Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has unveiled two new ranges of excavators - Standard and Heavy Duty - targeted specifically at the fast-growing Chinese market. Among the first to be introduced during the first half of 2021 are the EC380 Standard and EC380 Heavy Duty excavators. The company said a total of 10 models will be launched throughout 2021.
“China is one of Volvo CE’s four most important sales markets in the world,” said Tomas Kuta, senior vice president of sales Asia at Volvo CE. “Since the Asian headquarters moved to Shanghai in April 2020, through its twin HQ arrangement, Volvo CE has better served the local market with its innovative products and solutions. We have helped the rapid development of the Chinese economy through our shared vision of building a better tomorrow.”
Launched at bauma China, both ranges feature the latest fuel-efficient Volvo engines, smart telematics and automation systems such as Volvo ActiveCare and Volvo Co-Pilot, and many safety configurations. This improves the safety and connectivity of machine operations, effectively helping the customer to lower equipment operation costs and increase productivity for business growth.
Volvo CE has continually developed and expanded its product portfolio to meet the needs of urban construction. Encompassing small 12-t models and 90-t pieces of heavy equipment, the two new excavator lines cover the full range of work environments, from the common to the highly challenging and complex, offering customers a wide variety of products to meet their needs.
The Standard range is suitable for general construction and light duty environments. It delivers fuel efficiency and high output, making work quicker and more efficient for the customer. The drivers’ cabs feature a large area of glass surface, a high-quality rear camera system, and a seat belt warning system, ensuring a broad field of vision and enhanced operating safety for the operator. The cabs also come with ergonomic controls to allow precise movement and excellent operator comfort.
The Heavy Duty range is ideal for highly challenging and complex operating environments, providing more custom options. Customers can enjoy functionality from exclusive Volvo technology tailored to different working environments, including Volvo’s Co-Pilot excavator assistance systems that can greatly increase equipment productivity, and a new hydraulic hybrid power system that can significantly boost fuel efficiency.
These new ranges of excavators were developed locally at the Volvo CE R&D centre in Jinan. The facility is a central part of the Volvo CE global R&D network. Since it was established in 2010, the Jinan R&D centre has developed infrastructure equipment geared to the needs of customers in China and Southeast Asia. It has also strengthened the foundation of innovation for local development, manufacturing, sales, and aftersales value chain.
