LOUISVILLE, KY. Volvo Trucks North America plans to introduce two mid-roof Class 8 sleeper options in the second half of 2006: the VN 730 and the VT 830.
During a press conference here at the Mid America Trucking Show, Peter Karlsten, Volvo’s president % CEO, said the new mid-roof models will broaden the OEM’s product range and meet customer demands for more fuel-efficient tractor options for pulling low-height van trailers, tankers, flatbeds, lowboys and intermodal containers.
“Why offer mid-roofs? Because it’s a question of operating efficiency,” added Frank Bio, Volvo’s truck product manager. “You get a significant aerodynamic advantage with a mid-roof when pulling low-height trailers – 20% less drag versus using a high roof sleeper configuration.” He also noted that the mid-roof design weighs about 425 lb. less than a comparable Volvo high-roof sleeper.
Scott Kress, Volvo’s senior vp-sales and marketing, added the company is also beefing up its commitment on the service end through its new “World Class Dealer” (WCD) program. To qualify for WCD certification, dealers must adhere to a 10-point code of conduct aimed at minimizing maintenance downtime for customers.
“For example, dealers certified under our WCD initiative must offer 24/7 service, must have critical parts available as needed, must diagnose vehicle problems within two hours, and must continually update the customer on repair progress,” he said. Currently, 100 of Volvo’s 351 dealers are WCD certified; Kress expects the remainder to achieve WCD status by the end of 2006.
