Press releases 2000

Low fuel consumption, environmentally compatible, operating reliability and exceptional power. These four terms well describe Volvo Buses' latest innovation in the engine field, the Volvo DH12, one of the most important elements in Volvo's new product platform. The Volvo DH12 is a horizontally constructed, electronically controlled 12-litre diesel engine based on Volvo Trucks' most modern 12-litre engine. In addition to turbocooling, the engine offers 4-valve technology, overhead camshaft and unit injectors for each cylinder.

In connection with the premiere showing of the Volvo B12M bus at the IAA show in Frankfurt, Volvo Buses is also displaying what will be the next steps in its development program a module with electronically controlled disc brakes and a new independent front suspension.

At the same that Volvo Buses is presenting the first products based on its global product platform, Volvo is also taking the opportunity to present a number of "soft products." The objective is to offer customers a greater degree of "vehicle availability" increased security and better control of operating costs.

Volvo Buses is currently introducing the first complete bus based on the company's new product platform. The Volvo 8500 for intercity and regular traffic has a safety-tested aluminum body, a stainless steel frame and a powerful new 12-litre engine, among other features.

A new robot-welded stainless steel, light frame construction that is produced on one of the bus world's most modern production lines is one of the main elements in Volvo Buses new product platform, TX.

In connection with the premiere showing of the Volvo B12M, Volvo Buses is presenting a large number of innovations in the safety field. A new compact retarder, a body with roll-over protection, child safety cushions and three-point safety belts for both passengers and driver are a few examples. The company is also displaying a module with electronically controlled disc brakes combined with a new independent front suspension.

As a strategic step to strengthen Volvo Mobility Systems Corporation's market offer, the part within Göteborgs Energi AB working with public transport traffic management, was acquired on September 1st 2000.

Deliveries from Volvo Trucks between January and August 2000 totalled

Volvo CE has decided to establish an industrial platform in Poland. The assembly of Volvo CE products will be utilising some of the facilities in Volvo's existing plant in Wroclaw. In parallell, Volvo Trucks will close it's Polish production and concentrate all truck assembly in Europe to Gent and Gothenburg.

Fredrik Brunell har utsetts till ny ansvarig för enheten Investor Relations inom Volvokoncernen. Han tillträder sin nya befattning den 16 oktober 2000