Volvo Trucks’ flagship FH and FH16 new models have been released for sale in here, with New Zealand importers, Motor Truck Distributors (NZ) Ltd, reporting strong demand.
The new trucks replace the existing FH series, first introduced to New Zealand in 1994, says Murray Sowerby, general manager for MTD: “The FH has been a legendary truck in New Zealand and throughout the world.”
The FH series has been a major success for the Volvo truck brand in New Zealand, with nearly 1000 units sold.
This new FH is more than a make-over says Sowerby: “Typically Volvo will facelift its trucks every 5-6 years, but the new FH comes with a new more spacious cab and a smarter electronics system.”
The FH retains the D13 and D16 engines, renowned for being quiet and fuel efficient. The I-shift transmission is also carried through to the new generation.
In addition to the obvious changes in the cab, a range of mechanical and engineering improvements have been implemented, including new front and rear suspension, plus upgrades around safety and a number of driver comfort refinements.
New Zealand-bound Volvo trucks will continue to be built at Volvo’s Wacol, Brisbane plant, says national sales manager, Clive Jones: “This will continue to provide New Zealand customers with a truck genuinely customised to our conditions.”
Jones believes this is a key factor in explaining the appeal and the market-leading position the FH has enjoyed among local operators: “We build according to the needs of our New Zealand customers and because our Australian factory is so accessible, we work closely with our engineers and designers, right down to the factory floor, to ensure customers get exactly what they need.”
Recent New Zealand customer events in Sweden and Australia attracted positive feedback at test drive sessions, says Sowerby: “Everyone who drove the new FH was blown away by its handling, ride and visibility.”
MTD has already attracted orders for the new FH and FH16 models, and deliveries are expected in Q2/2014. Strong Australasian demand may mean slightly longer than usual lead times, but MTD says good levels of current FH models are arriving between now and February.
“We are confident we have a great mix of trucks available to satisfy demand arising from strong market growth and a very beneficial currency scenario right now,” says Sowerby.
The first new FH series trucks actually arrived in late August, but these are initially to be used for local evaluation and testing, and technician training, across Volvo’s 18-strong national service network.
