As part of the most aggressive product strategy in the history of the company, with many new products revealed during the last couple of years, Volvo Trucks is launching the rugged, new Volvo FMX. With this new truck, Volvo is expanding its business within heavy transport in demanding road conditions - from quarries and mining to agriculture and road transport.

"Today, Volvo Trucks has a solid position within heavy transport in demanding conditions in many markets. The launch of the Volvo FMX will further strengthen our local position," says Gary Bone, General Manager of Volvo Trucks.

Volvo has taken the FM, a very successful and well-proven truck in its own right, and developed it further to be even better. The driveline from the current FM platform stays intact. Feedback from drivers provided the inspiration for many of the new features on the new Volvo FMX.

The most obvious change with the new Volvo FMX is its robust, modern exterior. With a new upper grille, aggressive lower front, 3-part steel bumper with 3 mm thick steel corners, and rugged skid plate, this is a tough truck designed for demanding operating conditions. For additional functionality, the Volvo FMX also features a powerful tow hook, optional headlamp mesh protection, new anti-slip steps and a convenient ladder - just to name a few examples.

"A quick glance at this truck and its dominant stance immediately reveals the close connection between Volvo Trucks and our sister-company, Volvo Construction Equipment - among the world leaders in dumpers, excavators and wheel-loaders," says Gary. "The new, purposely-engineered Volvo FMX exudes confidence - reflecting its capabilities, inside and out."

With this local knowledge and experience in the Australian truck and construction equipment, Volvo Trucks is now in a strong position as the company aims to expand its well-established business in segments with demanding operating conditions.

"We can provide a total solution for on- and off-road work and have vast experience meeting our customers' needs," says Gary. "We want to leverage this advantage to grow our business and reaffirm our commitment to providing even better support for our customers' operations. We see huge potential."

In selected markets around the world, customers already get support and service from Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment in the same workshops. The two companies also collaborated closely during the development of Powertronic and the powerful D13 engine, for example.

"Our present Volvo FM has been very successful. With the new, purpose-engineered Volvo FMX and our optimised service support package, we aim to grow our share in this business significantly," concluded Gary.