At Bauma China this week Volvo CE is unveiling two major new product ranges. With the market demand for excavators growing in China (many smaller quarrying and mining operations are now switching from wheel loaders to hydraulic excavators for higher productivity), Volvo CE is introducing two new ranges of excavators – Standard and Heavy Duty – to meet this growth in demand. Each range is designed according to the varying needs of customers in China, promoting sustainable development of the industry with innovative technology.
Among the first to be introduced during the first half of 2021 will be the EC380 Standard and EC380 Heavy Duty excavators (38 t class). A total of 10 models will be launched throughout 2021, “showcasing how Volvo CE will continually and thoroughly mould the future of the industry with its new genration of electromobility, automation and connectivity.”
Senior Vice President of Sales Asia at Volvo CE, Tomas Kuta, explains: “China is one of Volvo CE’s four most important sales markets in the world. Since the Asian headquarters moved to Shanghai in April 2020, through its twin HQ arrangement, Volvo CE has better served the local market with its innovative products and solutions. We have helped the rapid development of the Chinese economy through our shared vision of building a better tomorrow.”
The new ranges feature the latest fuel-efficient Volvo engines, smart telmatics and automation systems such as Volvo ActiveCare and Co-Pilot, and many safety configurations. This greatly increases the safety and connectivity of machine operations, effectively helping the customer to lower equipment operation costs and increase productivity for business growth.
The company has continually developed and expanded its product portfolio. Encompassing small 12 t models and 90 t pieces of heavy equipment, the two new product ranges cover the full range of work environments, from the common to the highly challenging and complex, offering customers a wide variety of products to meet their needs.
Of interest to quarries and mines is the Heavy Duty range of equipment which is suitable for highly challenging and complex operating environments, “offering durable, highly fuel-efficient products that help the customer improve their productivity. This range provides the customer with more custom options. Customers can enjoy functionality from exclusive Volvo technology tailored to different working environments, including Volvo’s Co-Pilot excavator assistance systems that can greatly increase equipment productivity, and a new hydraulic hybrid power system that can significantly increase fuel efficiency.”
The new ranges were developed locally at the Volvo CE R&D centre in Jinan. “Conducting a thorough market study, the research and development team focused on Chinese customers’ usage habits and working environments and carried out independent innovation based on local needs.” The Jinan R&D centre is a central part of the Volvo CE global research and development network. Since it was established in 2010, it has developed infrastructure equipment geared to the needs of customers in China and South East Asia. It has also strengthened the foundation of innovation for local development, manufacturing, sales, and aftersales value chain.
Deputy President of Volvo CE China Sales, David Chen, says: “Since we put down roots in China 18 years ago, Volvo CE has moved forward together with the Chinese engineering machinery industry and actively taken part in national strategies such as new urbanisation and the Belt and Road Initiative. In the future, Volvo CE will continue to work hand-in-hand with Chinese partners to help transform and upgrade the construction equipment industry.”
