Total deliveries of trucks from the Volvo Group's four truck companies in April amounted to 24,616, an increase of 44% compared with the year-earlier period.
Mack deliveries in April totaled 1,756 vehicles, up 108% compared with the year-earlier period. The results reflect the fact that deliveries in April 2007 were at very low levels as the Volvo Group's North American truck operations transitioned to production of US'07 vehicles coupled with the fact that the April 2008 figures reflect temporarily higher build rates at the New River Valley plant in order to catch up on production lost as a result of a strike earlier in the year. Demand for heavy-duty trucks in North America on the whole remains weak, reflecting ongoing sluggishness in the U.S. economy, high fuel prices and softness in housing construction.
Renault Trucks deliveries in April totaled 8,677 trucks, up 31% compared with the year-earlier period. The overall volume growth is explained by increased production rates on the back of a substantial order book. In Europe 7,409 vehicles were delivered, which is an increase of 28%. Deliveries outside Europe increased by 47% in April. The heavy-duty trucks increased 24% this month, with the Renault Premium Lander up 72%. Deliveries of light-duty trucks rose by 49%, primarily as a consequence of a temporary lack of availability of Renault Mascott in April 2007.
Volvo Trucks deliveries during April amounted to 10,429 vehicles, up 59% compared with the year-earlier period. The volume growth in Europe is a result of an increased production on the back of a substantial order backlog. Demand in North America remains at a low level. The increased deliveries in April were related to the temporarily increased production rate after a strike in the truck assembly plant in New River Valley. Deliveries in 2007 were very low, due to disturbances in the US' 07 engine ramp up. Deliveries in South America increased with 50%, based on high demand in Brazil. The strong growth continues in Middle East, where the deliveries in April increased with 25%. Overall, the high deliveries in the month of April have helped to reduce the substantial delivery times somewhat.
Nissan Diesel deliveries totaled 3,754 trucks in April, up 24% from the corresponding period a year ago. In Asia, the number of delivered trucks increased by 76%. A high rate of delivery was especially noted in South East Asia and for the light-duty trucks. In Japan, the number of deliveries was flat.