Volvo India has brought to the Indian market its latest multi-axle FM7 series of trucks. This is the third model that the Indian subsidiary of the world truck major has introduced in India in about one and a half year of its operations.

The FM7 range comprises a tractor-trailer, a tipper and a concrete mixer. While the 4x2 with two or three axle semi-trailers can be used for long haul transportation of loads of 15 to 30 tonnes, the 8x4 tipper is a four-axle solution for the mining and construction segment. The 8x4 mixer is customised for construction work. It offers a payload that is five tonnes higher than that of 3-axle mixers.

Volvo claims the tractor-trailer is designed to reduce transportation costs by up to 45 per cent compared with the traditional two-axle rigid trucks. It is expected to be a leader on the road in the sea-going container and bulk tanker segments.

The FM7 range is said to be adapted for Indian road conditions. Besides its normal features, the trucks come fitted with tropical cooling kits, engine oil coolers, additional fuel-filters, water separators in fuel supply system, hub-reduction rear axles, and air-conditioned cabins.

The company commenced production of the FM7 range some two months ago and it has orders for all the vehicles it has produced. The truck is priced around Rs 22 lakh.

Volvo India had earlier introduced its FH12 and FL7 models in India. These too are multi-axle trucks with high load carrying capacities. Nearly 300 Volvo trucks are currently on Indian roads.

Volvo India's managing director Ravi Uppal says the company proposes to increase its manufacturing capacity from the present 25 to 30 trucks a month to 40 to 45 trucks a month. The company will also introduce Volvo buses by end-2000. The popular European model, the B7R, is also slated to be introduced on a trial basis.