Photo: Volvo

Volvo FM 12

The world market for large buses is declining due mainly to the economic situation in South America and Asia. Volvo estimates that the total market for heavy buses will decline from slightly more than 65,000 buses (>16 tons total weight) to 60,000 buses this year. Volvo Buses' deliveries of buses and bus chassis to date this year (through week 38) are virtually unchanged compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year. The second quarter of 1999 was the best in the history of Volvo Construction Equipment and according to the company's president, Tryggve Sthen, there is also reason for optimism throughout the remainder of the year. "Excluding divestments, I expect that our sales during the third quarter will increase a couple of percent compared with the year-earlier period. At the same time, I project that the total market for large machines, which account for about 90% of our sales, has declined slightly while growth in the lighter segment remains favorable," says Tryggve Sthen. Volvo Penta shows a higher level of order bookings during the third quarter compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year. Volvo Penta's sales will also be higher in the third quarter than in the year-earlier period. Volvo Aero's sales during the third quarter this year will be somewhat higher than in the corresponding period of 1998. The previously announced cooperation with Boeing is developing favorably and during the third quarter Volvo Aero has also received several significant orders, including the JAS Gripen sale in South Africa and from China Airlines.

Twenty-six Ford suppliers in the Philippines now have the capacity to send information to Ford on-line, and view real-time information about their own accounts. The five dealerships located in the Philippines also now have the ability to enter consumer-demand forecast information that integrates back into the Ford Philippine system, allowing Ford to build vehicles based on more accurate market forecasts. Dealers can also track where vehicles are in the order process and amend sales orders up to the point of production – going so far as to amend an order prior to hitting the paint booth. This new tracking capability is sure to enhance customer satisfaction.

The announcement of Ford's Philippine' dealers and suppliers becoming "wired" is the latest in a string of electronic commerce initiatives Ford has undertaken.