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Volvo Truck and Bus Centre has relaunched its Enfield site, 15 years after it first opened, ready to take advantage of the upturn in the economy.
The company used the open day to showcase its vehicles and services, with presentations and demonstrations on stands.
Jim Collins, (pictured) managing director of centres in the London region, said: “Things are beginning to pick up. There has been a reasonable amount of enquiries recently and we are starting to see signs of recovery.”
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Collins expects activity to properly pick up by the end of 2010. The company reported flat figures for the first time last quarter, and is positive it is the beginning of a new trend, particularly as there have been reports on the continent of countries beginning to see through the recession.
“Customers are looking for a wider offer though,” he added. “They want a total solution. As well as the vehicle, they want contract maintenance, driver development and fuel monitoring on both new and used vehicles.”
Volvo used the event to promote its six point FuelWatch initiative, which includes optimising trucks, fuel maintenance, efficiency upgrades, Dynafleet, driver development and fuel management.
Collins said Dynafleet, its online, subscription-based telematics system, in particular is vital for measuring and improving both driver and vehicle performance.
He also confirmed that Volvo has begun the first trials of hybrid technology in commercial vehicles on refuse vehicles in Stockholm, which is the same technology that will eventually be used in distribution vehicles.
Hybrid technology is already being used on buses and Collins said: “We are looking at expanding into other vehicles, with proper trials beginning in the next few years.”
Volvo has similar events planned for other sites in the region, with the relaunch of Hayes planned for spring 2010.
