Sweden-based commercial vehicle manufacturer, Volvo India has launched their new 45 tonne capacity FM480 10×4 Dump Truck which is slated to be the next big ‘Game Changer’ in the mining application business. This truck is an innovation which is being built with keeping in pace with the dynamics of the industry for over a decade and a half. This truck is believed to set new benchmarks in the mining industry.
The Volvo FM480 is the largest truck to be launched in India and expected to be a major record breaker in the mining industry. It is built on the Volvo FM13 platform through the Volvo – Eicher joint venture, the new dump truck was launched in Bangalore at a price of Rs.1.08 crores (Ex-showroom). This multi axle truck is the largest mining truck Volvo has ever introduced in the country.
The FM480 features air suspended pusher axle with electronically controlled suspension for optimized load distribution, electronically controlled and hydraulically operated steering system, an additional parking brake on rear-rear axle which improves braking performance, especially on steep slopes.
It is powered by a 13-litre Volvo D1 3A480 engine that helps to generate 480 hp, 2400 Nm torque and a power to weight ratio of 7.38 with 24 M3 struck volume. It is this power to weight ratio that offers enhanced speed that leads to better productivity while low kerb weight ensures better fuel efficiency.
Volvo trucks operate only in select premium and niche segments in India and hold the Number 1 position in the premium European truck segment in India. The company also has the Southern parts of the country covered with sales and service hubs in and around the mining towns of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
On the launch, Mr. Philippe Divry, Managing Director, Volvo India Private Limited and a VECV Board member said –
“At a time where business is tough for everybody in the mining sector, Volvo, the market leader, once again innovates to create value for its customers. This is the biggest truck ever in India; it looks like a truck, but produces like a machine. The Volvo FM480 10×4 Dump Truck is slated to be the next big Game Changer in the mining industry.”
On the launch, Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. said –
“The Volvo FM480 is the first 10×4 dump truck concept in the Indian market for mining applications. The Volvo 10×4 benefits the customers with higher productivity and lower overall operating costs. The higher capacity rock body enables the customers to derive the best-in-class productivity; thereby reducing their fleet size and helping them achieve increased profitability and higher operating efficiency.”
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