Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Volvo trucks launch new range in Korea
Volvo Trucks holds a launching ceremony for three new models — the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX — at the Jade Garden of the Grande Sheraton Walkerhill in western Seoul, Monday. / Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Christophe Martin, Volvo Group Trucks Asia Oceania Sales chief
Volvo Trucks, the global leader in large-sized premium trucks and tractors, held a launch event for its new vehicle range in Seoul, Monday.
The event, in celebration of its 80th year in business in the Asian Pacific region, was to unveil the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX and their new features.
"Korea is important for us," said Christophe Martin, president of Volvo Group Trucks Asia Oceania Sales, in an interview with The Korea Times after the event. "We sold over 1,400 vehicles last year alone here in Korea, which is the highest among Asian countries."
He added that since it started business in Korea in 1996, sales have expanded and the company has never experienced a loss, weathering the ups and downs of the local economy.
"Although people say competition is harsh in Korea, it is less or similar to that of, say, Australia. Plus Korean customers are highly knowledgeable, demanding and loyal," he said referring to why the Swedish truck maker chose Korea as a launch pad to other Asian markets. "There is a healthy competition here, which moves us to innovate even more."
He was quite confident for the new product line-ups and their quality.
The Volvo FH features an all-new cab, optimized for long distance transport; the FMX is ideal for construction and mining; and the FM is an all-round versatile truck.
Volvo Trucks invested $3 billion over five years to develop the new models. And they were subject to 21 million kilometer driving tests, equivalent to driving 525 times around the world.
"One of the most critical innovations of the new line is dynamic steering, which makes handling so easy that even children or hamsters can drive our trucks," Martin said. "It makes drivers less tired and more focused, thereby improving safety."
The Volvo Dynamic Steering gives exceptional almost car-like handling, while the Dynafleet System tracks fuel consumption over time, allowing drivers to improve fuel saving.
Some 1,600 VIP customers from the Asia Pacific region will be invited to participate in a two-week promotional event, from May 13 to 24, and will have the chance to experience the new range first hand.
“We have great expectations for this new range. With this most innovative Volvo Trucks line-up ever, we can help our customers to meet their business needs, and improve their productivity and profitability. We want our customers to perceive Volvo Trucks as the No.1 truck brand to own,” Martin said.
Volvo trucks are the top sellers in the imported commercial trucks area in Korea. The Korean market represents 24.4 percent of all sales it made in the Asian market, followed by China with 19.4 percent and Thailand with 14.5 percent.