an ambitious range of new products at the Bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany, Volvo Construction Equipment President and Chief Executive Tony Helsham announced that the company plans to offer customers machines featuring hybrid technology by 2009.
Helsham used his press conference speech to outline the $35 billion Volvo Group’s developments on a range of energy saving and environmental research. Offering the prospect of lower emissions and fuel savings of up to 50 percent, the integrated hybrids also would have the ability to operate on biofuels, he said.
“While different hybrid configurations, biofuels and energy storage systems are still being investigated, the basic technology platform is already established,” he continued.
A hybrid engine was on display at the Bauma exhibition, and drew much attention.
“Prototype machines will be on test with customers next year, with serial production due to begin in 2009,” continued Helsham. “The project is moving full speed ahead.” The first machine to be launched using hybrid technology is likely to be a wheel loader, where fuel savings of up to 50 percent appear available.
The exhibition saw the unveiling of several new product ranges from Volvo CEO Among these were the F-Series wheel loaders and the E-Series range of articulated haulers — featuring the full suspension system that allows faster cycle times over rough terrain. Continuing the environmental theme, Helsham also announced that the Tier III engines fitted to these products also are able to operate using B30 biodiesel — one of the highest levels in the industry.
Helsham also used his speech to outline the integration strategy for its recent acquisitions, Chinese wheel loader and excavator manufacturer Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., (Lingong) and the road development division of Ingersoll Rand. Regarding its Lingong investment, Helsham stated that it offered the prospect of becoming a development centre for low cost products for emerging markets as well as global sourcing opportunities — as well as an established distribution network across China, where the company intends to be a major player. These products will continue to be marketed under the Lingong name, and will not be branded Volvo, he stated.
For more information, visit www.volvo.com.
